Michael Tracey - lead vocals, harmonica, chromatic harmonica
Steve Arriola - guitar, slide guitar, back-up vocals
Almond Davis - pianos, organ, synthesizer, back-up vocals
Sylvain Duplant - electric bass, upright bass, back up vocals
Theo Halpert - drums, percussion
Paul J Biondi - saxophones (occasionally 2 simultaneously), flute, clarinet, other woodwinds, back-up vocals
Influences
From Michael:
A lot of old R&B, Blues and Soul recordings made mostly by black people back in the 50's, 60's and 70's are my primary vocal influences. On Harmonica I have studied a lot of players, among the many, Norton Buffalo (RIP), Paul Delay, Kim Wilson, all of them really. I listen to a lot of public broadcasting radio, and the variety of music played on the programs there have heavily influenced my musical tastes over the years. I consider myself a work in progress, striving to get better in all aspects of what I do. I hope that I always will be.
The other guys have influences as varied as the shapes of clouds and snowflakes.
Sounds Like
The music of Michael Tracey and the Hi-Tones is blues at it's core, but they generously blend in R&B, Soul, Jazz and Rock. As a band, they are not trying to sound like other blues bands; the whole is greater than the sum of their parts. The players in this band have many musical influences that are happily fused together to make Hi-Tone music.
MICHAEL TRACEY & the HI-TONES is at its core, a high energy blues band, but their set list includes a healthy dose of cover and original of Rock, Funk, R&B, and Soul. They are well known as a band that can quickly fill a dance floor and keep it full all night. Though this band has not been together long, they have carved out quite a reputation for themselves since they formed. Fronted by award winning singer, songwriter and harmonica player, Michael Tracey, this is a quickly rising band on the Northwest blues landscape. Just recently the band released it's first album entitled "Got To Get Away" which is already receiving great reviews and radio play. The band has performed at such venues as "The Eugene Celebration" and "The United States Olympic Trials. They are a band that is perfect for Bars, Clubs, Festivals and private parties.
CLICK ON CD BABY LINK TO PURCHASE THEIR CD NOW.
FRONT:
BACK:
Accolades that the band has received include:
2009 Rainy Day Blues Society Rooster Awards - Best Male Vocalist (Michael Tracey); Best Contemporary Blues Band (The Hi-Tones); Best Instrumentalist (Paul J Biondi).
2009 Best of Eugene Awards: Best Musician (Paul J Biondi)
2008 Willamette Valley Music Festival: Songwriting Contest Winner (Michael Tracey)
2008 Annual Portland Harmonica Summit: Featured Artist (Michael Tracey)
2007 Annual Bill Rhoades Waterfront Blues Festival Harmonica Blowout: Featured Performer (Michael Tracey)
2006 Lane Community College Music Department "Golden Ears" Award For Outstanding Recording and Mixing: (Steve Arriola)
Interesting notes about the band members include:
French native Sylvain Duplant (bass) has been playing bass and singing his whole life, and has toured France and other parts of Europe with his former rock projects. He also plays upright bass, cello, guitar and other various instruments. He is a versatile musician capable of rock, blues, jazz, and even tango, to name just a few of his strengths.
Ex-Californian Steve Arriola (guitar) has hosted numerous blues jams and served in the role of lead guitar player for many bands including the popular Oregon band Silas, Stone Mosey, and others that have taken as far away as Shanghai, China. He's shared the stage with artists such Bobby Blue Bland, Leon Russell, Eric Burdon, Corey Stephens, Robin Trower, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and many more.
Paul J Biondi, from Philly, (woodwind multi-instrumentalist) can play 2 saxophones at once, and frequently uses this skill to simulate the presence of a horn section. He'll then pick up a clarinet or a flute and play a tasty melodic solo with wonderful phrasing and emotion. He's backed up such artists as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, and Lena Horne... He also recorded the woodwinds for the cartoon series "Animaniacs".
Oregon native Theo Halpert has played drums for many of Eugene's finest rock, country, and blues musicians, including Reeble Jar, The Shreve Family Band, Strap'd For Cash and others.
Iowan turned Minnesotan composer and multi-instrumentalist Almond Davis (keyboards) has played in successful bands all over the Midwest and Southwest United States. He has had music played at electro-acoustic music festivals including the SPARK Festival of Electronic Music and Art, SEAMUS (Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States) and has written songs music that has been performed by orchestras, string quartets, other chamber groups, jazz bands, and rock and blues bands.
The new True Margrit CD - The Juggler's Progress - is now available for pre-order, along with t-shirts and artwork, photo and drumheads, check it out here: http://bit.ly/7Cu8J
Hi Michael Tracey & the Hi-Tones! Holidays are here!!! Once again I'm, offering my low holiday pricing. Great rates for full length CDs, mix-tapes, EPs, and singles. Get in touch if you need high-quality mastering on a budget. Hope the holidays treat you well!!! Jim Bowen Wavelength Masters
Hi There, We started a Facebook site and wanted to let you know about it in you case you have one too and would like to join us there as well as at Myspace. For the link... Just Click here----->
FACEBOOK Urban Monroes Thanks a lot. Hope to see ya there!
Hey, we're playing at the Ash Street Saloon.....Nov 22nd....CDs WILL BE available!!.....also, we'll have music available at CDBaby.com and iTunes, soon......hope to see ya there....
Hey. Thanks for the add. If you like my stuff, I'll be at Mississippi Pizza in Portland on 12/08 at 7pm. Thanks for the support and have a great weekend.
Thanks for the friendship. You sound wonderful. I too hope that we will connect at some point in the future. we're close enough geographically to have that happen soon.
Have a great day!
Fran
Thanks for the acceptance! We are entered in the Toyota Music: Rock the Space music competition with our song entitled "Brooke." Please help us rise to the top 5 by July 30th by playing our "mix-tape", to get us as many plays as we can get! Another great way to help support us, is to add our "mix-tape" widget to your profile, and spread the word to anyone who might like our tunes!
We could not thank you enough for all of your help!
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