Music
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Accompany me, if you will, on my little tour.
Little Mountain Band
When: 11 p. m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Where: Merlins, 727 Elmwood Ave.
What: Groove-oriented, improvisational rock, heavy on inventive percussion, cogent instrumental soloing, strong songwriting.
Vibe: Laid-back, but electrically charged. Dancing, but no showboating. It’s about the music. The crowd was more than content to huddle in a semicircle around the band, which was set up in the upper rear of the club, just west of the pool table.
The feeling was familial; the sense that everyone knew each other, and that they shared a warm feeling for the Little Mountain Band’s music, prevailed. (Could have been illusory, of course, but it sure did feel real, which is often good enough.)
LMB debuted music from its forthcoming sophomore album. It went over quite well. Recently, a second drummer was added to the roster. Now, the music swings and sways in unexpected ways, moves off in surprising directions, fuses African percussive and Western rock influences smoothly. A jam band, yes, but one with an easily discernible personality of its own.
In a nutshell: One of the more exciting young bands in town. Planned touring for the summer might mean Little Mountain Band doesn’t stay “local” for long.
- By Jeff Miers / NEWS POP MUSIC CRITIC
Buffalo News - September 12, 2008.
"Buffalo’s Little Mountain Band appears to be destined for great things. The group — bassist/vocalist Donavan Cudmore, guitarist Rob Enderle, vocalist Taylor Locking, keyboardist/vocalist Adam Schmidt, drummer Brian Seibel and guitarist/vocalist Aaron Ziolkowski — recently released its self-titled debut disc and spent much of the summer touring, honing its collective chops and endearing itself to the open-minded among the jam-band fan base. The LMB album is a strong and richly varied one, consisting of nine original tunes that blend, as the band’s MySpace page suggests, elements of blues, rock, folk, and the multi-idiom stew that fits beneath the “jam band” umbrella. In concert, the group is well known for its ability to take these strong songs and employ them as launching points for heady improvisation, though the groove tethering it all to the Earth is never sacrificed during these flights of fancy. The Little Mountain-eers will be heading back out on the road for a bit this fall, but prior to that, they’ll spend this weekend pleasing the Buffalo base, with a gig opening for Big Leg Emma this evening, inside Club Infinity (8166 Main St., Williamsville), and a slot alongside New Clear Fusion at Nietzsche’s (248 Allen St.) on Saturday. Hear some tunes and find additional info on this weekend’s shows at www.myspace.com/thelittlemountainband ."
- Jeff Miers, The Buffalo News' Pop Music Critic
Little Mountain Band has been lighting up the greater Buffalo, NY music scene for a couple of years now with a true jam band sound that is as unique as it is contagious. The band consists of Aaron Ziolkowski, Taylor Locking, Donavan Cudmore, Adam Schmidt, Brian Seibel, and Rob Enderle.
Each member of the band brings an incredible amount of talent to the stage. They have great stage presence and band chemistry which is evident in their song writing and tight improvisational abilities that are an amazing blend of jam and bluegrass.
- Bandsthatjam.net
Discography
Music to Cook By
Take the Stairs
Photos
Bio
>>Aaron Ziolkowski<< singer/songwriter/guitarist has the strong and unique voice that is bringing notoriety to the band. His melodic guitar licks and poignant lyrics are the focal points of his original songwriting. His inspirations include Jerry Garcia, Carlos Santana, and Lowell George.~~~ >
>>Donavan Cudmore<< is the bassist/singer for the band and has a constant influence on their evolving sound and improvisations. He delivers the funky baselines, solid grooves, and laid back vibe on stage. Rick Danko, Otiel Burbridge, and Kenny Gradney helped to inspire and encourage Donovan to this point.~~~ >
>>Adam Schmidt<< is LMB's keyboardist/singer. A focused musician, Adam > has studied classical piano and voice from an early age > and has studied music at the state university of New York @ Fredonia. Adam creates a wide range of sound and rhythm that transcend jazz funk psychedelia. Musical heroes include Herbie Hancock, Chic Corea, and John Medeski. ~~~ >
>>Rob Enderle<< is an extremely talented lead guitar and improve artist. Following his lead takes listeners on great journeys of emotion and joy. You can hear textures of his influences in his playing. Some of his musical influences are Stevie Ray Vaughn, Trey Anastasio, Jimi Hendrix, and Derek Trucks.~~~
>>Cory Kertzy<< The newest member of the band. Cory brings a playful style to the kit which really opens up the stage for free improvization. He lets his rhythmic soul explode for the audiance, and thats what keeps 'em dancing!!
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