Petals of Spain
Denver, Colorado, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
Press
We all remember where and when it was we heard music that changed our lives forever. A fond memory of mine was going to see a buddy play at a DU Music Showcase and stumbling upon a group calling themselves Petals of Spain.
...PofS has been around since 2008 and has quite a dedicated following. PofS’s bio describes them as a “musical, melting pot founded by Nic Hammerberg and Hunter Hall from Denver, Colo.” And it couldn’t be any closer to the truth.
I would say their music has infectious grooves that flirt with the borders of Rock, Pop, Funk, Soul and Jazz.
Take the track “You had me from the start.” This track could have been recorded by Van Morrison in his heyday. This music is timeless, people, and why wouldn’t it be? ...you’ll quickly learn why the students have become the teachers. Playing shows as an unsigned act and without a manager, these DU music students have certainly carved a niche for themselves in the local music scene.
I highly recommend experiencing this band, live!
...prepare to be ROCKED by one of Denver’s finest bands! - Michael Orton - Colorado Music Buzz
We all remember where and when it was we heard music that changed our lives forever. A fond memory of mine was going to see a buddy play at a DU Music Showcase and stumbling upon a group calling themselves Petals of Spain.
...PofS has been around since 2008 and has quite a dedicated following. PofS’s bio describes them as a “musical, melting pot founded by Nic Hammerberg and Hunter Hall from Denver, Colo.” And it couldn’t be any closer to the truth.
I would say their music has infectious grooves that flirt with the borders of Rock, Pop, Funk, Soul and Jazz.
Take the track “You had me from the start.” This track could have been recorded by Van Morrison in his heyday. This music is timeless, people, and why wouldn’t it be? ...you’ll quickly learn why the students have become the teachers. Playing shows as an unsigned act and without a manager, these DU music students have certainly carved a niche for themselves in the local music scene.
I highly recommend experiencing this band, live!
...prepare to be ROCKED by one of Denver’s finest bands! - Michael Orton - Colorado Music Buzz
The show's next act was the clearest indication of the piecemeal construction of this ticket. I've never seen a band like Petals of Spain in a place like the Larimer Lounge before.
These guys are, on first glance, a house band. They played a Led Zeppelin cover, for chrissakes, and that takes a considerable amount of cajones at a show attended by a handful of music dorks and hipsters. They have guitar solos, keyboard solos, jazz trumpet solos, even the dreaded drum solo.
Here's the thing: Inasmuch as this was possible, they brought the place to its knees. Not just because of the bombast and accessibility of the music, either. It's because they're ridiculously good at what they do. Armed with a bunch of music students and a truly insane working schedule (two shows per week, including a Sunday residency at Fidel's Cantina), Petals of Spain are consummate entertainers.
It's weird to hear someone say "Thanks for keeping up with us on that one. We're Petals of Spain, and we're going to keep it rocking for you," at a place like Larimer with no trace of irony whatsoever. But you know what? Keeping it rocking is exactly what they did. They're all smiles and enthusiasm. And, lest we forget, the whole playing tons of shows, playing to please the crowd thing was how The Beatles got their start. - Kiernan Maletsky - Denver Westword Blogs - Backbeat
The show's next act was the clearest indication of the piecemeal construction of this ticket. I've never seen a band like Petals of Spain in a place like the Larimer Lounge before.
These guys are, on first glance, a house band. They played a Led Zeppelin cover, for chrissakes, and that takes a considerable amount of cajones at a show attended by a handful of music dorks and hipsters. They have guitar solos, keyboard solos, jazz trumpet solos, even the dreaded drum solo.
Here's the thing: Inasmuch as this was possible, they brought the place to its knees. Not just because of the bombast and accessibility of the music, either. It's because they're ridiculously good at what they do. Armed with a bunch of music students and a truly insane working schedule (two shows per week, including a Sunday residency at Fidel's Cantina), Petals of Spain are consummate entertainers.
It's weird to hear someone say "Thanks for keeping up with us on that one. We're Petals of Spain, and we're going to keep it rocking for you," at a place like Larimer with no trace of irony whatsoever. But you know what? Keeping it rocking is exactly what they did. They're all smiles and enthusiasm. And, lest we forget, the whole playing tons of shows, playing to please the crowd thing was how The Beatles got their start. - Kiernan Maletsky - Denver Westword Blogs - Backbeat
Props to Petals of Spain, who earned a slot to perform at the year's Westword Music Showcase by turning in a stellar performance last night during our Showcase pre-party at La Rumba, besting fellow Readers Choice contenders, Kosmos, Be the Ant and Saints. While each of those acts played admirable sets, Petals of Spain's performance was simply more dynamic and memorable overall, thanks to more interesting songs and arrangements, exceptional harmonies, elevated by the soulful contributions of trumpeter Wesley Watkins (who also plays in Air Dubai) and pianist Cat Ackerman. Catch Petals of Spain's Showcase performance on Saturday, June 19, at 12:15 p.m. at Opal.
- Dave Herrera - Denver Westword Blogs - Backbeat
Props to Petals of Spain, who earned a slot to perform at the year's Westword Music Showcase by turning in a stellar performance last night during our Showcase pre-party at La Rumba, besting fellow Readers Choice contenders, Kosmos, Be the Ant and Saints. While each of those acts played admirable sets, Petals of Spain's performance was simply more dynamic and memorable overall, thanks to more interesting songs and arrangements, exceptional harmonies, elevated by the soulful contributions of trumpeter Wesley Watkins (who also plays in Air Dubai) and pianist Cat Ackerman. Catch Petals of Spain's Showcase performance on Saturday, June 19, at 12:15 p.m. at Opal.
- Dave Herrera - Denver Westword Blogs - Backbeat
Discography
Petals of Spain (2014)
Soul Canon EP (2013)
Self-Titled full-length album (2013)
Photos
Bio
Just got back from NYC working on a record with Grammy Award-winning producer Frank Filipetti.
In mid 2014 Petals licensed 'Lady Luck' with The History Channel on a Modern Marvels, Hyundai commercial team-up.
With an aim of pushing the pop idiom to new plateaus, Petals of Spain creates original compositions and arrangements that merge rock, soul and pop into a refreshing style that leaves fans breathless. A nationwide tour is in sight for Petals and afterwards, to the “toppermost of the poppermost.�
Having studied the great rock bands that came before them, Petals has its roots in the likes of Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Rufus Wainwright, Michael Jackson and Radiohead. With these influences in their ear, they add their own unique elements.
Founding members Hunter Hall and Nic Hammerberg have been harmonizing together before they had their first mustache hair. The result is a vocal sound steeped in experience and familiarity. Mason Shelmire lays down the foundation for Petals with his pulsating bass lines and drummer Dylan Johnson drives the bus with a groovy back-beat. As a band, they fuse talent with creativity and drive, producing thoroughly original compositions and arrangements. Petals of Spain lives for music and they’ll settle for nothing less than sharing this love with the rest of the world.
Band Members
Links
