Classic Monkey Shine

The band Classic Monkey Shine is based out of the Richmond area in Virginia. The band began as a trio, but has recently become a quartet. The sound is heavily influenced in rock, blues, and improvisation. Whether loud and electric or soft and acoustic the CMS can do it all. 2011 looks to be the most promising year for the group with new bassist Brandon Shipp. CMS is set to finish a full studio album in June and hope to have it released sometime during late summer to be shopped to various promoters and companies. The group is also gigging more frequently than ever before and hopes to gain more exposure by appearing with other bands and getting on the festival circuit. Currently, the band does it all on their own but is in the process of recording and has decided to look for a promoter or someone to work with in terms of gigging more frequently and would like to put emphasis on opening for other jam, rock, blues acts around the east coast to gain exposure for themselves as they embark on expanding the band's audience.

Accomplishments: The band was a finalist in the 2007 Emergenza Music Festival playing through 4 shows and being voted in top tier of each round. They played along such acts as Mozely Rose, Special Ed and the Shortbus, and Grinding Stone. CMS has also played many venues around the area including Alley Katz, the Canal Club, the Hyperlink Café, Poe's Pub, various festivals and events, the Civic Center, and has appeared in various venues throughout North Carolina, and West Virginia.

A bit more info....
We feel that our music is original, heartfelt, has great musicianship, and is truly worked on constantly. We always look to expand our sound and try new things. CMS is versatile and can play just about anything, and we take great pride in that. When your influences range as broad as ours do (Lyle Lovett-TOOL-Ben Folds-Paul Simon-Parliament Funkadelic-The Roots-Zeppelin-Bela Fleck-Robert Johnson-Miles Davis-Phish, Pavement.....well you get the idea)....we can create music that just about anyone can find something they like in.