Melissa Levi - Singer/songwriter, acoustic and electric guitar
Jessika Kitzman - Cello
Wes Amundsen - Bass
Luke Larson - Drums
Guest Musician: Stephen Morrissey - Sax/Trumpet
Influences
Influences include (in no particular order): Ellen McIlwaine, The Dave Matthews Band, Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, Frank Zappa, Tool, Bela Fleck, Jimi Hendrix, Tracy Chapman, Medeski Martin and Wood, Frank Zappa, Nick Drake, Chuck Berry, Dmitri Shostakovich, The Beatles, Missy Elliott, Dr. Dre, Bob Marley, Buddy Rich, Counting Crows, John Patitucci, Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Roots, Rasputina, Yo-Yo Ma, Ween, Cake, Bach, Korn, Sting, Michael Jackson, Charles Mingus, The Grateful Dead, Al Green,Pink Floyd, Bjork, Jeff Buckley,Rusted Root, Brad, Robert Martin, Amos Lee, Slayer, REM, Janis Joplin, Les Claypool, Andrea Bocelli, Portishead, Outkast, Sublime, Beethoven, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Fiona Apple, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Radoiohead, Paul Simon, Biggie Smalls, Jacqueline du Pre, Band of Horses, Mother Love Bone, oh so much more
Sounds Like
take a listen and decide for yourself. Don't take our word, we lie all the time. Constantly. See, I am doing it right now.
Seeing Blind calls Seattle home, though, they have roots in Chicago and Detroit as well as the great Northwest. This dynamic team of virtuoso musicians has put together a musical force that rivals many great popular musicians, along with their personal influences. The spectrum of musical genre/influence heard in their music ranges from jazz to folk - rock to country - blues to classical. This is a band that does not turn its back on any musical genre, as "we are all children of all cultures". The sultry, emotional vocals that poly rhythmically dance with Melissa's guitar notes, accent the ups and downs, the outsides and in betweens that accompany all life. Jessika Kitzman, on electric cello, plays an eclectic style of classical/modern lead melodies that serve to both entrance, and engage the audience. The wild rhythm section bends the roots while bringing it all home for the hungry ears and dancing legs to step into sync. This is not a band that has a style that can be pigeonholed, yet it is a band that appeals to everyone at the same time.
Seeing Blind has performed with such artists as Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Brandi Carlile, (members of) The Walkabouts The Blakes, and many more. They have performed at such venues as: The Crocodile Cafe (Seattle, WA), Seattle Pridefest 08 (headliner), Seattle Weekly sponsored Artopia (Seattle, WA), The Elbo Room (San Fran, CA), Johns Alley (Moscow, ID), The Capitol Theater (Olympia, WA), etc..
Seeing Blind is in love with what they do and are completely devoted to creating a unique experience for every listener.
THE ALBUM:
Greatly Entertained
Seeing Blind recently hooked up with accomplished producer/engineer Jonathan Plum (Blind Melon, Brandi Carlile) to produce an incredible, diverse full-length album: Greatly Entertained. All 13 songs, with the exception of the background vocals, were tracked live. Greatly Entertained captures the essence of Seeing Blind as a truly amazing live band in a studio setting.
The album, recorded @ London Bridge Studios in Seattle, WA, includes Stephen Morrissey (a veteran to the NW music scene) on sax and trumpet as well as a guest performance by Jim Parsons, well known Northwest drummer and percussionist who has worked with Jon Auer (The Posies producer) and studied with Matt Chamberlain - (studio sessions - Tori Amos, Critters Buggin') to name a few.
From the single “Boiling down the World” a driving, sarcastic observation of our obsession with earthly possessions to “Shook” a mournful cry for one last sexual diversion before it's over,
Greatly Entertained is sure to leave you greatly entertained.
THE PRESS:
“I was pleasantly surprised by the unassuming Seeing Blind. They had energy, something very unique to offer, and ...the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves.
I mean they have a cellist, fer chrissakes! And her contributions were no gimmicky afterthought.
Overall quirky, skillful, arty stuff without putting on arty attitude. Check ‘em out if you like your rock infused with a bit of jazz and an odd quasi-mix of Throwing Muses, Jeff Buckley and Tori Amos…” ----------------Seattle Subsonic
"Seattle foursome Seeing Blind deliver organic, intelligent alt-rock with influences that include Jeff Buckley, particularly in vocal dexterity and moody chord changes.
"A distinctive front-woman, singer Melissa Levi ranges from a throaty purr to a soaring trill and back again. Her investment in and commitment to these songs is compelling and helps sell the emotive...nature of this band."
----Music Connection Magazine
"The audience was blown away by the amount of intricate music coming for this group!" -------- The Seattle Sinner
Haha, well now you'll know and have time to think about it, but one of my bonus questions I end with is "what is your favorite sandwich?". I believe the time Lynette is referring to specifically though was when I had 2 band members on the line and their answers to that question surprised each other even though they've been touring together for years!
Yah, I bet it was a GREAT show and I bet you guys totally kicked ASS! I've never seen a burlesque show, so I'm quite jealous of all the people that got to witness it! :) I'll try my best to make it to the Mirkwood. I just started working and my schedule has been INSANE, however after my training I won't be working Saturdays! YAY!
Glad you remember me, I was wondering about that! :) I just now took the CD out of my car from Saturday night. I did a LOT of driving in the last couple of days so now I can actually sing along. lol. I saw that you guys have a few more concerts in Everett over the summer. I'll be sure to come! I cant wait. :)
Great show on Saturday night! Hearing 'Not in Love' made me fall in love with your voice Melissa. I'm so glad I came home with your cd. I already have favorites like 'Not in Love' 'Join Hands' 'Your America' 'Fallen for you'. Fuck I like them all! :)
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