Michael Bellar - keys and such,
Brad Wentworth - drums and such,
Robert "Johnson" Jost - bass and oh such
Influences
nusrat, michael hedges, woody allen, spud webb and biscuitville
Sounds Like
"howard roark laughing"
BUY the new CD "Turned On Turned Up" at iTunes!!!! here's the link
the AS-IS Ensemble LIVE VIDEO CLIPS
vid by chris bourner
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filmed and edited my marie le claire-http://www.myspace.com/meemer40
BUY the CD "Like It Is" at iTunes!!!! here's the link
Review of "Like It Is" from Keyboard magazine .....Sporting track names like Big ole Yummy and The Gringo Shake, Michael Bellar's self-produced album is every bit as fun and quirky as its song titles imply. Using everything from acoustic piano to accordion and Wurly to pump organ, Michael creates energetic, multi-layered compositions that hold together despite their plentiful sonic variations. Funky grooves and creative percussion pervade and help accent Michael's significant chops. Thanks to his wah'd out Wurly work, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds is a delicate and wistful treat and framed by strong piano playing, Tango Esperanza is a highly-danceable accordion showcase. For joyfully proving himself to be a playful keyboard polymath, Michael Bellar is Keyboard Magazines Unsigned Artist of the Month..Michael Gallant - KEYBOARD MAGAZINE
“GENERATION NEXT"... "Close your eyes, and you can (almost) imagine them playing an outdoor festival for tie-dye kids one day and a New York jazz club the next.”
Steve Graybow, BILLBOARD MAGAZINE
“Their swing is pop savvy, their mainstream is avant flecked, and their whimsy has an earnest base.” “It takes chutzpah - this electrocoustic quintet has as much ambition as it does chops.”
Jim Macnie, THE VILLAGE VOICE
“And now for something completely different.”
Laura Zapp, THE CHARLESTON CITY PAPER
“Spontaneity, spirit and surprise” - “bewitching and often exotic”
Ed Bumgardner, WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL
.....the AS-IS Ensemble is moving the concept of the
jazz trio into some interesting and exciting new territory…...
easily and quickly take their place alongside jam jazz favorites
like the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and Medeski, Martin and Wood.
Dave Terpeny - Kynd Music Review
“the AS-IS Ensemble is, in a world of wannabe jazz outfits,
the real thing” - “glorious improvisation”
Marsha Barber, ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN XPRESS
“The overall effect is joyous.”
Lois Welk, Presenter and Artistic Director – 171 Cedar Arts Center
Along with creating music and performing live with his group, the AS-IS Ensemble, Michael currently tours with Amos Lee.
Michael has toured and or recorded with Amos Lee, Art Garfunkel, Howie Day, Wheatus, Jump Little Children, Brooklyn Qawwali Party, Teddy Geiger, Phillip Hamilton, Euro pop superstar Giorgia and Jay Clifford's Rosebud. His national TV appearances include Late Night with David Letterman, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Ellen Degeneres Show, TRL, Good Morning America, Regis and Kelly and the CBS Morning Show.
Michael is the founder, composer and keyboardist of the AS-IS Ensemble, which along with being the former house band at the world-famous Blue Note jazz club in New York City has opened for John Scofield, Tea Leaf Green, Medeski Martin Wood and JFJO and has performed at such venues as Avery Fischer Hall at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and the Bell Atlantic and JVC Jazz Festivals in NYC. In a review of their first ever concert held in New York, they were touted "GENERATION NEXT," by Billboard Magazine. Michael and the group have been named the UNSIGNED ARTIST OF THE MONTH inKEYBOARD Magazine and were the focus of a special feature produced by the BBC Radio network in London, England. His recordings with the AS-IS Ensemble include: "Turned On Turned Up," (LEFT3/MRI/RED) "Like It Is" (Left3) and REACT! (Athena Jazz).
Hey Mike it's Jon-Paul from the CT Folk fest. Hope all is well. I'm trying to round up a few buddies to check your band tonight in New York. Hopefully I'll see you later! Take care
After a while some shows can feel like an auto-piloted version of what should be a rockin good time. Last week was not one such show. I'd like to think your track had a lot to do with that.
JFJO returns to NYC this FRIDAY (JULY 18th) for an 11:30pm set at Joe's Pub! Come check out the new quartet lineup as they destroy Joe's on a Friday night!
Advance tickets are still available.
Click Here to purchase now.
Wow, I am in awe Mr. Bellar. I must say we enjoyed the show at the City Club of Houma on May 13 of 2009. I'm currently in the process of getting tickets to the House of Blues show in New Orleans in September as I sincerely hope you will be accompanying Mr. Lee that night as well. You were incredible!
Mixed Bag teamed up with us to bring you this cool widget. The Camp Bisco 8 widget has videos, fun links AND you and your friends can win a pair of VIP tickets! Simply by using this widget you can be a part of the fun! Feel free to share it with everyone as well!
Hey Michael just wanted to stop by and thank you for the request. I really dig your music, especially "Big Ole Yummy," that is my fave! Always appreciate hearing new talent. Keep it real, much ♥!! K
good to see you here my friend. your music sounds really good. I'll let you know next time I come to NY, and please let me know if you stop by Austin during your travels. Ciao!
Hey thar! Been talking bout you all over from the catskills to the carolinas! Could you feel the vibrations? Played w/me pal Danielle for New Year's. Hope all is well w/u. Don't be stranger now, Catherine xx
So maybe I am part hippie! I admit - I care about the planet, do yoga, meditate & believe that everything happens for a reason. I DO NOT however wear patchouli, jingly ankle bracelets, or listen to jam bands. Free love is open for discussion.
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