Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
While many bands can't seem to decide if they want to write great songs or just groove, Cassius King's [Previous Band Name] debut offers acoustic-based tracks that are heavy on both groove and melody. The well-crafted, dynamic songs are fleshed out by the impressively tight rhythm section, shuffling guitars and excellent vocals that are both tuneful and soulful."
Mike Breen
(Cincinnati Citybeat volume 5, issue 14; Feb. 25-Mar. 3)
- Cincinnati Citybeat
Discography
"In Flight" (in progress)
"A Smattering of Applause"
"Cooking at the Trolley"
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Delivering an honest blend of groove-laden funk, soul, and blues, Darcy Menard grips audiences with a powerful modern spin on his musical roots. The well-crafted songs are infectious, energetic, and straight from the gut. For the past two years, Menard toured the San Francisco Bay area playing solo acoustic shows, building a local following and honing the material for his upcoming CD, In Flight.
He is now armed with a new backup band, and the addition of this Bay Area rhythm section solidifies Menard's musical textures and emotional diversity. He remains fluent in a wide range of musical tongues, which always makes for a captivating live performance. Menard combines elements of classic soul singers, blues revivalists, Eric Clapton, John Fogerty, Jimi Hendrix, and '90s jam bands like Blues Traveler, and Phish—which means that he is embraced by traditionalists and college kids alike.
Menard has been writing and performing throughout the United States and Canada since the early 90's. A native of Sudbury Ontario, he grew up listening to blues, folk, soul, reggae and rock. The son of a school board curriculum music director, he traded in his ukulele for a guitar and began to perform regularly as a preteen, playing hometown bars long before he was of legal age.
Menard produced three independent CDs, honing his musical skills through extensive touring of the United States and Canada with the 90's Canadian rock group, Terra Cain. At the end of the decade, Menard formed Cassius King, an acoustic based alternative rock band that toured and parted ways after recording 2 CDs.
Menard refers to his songs as mood snapshots. As he explains, "I want the listener to resonate with the same mood I was in when I wrote the song." Judging from audience reactions, he achieves this goal.
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