PunchTube

Brian Lockhart: Special

Published: Wed, Mar 29th, 2006

When guitarist, Brian McPhee, and vocalist, Shari Graf, met through an ad placed in a local entertainment magazine, the musical connection between the two was almost immediate.

They soon formed a duo called PunchTube and began writing and performing their own style of original music.

PunchTube recently made its third appearance at the Groundswell Coffeehouse in Alliston. Their performance was a blend of funk with a little jazz influence oozing in around the edges.


McPhee, a Tottenham resident, has been playing the guitar for most of his life and had his early influence from an older brother who played in bands.

"I started playing with an old Silvertone guitar," he said. "I've played in various bar bands and in a heavy metal band as well. But now things have been pushing toward acoustic music."

Their initial meeting almost didn't happen.

They had arranged to meet at a coffee shop but a mix up in directions had them both waiting at a shop with the right name but on different streets.

Despite getting their wires crossed on that first meeting, once they got their directions straightened out they realized they had a lot in common in terms of the path they wanted to take in their musical careers.

"We hooked up and started writing tunes right away and it evolved into what you heard tonight," McPhee explained.

Graf, who is originally from Bancroft but now makes Toronto her home, has been singing since she was a young child and credits some of her experience to musical involvement she has had in her church.

"I've been singing ever since I can remember," she said. "I've competed in festivals since Grade 3. I'm predominantly a soloist. I discovered jazz in my early 20s and sort of dove right into it."

Graf has already released a solo CD.

As PunchTube, they recently released a self-titled CD of original tunes and have begun writing new music in anticipation of another recording in the near future.

When performing, McPhee masters his instrument and smokes out the riffs on his left-handed guitar with the ease of a walk in the park.

Graf captures the audience with a seemingly effortless, personal performance and a lyrical delivery well suited to the acoustical style of music.

As a duo, their individual styles merge to create an smooth, sultry sound with an edgy flavor.

PunchTube has performance dates booked at venues around the GTA with a return to the Alliston area in the near future.
- The Alliston Herald

Written by Tammy Wilson

Published: Thursday July 20, 2006

Home town girl Shari Graf (now living in Toronto), is coming back to Bancroft, this time as one half of the duo PunchTube.

PunchTube is comprised of Graf (vocalist) and Ottawa raised, Brian McPhee. The two orchestrate a unique style of rock and groove, bringing their music down a road not often taken.

"PunchTube consists of two very distinctive styles and the prearranged marriage has now evolved into a joining of two seperate but equally appealing entities," the band's Web site (www.punchtube.com) reads.

"PunchTube members retrieve from diverse concepts of music. With over 12,000 spectators fueled from 'Exciter's live shows in Rio de Janeiro, two internationally distributed albums and several European tours, the real comic relief is how this metal based rocker found creative solace in pairing up with a soulster vocalist whoes talents have rocked the kiddie occupied seats of Ontario Place and Canada's Wonderland, and spawned her solo album 'Real'."

This duo is proud that is has stepped out of the 'norm', and challenges skeptics and criticism.

"From pop/funk, R&B and jazz influenced vocals to main stream rock, smooth in the pocket beats, funked-up guitar riffs and don't invite your Aunt Maud metal licks, PunchTube's members have joined forces to create one streamlined, slick, new sound," reads PunchTube's website.

Some of the band's singles on the self-titled album include 'Could Be She', 'And Then He Said...', and 'Paper Line'.

The two are looking forward to bringing their sound to the stage in Bancroft, when they perform at 'The Cove' (580 Club), on July 28, at 6pm, the Arts Festival of Bancroft Fundraiser, at Millennium Park (band shell), on July 29, and at the Arts Festival of Bancroft, at River Side Park, on August 19...

- Bancroft Times