Matt Day - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cowbell/
Jay Desormeau - Guitar/
David Henault - Drums/
Rafael Keilt-Freyre - Bass, Vocals/
Brian Graham - Saxophones/
Brian Pierce - Vocals, Trumpet, Flugelhorn/
Tyler Stanley - Keyboard, Vocals/
Kelly McKenna - Vocals
Influences
Tower of Power; Stevie Wonder; Earth, Wind & Fire; Brand New Heavies
Sly-Chi [chee], from Portland, Maine, defies your standard musical genres. It takes more than a word to describe their style. There's funk, soul, a little R&B - all with an underlying jazz edge. Throw in the classic rock and you're pleasantly confused. This unique combination - along with the sheer size of the band - creates an unmistakable energy. The group has horns, 4 singers, and a super-tight rhythm section to support all that sound. They pack dance floors much like the bands they're often compared to - Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Brand New Heavies. Just ask their devoted fans. The group's been around since 1999 and has a huge following in Maine. And with a number of out-of-state shows in recent years, their fan base has grown. Add to that their 2004-released debut CD, Wave Sound, which hit the charts in Maine and New Hampshire, as well as a record-breaking number of wins in the Portland Phoenix's annual Best Music Poll, and you've got a group that's only scratched the surface of its success.
"Sly Chi ... know that rhythm is one of the most basic components in life and that a good beat transcends race, class, gender, nationality and everything else. With their potent mix of Soul and Funk standard covers and jazzy originals, they are a dance band that is in great demand. After all, it is a simple fact that people want to dance when they party. It's actually surprising that more bands haven't figured this out." - IT Magazine, January 2005
"…These guys are a hot contender in the Maine music scene … Star performances across the board in this montage of musicianship ...
This album is sure to be a party favorite…" - IT Magazine, October 2004
"Horns dominate the sound of Sly-Chi with their jazzy riffs, but the rhythm section also steam out hot African beats and Cuban-styled flare, making Wave Sound a sexy, alluring listen." - Face Magazine, June 2004
"Bands of this kind of construction are usually so loose as to invite criticism from music nerds looking for flaws, but there is pedigree and history here enough to impress both the casual good-time seeker and the exacting fan of well played instruments." - Portland Phoenix, May 2004
Aerosmith vs. Van Halen tonight @ The Big Easy. I'm doing VH with Walt Craven, J. Stewart and Neil Collins if you've got nothing else to do! Peace homies!!!
Can someone PLEASE tell Redlight to send me one of your new CDS's!!! Morin has my address. Ill send a check or whatever, I just need the new tunes. Whats up to everyone, too bad you guys dont play up here more often. Vig
