Anthony Setola
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Anthony Setola

Baltimore, Maryland, United States | INDIE

Baltimore, Maryland, United States | INDIE
Band Jazz Funk

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Excerpt from Todd Bernhardt Interview with Andy Partridge of XTC"

AP: Actually, somebody just did a jazz version of "Chalkhills" -- I don't have the CD right now...

TB: Oh, that was Anthony! Anthony Setola.

AP: That's right! There you go. And it's Mike Keneally playing my vocal line on guitar.

TB: Yeah. You know, Anthony's a -- well, Mike's a monster, but Anthony's a monster player, too.

AP: Yeah, that's a beautiful-sounding record, actually. So, when you see him, tell him how good it is! Very flattering to have a track like that covered.
- Todd Bernhardt


"Boon Gould - Level 42"

"Your album is an absolute masterpiece" - Boon Gould


"Bryan Beller reviews Interstellar Appeal"

From somewhere between the 1970s and a distant sonic future comes the musical vision of Baltimore’s Anthony Setola, a bassist with more than just playing on his mind. From the first two tracks—a Sly Stone cover and a Tower Of Power-style update on steroids—it’s obvious he’s studied the guys who made bass what it is today. But the further you get into this fascinating fusion of classic funk, modern hip-hop and acid jazz, you start hearing Setola’s production vision, in which he takes the work of the original cats not just to the next level, but to another groovy dimension entirely. The end result is not so much a solo bass showcase as a bass-and-groove-focused soundscape. Octave, filter, and goopy chorus bass effects (and some truly incredible drum programming) fly in and out of the thick rhythmic stew, but nothing shows up as gratuitous. The deal closer is the track “Hot Sizzle Meets Sylvester,” which exceeds its teasing title, and begins a 20-minute-plus three-track segue that closes the album with the musical statement of someone loudly announcing their arrival. -Bryan Beller (Mike Keneally, Steve Vai).
- Bass Player Magazine - July 07'


"Damian Erskine reviews Interstellar Appeal"

Although bassist Anthony Setola hails from Baltimore, it's obvious he has an affinity for the funk majesty of the Bay Areas finest. Interstellar Appeal opens with a very funky T.O.P styled "Oakland and Back" followed by a Sly & the Family Stone cover of "If You Want Me To Stay". Most surprising about this release is just how funky, well produced and good this album sounds considering it is almost entirely drum programming and synth parts (with exception to the bass playing (of course) and a few guest artists). The drum programming is pretty incredible here. Very creative and organic sounding. After the two opening covers, the rest is all Anthony and I'm as equally impressed by his musicality and bass playing as I am with the quality of tones and sounds he's captured. His bass tone is fat, round and articulate and, like I said, it's hard to tell that the rest is programmed. While the bass is very prominent and will surely perk the ears of lover's of the low-end, it is far more musical than most bass-led debuts. The writing is mature and song oriented, the playing is pocket heavy and as funky as you wanna be! Think Rocco Prestia hangin' with Meshell Ndegeocello and dig it. - Bass Musician Magazine - Dec. `07


Discography

Interstellar Appeal-2007

Coming Up
McCartney Tribute-2001

Photos

Bio

Anthony Setola has displayed the playing possibilities of bass guitar in a variety of settings. From demonstrating for a major amplifier manufacturer, to giving clinics with bass legend Jeff Berlin. He can be seen supporting the Washington D.C. regions top artists, in addition to his session work both as a player and a producer.

Now he allows us to get even closer to some of what lies beneath his prodigious ability, to a project and vision he calls Interstellar Appeal. There is an incredible depth you will encounter in this debut release. With distinctive nods to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Francis Rocco Prestia, and Sly Stone. This record has caught the attention of "bottom feeders" everywhere, including NYC's groove titan Reggie Washington (Branford Marsalis, Steve Colemen, Me'Shell Ndegeocello).

It's really neat when a person can push the parameters of an instrument. It's amazing when that level of playing is situated in a geography that paints all the parts with as wide and generous a brush as each of them could gleefully be. All you have to do is close your eyes and listen.