iS
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iS

Red Hook, New York, United States | SELF

Red Hook, New York, United States | SELF
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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"is Aptos Club Review"

Far more professional and cohesive than your average jamband, local rockers is (yep, that's lower case) blend the sounds of Phish, Bruce Hornsby, The Grateful Dead, Yes and ELP into a seratonin smoothie with a dopamine booster. How many bands do you know of that can keep clarity and focus throughout a jam longer than most Coleridge poems? Depending on what your definition of is is, is is everything lesser jambands aren't.

- Good Times Santa Cruz by Damian Orion


"Humbrews Show Announcement"

A band from Santa Cruz known simply as "is" arrives for their second visit to the north coast to play a show at Humbrews this Thursday night. The group is a jam based three piece that consists of keyboards, bass and drums. According to keyboardist Pieter Van Leeuwen, the name sums up the essence of their spirit-of-the-moment method.

"I think it brings out the dynamic of the improvisation. It's not about what was or will be. [At any given moment] what's happening right now will never
be heard again," he said. - The Humboldt Press by Bryan Osper


"New Years Eve 2005 Announcement"

Pieter Van Leeuwen and Michael Friest, members of the band "is," will perform at 10pm tonight at Cabaloosa, 58 Main St., New Paltz, N.Y.

The former New Paltz residents now live in Santa Cruz, CA but have returned to the area for New Years weekend along with their new drummer, Andrew Tuckman.

Friest said he and Van Leeuwen called the band "is" to reflect "the present tense, emphasizing the essence of the live shows, which are never the same."

Admission to tonight's gig is $12 and includes a midnight toast.
More info: www.whatitis.biz online. - Kingston Daily Freeman


Discography

"The Tree of Us" debut CD currently available at a show or at Oblong Books and Music, Millerton NY or Rhinebeck NY

Photos

Bio

iS - Biograpy of a Jam Trio

iS is an unusual, three piece jam band that delivers live performances to electrify audiences. The bands name, which loosely means “The present tense”, emphasizes their improvisational nature. Each show offers a unique experience that includes diverse, memorable songs and exceptional musicianship.

iS is;
Michael Friest - bass and vocals
Matt Donahue - drums
Pieter Van Leeuwen - piano, organ, rhodes, synth and vocals

In the late ‘90’s, Michael and Pieter moved from upstate New York to central California to write captivating music and eventually tour. Upon meeting their first drummer “Tuck”(also from New York State) in March of 2004, they soon completed their search for a new sound. Within a few rehearsals it became apparent that they had found what they were looking for so they set out to tour as a three piece. Recently with the addition of their new drummer Matt Donahue, iS is exploring new territory and continuing to write and perform live.

iS has a distintive, exciting style; a high energy form of music that combines insightful songwriting, soulful vocals and dynamic jams. iS unites its audience in a moving, musical experience while accomplishing an incredibly full sound with only three members.

Over the past six years, iS has performed vigorously throughout the U.S., touring extensively through California with numerous performances in Nevada, Utah and Colorado. Since their cross-country 2007 summer tour, iS has been establishing themselves on the east coast. The band now lives in the Dutchess County area of New York State and continues to be devoted to touring and live performance.