Street Legal
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Street Legal

Band Rock Reggae

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"Fairfax Band has sound of it's own"

Fairfax band has sound of its own
In and Around
Rhonda Simmons
Staff Writer
Friday, February 2, 2007


Reggae-rock band Street Legal brought a warm island vibe to a chilly Culpeper night last week.

About 60 bar patrons enjoyed the band’s tropical sound – a mixture of bongo-produced Caribbean tunes and rock ‘n’ roll guitar riffs – Saturday night at the Hazel River Pub, 195 E. Davis St.

The Fairfax based-band – guitarist/lead vocalist Dave Josefovsky, bassist Aaron Lynch, drummer Phil Hughes, hand percussionist John Beckstoffer and background vocalist Stephanie Fisher – formed about three years ago.

“Our style is more like rock, influenced from the standpoint of some of the drumbeats,” said Dave. “Also we try to open it up and jam out a little bit.”

With Dave’s silky vocals and John’s over the top bongo playing, the sounds were reminiscent of a younger version of UB40, the British reggae/pop band which formed in 1978. They played many familiar Bob Marley tunes like “I Shot the Sheriff,” and “Iron, Lion, Zion.”

Phil says the group has a sound of its own.

“It’s an amalgamation,” Phil said, who listens to a lot of Motown artists. “It’s certainly not traditional reggae. It’s reggae but it’s more fusion. As far as Aaron and I, it’s more of a melodic reggae.”

Occasionally, the band will have a saxophone player join them during performances.

“It’s spectacular,” said John, referring to his on stage experience. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world.”

Meaningful music
For Dave, reggae music offers significant messages and a positive atmosphere.

“I just thought playing it (reggae music) in a band (was) just something I wanted to do,” said Dave, who plays covers and originals at shows. “We try to be conscious of what we sing.”
Stephanie agrees.

“Anything that’s uplifting or inspires you to be a better person is what I listen to,” she said, explaining her love of reggae music. “When I’m in the worse mood I just turn on Bob (Marley) and just listen to that because it makes me feel so much better. That’s what I would want to give to other people (since) that’s the way it makes me feel hopefully that will make them feel good too.”

Classically-trained in musical theater, Stephanie says she’s trying to loosen up her conservative style.

“I am so used to having a more structured format,” Stephanie said, who loves jazz and blues. “But this environment is pretty cool.”

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or rsimmons@starexponent.com.

- Culpeper- Star Exponent


Discography

Street Legal - "For our Fans" 2005
Street Legal - "Street Legal" Expected 2007

Photos

Bio

Given to reputation, as the largest worldly reggae festival in history; playing at the "Reggae Sun Splash" was quite an honor for Street Legal. Performing alongside of national acts such as UB40, Toots and the Maytals, Maxi Priest, Third World and others at the Nisson Pavillion in Warrenton, Virginia in 2006 was a electrifying moment in Legal history. As summer fun goes, playing in front of an ocean backdrop for the "East Coast Surf Association" as they held their yearly final competitions was also a delectable treat. Street Legal has gained the ultimate respect as a bar band with a great, dedicated following, and are now breaking out into the streets with a wave of passion, ready to fill the festival stage.

Individual Profiles:

David Mark Josefovsky- Vocals, Guitar
David picked up the guitar and first started writing songs when he was 13 years old.
A self taught musician. Since then his talents have evolved and he continues to master the instrument and compose his own original material. From his early mission to form a band, Street Legal was established in 2002. Throughout the years Dave has played with various musicians from all walks of life, but he is most influenced musically by the rhythm and positive messages of reggae music. David also contributes to his community by teaching guitar.

Phillip Andrew Hughes- Drum Kit
Phil has been playing drums since he was 16 years old. Following his fathers tradition as a drummer, he grew up in a house surrounded by music. Before Phil joined Street Legal in 2004 he had previous experience playing in the band Old Hat who recorded three extended play and one full length album and was awarded airtime on several college radio stations. Although Phil’s roots are in rock he is versatile enough to have performed with several jazz quartets. His broad range of influences spans from such greats as Dennis Chambers and Dave Weckl, to that of more recent genre of musicians like Ryan Pope and Joshua Eppard.

Aaron Weber Lynch- Bass
Aaron has been playing the guitar since he was 11 years old and upon joining Street Legal in 2004 he made the smooth transition to playing the bass. Aaron’s inspiration to play music came from his brother Adam Lynch who was also his first music instructor. Aaron’s early experience included playing guitar in two successful bands: Virginia Concrete and Orange. Both of these bands received airplay on local radio stations, and Virginia Concrete was featured on a weekly session of 97.9’s “Local Licks”, which included a full band interview and a live session. Aaron’s preference in music has been Funk, Soul, Hip Hop and Reggae.

John Joseph Beckstoffer- Percussion
John was taught classical piano from the ages 5 to 8 and studied kit percussion with Toby Fairchild at the young age of 12. Craving stage time, John performed in “Show Choir” and sung at the level of “All State Chorus”. John began playing the Djembe when he was 17, and picked up his first set of congas at 20. John has played jazz (modern), blues, funk, and jam fusion, and now is mastering the art of reggae percussion. John has also excelled as a contemporary singer songwriter. Before joining Street Legal in 20004 John played percussion in the bands; Stylus, The Breaks, and Jackie Gino.

Stephanie Nicole Fisher- Back Up Vocals, Hand Percussion
Stephanie started singing in the school choir at age 5 and became involved in musical theater during her jr. high/high school years. Her first performance a production of “The Little Shop of Horrors led to a casting in “The Wiz” presented at the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999 during the International Thespian Society State Competition. She later entered into the “Festival Choir Competition where Stephanie’s talents ensured her a seat performing with “Select Women’s Ensemble” who after the 911 tragedy in 2002 accepted an invitation to perform a live rendition of the “National Anthem” on CSPAN. Stephanie received additional experience by working with well known conductors/composers in the” Virginia Districts Choir” and after taking voice lessons and personal training with Janell Middleton (Broadway/ Opera Singer) Stephanie had the opportunity to work with Bob McGrath at the International Children’s Festival 2000 performing at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia; where she gained exposure to artists and performers from around the globe. Stephanie put her classical/ theater productions on hold in 2006 to perform on stage with the reggae band, Street Legal. Realizing the influence that reggae music has to inspire people with its positive vibrations. Stephanie has found her heart strings and continues to unleash her soul by projecting love and joy through her sound.

William “Dontez” Harris- Saxophone, Flute, Percussion, Back Up Vocals
Dontez began playing the saxophone when he was only 11 years old at the Washington Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C. Born a musical child protégé; by high school Dontez was performing for