Alex Newman Band
Manhattan, New York, United States | SELF
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Press
Alex Newman Band - Man Of Simple Needs (Independent)
A major draw on the New York City Americana club scene, the Alex Newman Band are rumoured to be equally at home playing on a street corner or in a park. Obviously the band (Alex Newman sings lead and plays guitar and piano. Tony DePiano plays guitar and mandolin. Tyler Erickson drums and Val Celentano plays bass) feel a need to play their music wherever they find themselves, and they transfer their enthusiasm into a studio setting with some ease.
Their debut record "Man Of Simple Needs" is a vibrant six-track collection, which serves as a terrific introduction to an outfit that taps into both the contemporary folk-rock scene, best exemplified by Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers, and something older too. Maybe it's a Counting Crows influence at play, or perhaps it's just Newman's vocals, a big, honeyed, soul-drenched tone that dominates the recording and brings to mind the voice of Adam Duritz.
They get things moving with the record's title track, a full-on blast of upbeat, fist-punching roots-rock, the sort of thing that helped earn their reputation as a first-rate live band, and it's just as effective on record. Crank it up loud and I dare you to listen to it sitting down. Slower numbers like "Gotta Good Feeling" and "Oldest, Warmest, Jacket" are just as good; the former is almost Van Morrison-esque, which is rarely a bad thing, and the latter might just be the best song of the bunch. - Leicester Bangs
Alex Newman Band - Man Of Simple Needs (Independent)
A major draw on the New York City Americana club scene, the Alex Newman Band are rumoured to be equally at home playing on a street corner or in a park. Obviously the band (Alex Newman sings lead and plays guitar and piano. Tony DePiano plays guitar and mandolin. Tyler Erickson drums and Val Celentano plays bass) feel a need to play their music wherever they find themselves, and they transfer their enthusiasm into a studio setting with some ease.
Their debut record "Man Of Simple Needs" is a vibrant six-track collection, which serves as a terrific introduction to an outfit that taps into both the contemporary folk-rock scene, best exemplified by Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers, and something older too. Maybe it's a Counting Crows influence at play, or perhaps it's just Newman's vocals, a big, honeyed, soul-drenched tone that dominates the recording and brings to mind the voice of Adam Duritz.
They get things moving with the record's title track, a full-on blast of upbeat, fist-punching roots-rock, the sort of thing that helped earn their reputation as a first-rate live band, and it's just as effective on record. Crank it up loud and I dare you to listen to it sitting down. Slower numbers like "Gotta Good Feeling" and "Oldest, Warmest, Jacket" are just as good; the former is almost Van Morrison-esque, which is rarely a bad thing, and the latter might just be the best song of the bunch. - Leicester Bangs
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Members: Alex Newman (Lead Vox/Guitar/Piano) Tony DePiano (Guitar, Mandolin), Tyler Erickson (drums), Val Celentano (bass)
Sounds Like: Van Morrison, Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams, Mumford and Sons, Cake music
Manager: Alex Newman
Conjuring the spirits of Americana and roots rock n roll, the Alex Newman Band exemplifies sounds that seem immediately familiar but unique. For the past two years, the band has held center stage across NYCs vast music scene. Drawing crowds in for high energy performances has led the Alex Newman Band to become a main stay at venues such as The Living Room and The National Underground.
The Alex Newman Band is Alex Newman (acoustic guitar/vocals), Tony DePiano (electric guitar/mandolin), Tyler Erickson (drums) and Val Celentano (electric bass). After first meeting in 2010, Alex Newman and Tony DePiano formed a lifetime friendship and a desire to create songs that are immediately identifiable, heartfelt, yet still distinctive in melody and style. Early in 2011 the duo spent considerable time finding the right band members to round out the sound. Bringing on board veteran drummer Tyler Erickson and international bassist Val Celentano has created a powerful sound that echoes Van Morrison, Mumford and Sons, and Ryan Adams.
Attending an Alex Newman Band show is like an all out jamboree. With fans joining in on the chorus, stomping feet and sharing in the overall contagious energy that defines the bands spirit.
Currently the band has just released their first LP entitled Man of Simple Needs. Building on the success of the past two years the band is eagerly anticipating the release with shows across the New York and New England areas. Come join in on the jamboree and get your soul drenched with some rock n' roll
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