The Rhythm Syndicate

The Rhythm Syndicate to release self titled debut CD.

Cleveland Ohio’s hottest R&B band The Rhythm Syndicate, in conjunction with Rough Road Records, will debut their first original CD, February 10, 2006.

The Rhythm Syndicate will perform all twelve original songs on Friday, February 10, 2006 at The Savannah Bar & Grille, Westlake, Ohio.

Cleveland, Ohio’s The Rhythm Syndicate has performed both locally and regionally for the past six years.

The Rhythm Syndicate’s New CD boasts twelve original tunes with “Hit” potential written by Pat Sandy and Angelo Ciu.
This CD was recorded locally at Closerlook Recording in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tyler Owen, owner, engineer, producer of Closerlook Recording, oversaw all aspects of the recording, mixing, and mastering of the project. Band members Pat Sandy and Angelo Ciu were executive producers.

The Rhythm Syndicate will perform the entire CD in the order in which the songs appear starting at 9:00 pm on February 10, 2006, at The Savannah Bar & Grille locate at 30676 Detroit Rd. Westlake, Ohio. This will be the first time that CD’s will be available for sale to the public.
- Rough Road Records

The Rhythm Syndicate
The Rhythm Syndicate
(Rough Road Records)
rhythmsyndicate.net


One of the less heralded blues/R&B ensembles in town, the Rhythm Syndicate more than proves itself worthy of attention with it's self-titled debut. The disc begins with a crisp instrumental and picks up a bit more grit for the swinging "Too Much Information" and funky jams like "Sunny Day" and "Funk-O-Matic".

Recorded over a six-month period by Tyler Owen at his Closerlook Recording studios, the album of all original compositions has the flair of a professionally recorded disc. Throughout, blaring saxophones are balanced nicely with the guitars and vocals, and when the band simmers down for the ballad "You Never Know," Owen does a good job of emphasizing the group's nuances, too. -- Jeff Niesel -Music Editor
- Cleveland Free Times

These grooves are molasses thick and dipped in a heady blues swing. The Rhythm Syndicate blends jazz, blues, and rock, delivering it all with the brisk, enthusiastic energy of a bar band. The horn-fueled quintet tends toward jazz, but lead guitarist Angelo Ciu's succulent riffs refuse to be overshadowed by the strong swing elements. Highlights include the cocktail bop of "Tip Top," "Lately (I've Been Thinking)," which mines a soulful doo-wop vibe, and the supple, low-riding funk rave "Soul Steppin.'" -- Chris Parker

- Scene Magazine Cleveland Ohio

The Plain Dealer – Friday March 10, 2006
Local Beat

Local Spotlight

The Rhythm Syndicate “The Rhythm Syndicate” (Rough Road Records)

The self-titled debut release from Cleveland-based R&B/blues band contains all original material, but you’d swear you’ve grooved to some of the songs before. From the sax-driven “Crawdadday Walk” (which possesses a Dave Matthews Band start-and-stop motif) to the 1950’s balladry of “Lately (I’ve Been Thinking),” the songs are exceedingly smooth and palatable. Therein lies the downside, if there is one, to “The Rhythm Syndicate,” which is the sextet comfortably looks back more than it does forward. Still, this Motown-esque 12 track album features plenty of “Soul steppin’” fun.
- The Plain Dealer March 10, 2006

Blues Revue Magazine

Issue103 Dec/Jan 2007



With the Rhythm Syndicate’s self titled release (Rough Road 4159), the world can enjoy the blues, R&B, and jazz stylings that have been knocking out residents of Cleveland, Ohio, for the past decade. The Syndicate’s all-original numbers grow organically from the groove but, with the exception of a few ambling openings, avoid sounding like mere jams. Pat Sandy’s laid-back vocals are effective, Angelo Ciu’s guitar work is focused, and Kevin Dyckes doubles admirably on bass and, in conjunction with Doug Hopkins, tenor sax. “Soul Steppin” recalls 1960’s funk roots a la Dyke& the Blazers; “Barfly Blues” hits a cool jazz note; “Lately (I’ve Been Thinking) is Latin-tinged R&B. “Crawddady Walk” struts on sax power, while “Tip Top” shuffles over Hopkin’s clarinet lead.
- Blues Revue Magazine

he Rhythm Syndicate | Listen: "Crawdaddy Walk"

Holding down the intersection of Chicago blues and soulful, danceable R&B, the Rhythm Syndicate celebrated its 15th anniversary last year. It's been an awesome ride thus far. After coming together via Cleveland's late-'90s blues jam scene, the band has assembled a dynamite reputation for exciting set lists — originals and covers, both classic and unexpected. You can find them in clubs from Cleveland to Akron, and points west and east alike, and when you do, know this: It's gonna be a good time. - Cleveland Scene MAgazine

Meet the Band: Pat Sandy (guitar), Angelo Ciu (guitar), Kevin Dyckes (saxophone), Benny Pacheco (drums) and Len Gray (bass)

jam session: Guitarists Pat Sandy and Angelo Ciu first met up at one of the many jam sessions they would attend in the mid-'90s at Westlake blues club, The Savannah. "The Savannah had a killer jam night run by [local guitarist] Michael Bay," says Sandy. "A lot of people used to show up there, so it was literally Grand Central Station for musicians, and our first real gig was in 1999. We started at a few small venues and then soon after that, we got booked at the Savannah where we had been hanging out every Thursday night." The band's line-up has changed over the years, but Sandy thinks of all his former band mates as "family" and says the current line-up is as good as the band's ever been.

horns aplenty: The band's use of horns really distinguishes it from other blues outfits in town. "I've always been a big fan of jump blues," says Sandy. "We've been blessed with dynamic sax players." On the band's first CD, Dyckes played bass and saxophone.

on writing new material: After playing a 15-year anniversary show, the band expects to get into the recording studio by the end of the year. "We realized it's been 15 years and we really wanted to do some more, so we're in the process of gathering new material," says Sandy. "Cleveland has always had such an eclectic, vibrant music scene, and it continues to blossom...all of us in the band are proud to be part of it."

why you should Hear them: On songs such as "You Never Know," the band opts for a poppy sound, and the wailing saxophones that emerge mid-song give the tune a jazzy feel. "Lately I've Been Thinking" comes off a bit like Springsteen with its baritone sax bits and husky vocals. "Freeway Song" has a Chicago-like jazz vibe to it. "When we put our first CD out, it was all originals and we got some airplay," says Sandy. "One of the local blues shows played 'Too Much Information.' It was a gas! We've had a lot of descriptions of the band over the years and we've been likened to a much smoother approach, rather than a harder type of blues style. The first CD covers a number of genres. "I was just trying to write stuff that the whole band would enjoy playing. I adore the blues but I also have lots of other influences and the original material reflects that - it's just a fun band and we always have a good time." - Cleveland Scene Magazine