Johan & The Panache Band
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Johan & The Panache Band

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"THE BEST "SEPTEMBER" EARTH WIND & FIRE COVER"

In my opinion, the best cover of this song on the site is performed by OurStage artist Panache Band. They open the song with solo piano instead of two guitars like the original, allowing the listener to hear all moving parts in one place. Moreover, the method of recording used for this introduction, and the addition of dissonant notes, makes the piano sounds natural and sophisticated. They alter the brass as well, manipulating the opening horn riff just enough to make it unique from the original, a trend that develops throughout the piece; similar sounding enough to create the same energy and feeling, but imaginative enough to gloat about its own knack. The most unattainable disparity between this rendition and the 1979 version is the singing. Obviously, Maurice White’s vocal ability is nearly impossible to replicate. Instead of trying to perfect the falsetto, Panache Band singer Johan belts the lyrics out in a lower octave. And though at first this may seem like a cop out, it adds a raspy strength to the vocal line that’s absent in the original. Besides, the overflowing brass section adequately compensates for any lacking high frequencies. Lastly, they lay the icing on the funk cake with quietly lurking organ riffs throughout—a perfect wildcard addition to make the song their own.

Published by AidanR on September 19, 2009 in Features, News
Tags: earth wind and fire, fiona apple, funk, julie peel, panache band, september, singer-songwriter
Welcome to the fourth installment of “Under Covers,” a biweekly column dedicated to exploring the musical possibilities of artists appreciating one another’s work on both the OurStage and national levels!

The month of September has always been a favorite of mine. Partly because it’s my birthday month, but more so because of the unique time of year it occupies. For students, it’s a reunion before classes get too serious, and in some ways just a prolonged continuation of summer fun. For sports fans, the MLB pennant race is heating up just as the NFL and NCAA football seasons get underway. And for us New England outdoor enthusiasts, the cooler temperatures and prematurely changing leaves make outside activities all the more enjoyable. Simply put, September is a month I look forward to all year long, so I have decided to honor it in this week’s edition of “Under Covers.”


Earth, Wind & Fire
A multitude of songs entitled “September” subsist in the land of tunage —both outside and inside the realm of OurStage. For the most part, they deal extensively with the two moods mentioned above; excitement with the dawn of a new season and relaxation with the soothing passage of a scalding summer. Perhaps offering the best sonic documentation this bliss can deliver is “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

EWF was a funk powerhouse in the 1970s. Bridging funk with gospel, rock, pop, and eventually disco, the band’s sound inevitably transformed into a hodgepodge of lovable genres; genres that proved pleasing in isolation but addicting in marriage. When these styles are crafted together by master arrangers, performed by fantastic musicians, sung with what is perhaps the sunniest falsetto on the face of the planet, the result is music magic. The first single off the band’s ARC label, “September” appeared at the end of the decade. Sung in past tense, it can be viewed as both a remembrance of nostalgic memories and/or motivation to look forward to the future. It is the perfect hybrid of sorts, combining the brass heavy funk groove of the early 70s with the straight ahead disco percussion audible in the latter years of the decade. Luckily, this song’s euphoric energy has not gone unnoticed in the realm of OurStage.


Panache Band
In my opinion, the best cover of this song on the site is performed by OurStage artist Panache Band. They open the song with solo piano instead of two guitars like the original, allowing the listener to hear all moving parts in one place. Moreover, the method of recording used for this introduction, and the addition of dissonant notes, makes the piano sounds natural and sophisticated. They alter the brass as well, manipulating the opening horn riff just enough to make it unique from the original, a trend that develops throughout the piece; similar sounding enough to create the same energy and feeling, but imaginative enough to gloat about its own knack. The most unattainable disparity between this rendition and the 1979 version is the singing. Obviously, Maurice White’s vocal ability is nearly impossible to replicate. Instead of trying to perfect the falsetto, Panache Band singer Johan belts the lyrics out in a lower octave. And though at first this may seem like a cop out, it adds a raspy strength to the vocal line that’s absent in the original. Besides, the overflowing brass section adequately compensates for any lacking high frequencies. Lastly, they lay the icing on the funk cake with quietly lurking organ riffs throughout—a perfect wildcard addition to make the song their own.
- Our Stage/UnderCovers


"PHENOMENAL ENTERTAINMENT"

Johan and his Panache Band is a phenomena and LA's best kept secret. His smooth warm, sensual vocals will lure you into a distant past of R & B old school greats and his intense energy and funky groove will have you up on the dance floor to shake your tail feathers. The Panache Band will bring their special panache flair to your special event! - GSG Productions


Discography

check out myspace.com/thepanacheband

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Bio

Johan and The Panache Band celebrate the old school R & B standards of the greatest artists. Johan's charisma, vocals, style, positive vibes and rendition of the standards in his own style will have you up on the dance floor!

Johan & the Panache Band play the greatest old-school classics from the greatest R & B/Soul & Funk artists! Earth Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, The Commodores, Morris Day & The Times, Rick James, James Brown, Parliament Funkadelics, Bob Marley, Kool & The Gang, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Barry White, Bobby Caldwell...all the most popular standards that we love to dance, hum or reminisce to! Members of The panache Band are seasonned musicians with extensive pro background.

Press Review from Under Covers Our Stage:

"In my opinion, the best cover of this song on the site is performed by OurStage artist Panache Band. They open the song with solo piano instead of two guitars like the original, allowing the listener to hear all moving parts in one place. Moreover, the method of recording used for this introduction, and the addition of dissonant notes, makes the piano sounds natural and sophisticated. They alter the brass as well, manipulating the opening horn riff just enough to make it unique from the original, a trend that develops throughout the piece; similar sounding enough to create the same energy and feeling, but imaginative enough to gloat about its own knack. The most unattainable disparity between this rendition and the 1979 version is the singing. Obviously, Maurice White’s vocal ability is nearly impossible to replicate. Instead of trying to perfect the falsetto, Panache Band singer Johan belts the lyrics out in a lower octave. And though at first this may seem like a cop out, it adds a raspy strength to the vocal line that’s absent in the original. Besides, the overflowing brass section adequately compensates for any lacking high frequencies. Lastly, they lay the icing on the funk cake with quietly lurking organ riffs throughout—a perfect wildcard addition to make the song their own.!"

Johan is the lead singer, born in St Louis MO he picked up his first guitar at the age of 6 years old and went on to tour with the Gospel Airs and his band "Talk of the Town" in Germany & Europe. In LA he has performed the gig circuits from UBG to Pig N' Whistle and The Palladium in Hollywood.

The Panache Band will make your special event a night to remember!