V C Strut Band (VCSB)

Large bands aren’t exactly household items these days, but Nashville’s longtime funk ensemble the V.C. Strut Band maintains its devotion to ‘70s grooves, while also adding contemporary hip-hop influences. These include the crackling, rapid-fire raps of Kyhil, whose thematic territory on the band’s newest release ranges from race relations (“American Dream”) to descriptive prose about the Music City (“Second Avenue”), discourse about life and competition in the performing arena (“Haters”) and views on apathy and inaction among the current generation (“Slackers”).
But the group also makes red-hot dance fare. “All For The Love,” “Hey Girl” and “Just Like That” as well as “Funk Is What It Is” are fine songs that display their prowess with beats and rhythms alongside occasional turntable scratching by djcaptkirk and keyboard licks from Galen Craven.
The core seven-member musical unit never lets things get dull musically, enabling the V.C. Strut Band to strike a chord with old school lovers and hip-hop heads alike on Nine Thousand Degrees. - Nashville City Paper

The VCSB band recently provided halftime entertainment at a Backfield in Motion football game on October 16, 2004 at the Easley (formally named Rose Park) Community Center. Ricky Toran and his crew were great and gave a very high energy performance. They involved the youth on one song and the music was clear and distinct.

The game’s venue was outside of the Rose Park (Easley) Community Center. We feel that everyone who was there thoroughly enjoyed the show. We are most appreciative that this high caliber band took time to perform for the community.

Backfield in Motion is a non-profit organization that combines athletics and academics to inspire inner-city boys to reach their maximum potential and become significant contributors to society.

Thank you VCSB!


Tasha Johnson
Communications Director
Backfield in Motion
920 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
615.227.9935
www.backfieldinmotion.org
- LATASHA JOHNSON

ARTS & MUSIC
Best new local band
1. Fairfax
2. Verbena Court Strut Band
3. Pale Blue Dot

- THE NASHVILLE SCENE www.nashvillescene.com

"A 9-piece All-Out-Party-Funk collective from Nashville featuring a full horn section and an old-school Rap specialist. Their frontman/MC, KYHIL comes on like a cross between Doug E. Fresh and Shock G from Digital Underground backed by a mix between the Beastie Boys and Earth, Wind & Fire." - THE RAGE www.nashvillerage.com

"One of the best things about the music scene in Nashville is getting to experience talented performers before they become mainstream. Verbena Court Strut Band (VCSB) is one of those bands. They infuse HipHop, Soul, and Funk - A sound reminiscent of ska - with a freestyle Emcee to create something fresh. The powerfull Bass-line, solid percussion and wide-ranging horn riffs on songs like "Slackers" and "Funk Is What It Is" create a sensation through the crowd that gets everyone's head jerkin'."

SPECIAL SOUTHEAST EDITION
Volume II Issue I - THE PARTY SOURCE MAGAZINE

VCSB is the hottest new band in Nashville - it's hip-hop funk thang! A front man who can rap to beat Method Man, a horn section, full percussion (bongos and drums) as well as the usual instruments in a band - what more could you ask for? The band puts on a fabulous show that will get you shakin' your groove thang... no matter your age! This one is strongly recommended by C3 Events. - C3-EVENTS

The Verbena Court Strut Band are a seven-piece band consisting of MC Kyhil, a tight rhythm section and blazing horns. The VCSB sound has been described as reminiscent of both The Roots and Funkadelic. The VCSB put on a high-energy, party-of-a-show that highlights the musicians' technical superiority. Syncopated runs, stops and jam-band-like "mic checks" make them fun to watch and grow with show after show. Formed in March 2001, the VCSB appear regularly at several establishments in and around Nashville, including 3rd & Lindsley, French Quarter Cafe, Courtyard Cafe and Windows on the Cumberland. The VCSB win new fans with every show, proved by their second-place showing for Best New Band in the Nashville Scene's Best of Nashville Readers' Poll in 2003. The Verbena Court Strut Band consists of Kyhil (vocalist), Chris Golden (guitar), Brandon Leon (bass), Shawn Nipper (drums), Rick Toran (percussion) and the VCSB horns: Nels Noseworthy (bari sax & flute) and John McHone (trombone).




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- Nashville Scene Aug 12th edition 2004

GRADING KEY:
(1)NEEDS IMPROVEMNET
(2)SATISFACTORY
(4)EXCELLENT
(5)SUPERIOR

ANDREW'S RATINGS:

STAGE PRESENTATION:5
ARTIST'S IMAGE ON STAGE:5
VOCAL ABILITY:5
TECHNICAL ASPECTS:5
(PHASING, PITCHING, ETC.)
HIT POTENTIAL:5
ARTIST CAN BE SIGNED TO LABEL:5
TOUR POTENTIAL:5
TV/CAMERA POTENTIAL:5

DEVRANN'S RATINGS:

STAGE PRESENTATION:5
ARTIST'S IMAGE ON STAGE:5
VOCAL ABILITY:4
TECHNICAL ASPECTS:4
(PHASING, PITCHING, ETC.)
HIT POTENTIAL:3/4
ARTIST CAN BE SIGNED TO LABEL:5
TOUR POTENTIAL:5
TV/CAMERA POTENTIAL:4/5

- ANDREW GOULD A&R EPIC RECORDS AND DEVR ANN

L.A.S. THERAPY NETWORK & DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.
Non-Profit Organization
LISA A. SPELLS, PRES/CEO
611 NORTH FIFTH STREET
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37207
www.lastherpaynetwork.unimwebcenter.com


“ LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE” FREE HEARING HEALTHCARE PROGRAM




January 10, 2005

Verbena Court Strut Band



L.A.S. Therapy Network would like to thank the VCSB for their gracious donation of their time to help make the first annual “Laughter is the Best Medicine” a success.

The Polk Theater was truly alive on December 28, 2004 during the VCSB performance. Also there were several inquiries on purchasing the VCSB disc these inquires were referred to your website.

Again thanks to VCSB for sharing your music with the city of Nashville at such a worthwhile event.




Sincerely,
Angela Harris
Event Coordinator
- L.A.S. THERAPY NETWORK

Where do we go from here well how about to the funky sounds of VCSB(Verbena Court Strut Band) Funk,soul,jazz, can only partialy describe the sounds of VCSB. The audience and the other bands were enjoying the music put out by these vetern funk boys and enough to give them the Band Award. When you were chosen to be the best by all your peers it is even more special.
If you ever get a chance to see these guys go see them you won't be disappointed, trust me.
- Eddie Clifford (Emergenza.net) http://www.emergenza.net/document/news/eng.asp?id=1529