When vocalist John Banzhoff, his bass-slinging brother Phil and their childhood friends, rhythm guitarist Chris White and drummer Jon Biggs got together with lead guitarist John Burke and released their first album “Soulful Southeast Exhibit” in 2004, things took off instantly. Since this time, the band has moved out of the Gallatin “loft” in which they made their humble beginning and have begun to focus more on writing, promoting themselves and steadily touring, opening for such esteemed artists as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gov’t. Mule, Drive by Truckers and Hookah Brown (featuring Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson). Presently the band is being credited to “combine elements of rock, funk and blues into a sound that's uniquely their own, yet 100% undeniably rock ‘n’ roll,” as they tour nationally on an almost constant basis. Over the past few years, the band has played over 600 shows and has still managed to cut two additional independent releases (“Tombstone Tapes, 2006” and “The Loft: Best of Live/Rarities, 2008”). The guys are fresh out of the studio with Producer Joe West (Emmylou Harris, Warren Zevon, Dropping Daylight, etc.) and are preparing to release two brand spankin’ new tracks, as well as an upcoming album in early 2009.
The band’s high energy live shows are built on a basis of heartfelt, honest and intense lyrics as well as a performance that one has trouble forgetting. This working class band features a lead singer comparable to few others, though he has been compared by many to an early Rod Stewart or Otis Redding. From the time that John Banzhoff takes the stage barefoot, mic in hand, shirt clenched in fist, emotions ready to be put on display…to the time that the show ends with the sea of smiling, sweaty fans begging for more, every single member of the band has managed to find a way to personally connect with virtually each person in the audience. From Banzhoff’s friendly and down to earth conversation with the audience in between songs, to his brother Phil’s backing vocals and remarkably charismatic disposition on the bass…from Burke’s 70’s style intense guitar execution, to the smooth and articulate strumming of Chris White on rhythm guitar, moving along to the backbone of the songs you hear with the mesmeric hammering of the drums by Jon Biggs…this group knows how to get the crowd singing and dancing from the moment their set begins. There are no words that can truly do this band’s sets justice. It absolutely takes seeing it for yourself…and once you come out…well, you will hear and see what you have been missing out on all of this time…
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What the band has to say about all of it…
“To me it’s not necessarily about selling out amphitheaters…it’s about building a strong club following and having at least a semi-packed house at each show…and making a little bit of money to get you down the road, because at the end of the day, it takes that to keep going…” - Jon Biggs, Drummer
“Why do I do this? Because I love music and I love meeting people. Because I like being on the bus every day, going town to town, waking up in dirty clothes, the whole thing…I love to rock out to anyone who will listen. When you rock somebody and you know it…well, then that makes it all worth it…” - John Banzhoff, Lead Vocals
"At least fifty percent of us are going to hell..." - John Burke, Lead Guitar
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A few tidbits about The Loft:
- Over sixty of the band's shows are available for download at www.archive.org, a free, non-profit archive of recorded music and video. With downloads well into the thousands on some shows, it has proved to be effective tool in spreading the band's music into markets they've yet to play live. Two of the band's shows which are hosted on the site were chosen as "Live Music Archive Spotlight Show of the Week" - an impressive feat considering the archive boasts well over 200 bands and several thousand recorded performances (including such heavyweights as the Grateful Dead, Little Feat, and the Derek Trucks Band).
- The band has appeared numerous times at well-known festivals including Austin’s South by Southwest Festival which have led to extensive publicity and industry attention.
BOOKING
Ari Nisman
Degy Booking International Click to E-Mail Ari
(732) 544-8000
MANAGEMENT/PROMOTIONS
Kristi Finigan
Hype Promotions, Inc. Click to E-Mail Kristi
(630) 800-0995
Dang! It is the end of an era. Some of my fav memories are standing in a dive bar jamming out to the sweet sounds of The Loft! I will do my best to be there for the final show. Your music will be missed!
I am really sad to hear the news because your music is seriously THE SHIT!!!!! Good luck in all you do and can you keep us updated as to where you all go next...
Anyway I can get a-hold of the "Ain't it strange" DEMO song you fellas had posted for awhile? Loved it! Please report any news about new bands or a reunion...
Hey Gentleman, I haven't had internet since the last show :( I hope you are all well and happy. You'll have to excuse whatever came out of my that night I was pretty drunk lol but the truth still remains I love you all :)
Yeah...I second Kristina (below)! Don't know where the road will lead but sometimes that's the best part about taking a left when everyone else thinks you should be turning right!
That's too bad about the split. I've enjoyed your music a lot. There aren't too many bands of this caliber these days. Soulful and not overproduced, you were made with no cookie cutter. You will be missed.
Dear Jon Biggs, John Burke, Chris White, Phil Banzhoff and John Banzhoff:
Thank you for everything. Great memories and new friends have been created because of what all of you have done.Missing you guys and your music would be a huge understatment- you just have no idea..... Thank you so much for your dedication and selflessness. ~Jules
You guys rocked last night! I hate that was your last show! I wish it was at Window over the Cumberland in Nashville, that is how I remember the Loft the best!! Thanks for some great music!
Suck City!!!! Well, you have made a lot of people happy over the years with your heart and soul music and have made a lot of people forget their woes. You have spread tremendous amounts of joy throughout this country! Thanks for everything guys! If there was one last request, it would be that your last show be in Nashville!!!!
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