Snook

Valley Jams: Grey Leaf

The Post-Crescent

Band name: Grey Leaf.

Hometown: Neenah.

Lineup: Nick Lemaire, vocals/acoustic guitar/harmonica/percussion; Ryan Sanders, drums; Mike Lahti, bass; Nick Rathsack, electric guitar/backing vocals; Ben Vosters, trumpet/backing vocals.

First a little background: "Grey Leaf is a jammin' concoction of rock, funk, and blues straight out of the Fox Valley," Rathsack said.

Original members LeMaire and Sanders met in art class at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley. They started writing original songs with a blues-rock vibe, but the addition of Lahti added funk and jazz elements. The addition of Rathsack solidified the lineup, and Vosters joined in 2007 to round out the current lineup.

Now that all the members are at least 21 and have built a repertoire to fill a three-hour gig, Grey Leaf is looking to play more bars, parties and festivals. The band plays mostly original music, with a few covers and free-form jams mixed in.
"Grey Leaf provides an environment to drink a beer, shake your rear and have a damn good time," Rathsack said.

You will like our band if you also like: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blues Traveler, Grateful Dead, James Brown, Phish, Creedence Clearwater Revival.

If we could play with anyone, it would be: "We'd remain playing with each other because we're sentimental fools," Rathsack said.

Decide for yourself: Get more info on Grey Leaf, including sound clips and live dates, at www.myspace.com/greyleaves. The band has upcoming gigs Aug. 18 at Gullivers Grill and Bar, Sept. 1 at Cranky Pat's and Oct. 20 at Revolutions Bar and Grill, all in Neenah.

Valley Jams is a weekly profile of local bands. Want your group featured? Contact Eric Klister at 920-993-1000, ext. 423, or eklister@postcrescent.com.
- The Post-Crescent

Editorial Band Review
Grey Leaf at Mug Shots in De Pere, Wisconsin

TJ - GBNightLife.com Band Reviews By TJ
Nick Lemaire on Acoustic Guitar - Grey Leaf Live at Mug Shots in De Pere, Wisconsin Posted: February 10, 2009
Live Live Performance: February 7, 2009

The entire day had this weird buzz to it on what will probably go down as the warmest Saturday night in February. It was almost as if the release of cabin fever had people hanging out in different places and doing different things. This vibe held true for me as well, as I found myself down at Mug Shots in downtown De Pere, not to mention the surreal feeling that George Street has, now that the old bridge has been removed. About 50 yards away I could hear the tunes, Grey Leaf were about 20 minutes or so into their first set when I arrived fashionably late. To my immediate right of entering Mug Shots, up on a two foot riser stage, were the five cats settling into the groove. There was one stool at the front of the bar that just happened to be the perfect spot to chill. I ordered my favorite cocktail and began to absorb the Grey Leaf. First in order, they sounded good right off the bat. My theory was that this was going to be just another good rock and roots band. Really all the essentials of rock and roots were right there on stage, you've got Ben Vosters running two keyboards switching from a sweet Hammond organ tones to Wurlitzer electric keys. Nick Lemaire on acoustic and Nick Rathsack on the P90 Gibson SG electric and at the back bone is the rhythm of Brian Harrah on drums and Erik Sikich on bass. Then Grey Leaf started to dismantle my theory. The first crack in my wall was when Ben reached down over to his right and came back up with a trumpet while at the same time tending to his keys. The second shift in my fault was Nick Lemaire's ardent vocals, most pertinent to soul and funk; his notes were tight taunts of emotion that were mostly delivered in a controlled holler. The finality of completely winning me over as a Grey Leaf fan was the "Pocket" ability of Erik on bass and Brian on drums. The "Pocket" is a loosely defined rhythmic term of the feel of playing just behind the beat. I thought the way Brian was riding the bell on the back beat added to that great funk feel. Erik had some fast and killer solos but the tone he was putting out of that Kustom bass cab was like warm butter! After a few more well crafted originals the band took a break before entering into their second set.

I had a little time to hang with Brian Harrah, Nick Rathsack and Ben Vosters who are, by the way, very nice guys. I was a little surprised to find that since their spawn of jam sessions, beginning in Appleton of 2007, this was Grey Leaf's second time playing in the area. You see, for a band that plays mostly original tunes it is almost always an uphill battle to get gigs at most venues, even for a really good band. So Grey Leaf complies with a few covers and very creatively sneaks them into the set via smooth transitions. Never straying away from the Grey Leaf style, they pulled a couple of covers from a stash including Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" and Sublime's "Lovin' is what I got." I nearly fell off the stool when they began to pull off the song by The Doors "Break on Through." Grey Leaf sees itself as a jam band. I saw a band that instead of hiding behind endless solos they stand out with emotion, climatic song structure, and creativity. Grey Leaf fired up their second set, and the casual crowd started really getting into it. Just about everyone that walked by and saw the band in the window stopped in to check it out or danced in the corridor. Nick L. would take solos then fall back on the bands rhythm with harmonica and tambourine, giving Vosters some lead vocal time. Nick Rathsack handled lead Grey Leaf Live at Mug Shots in De Pere, Wisconsinguitar with a little wah and overdrive, bending the scale on solos and transitioning in and out with a nice fret board trill and a whole lot of smoke machine. Seriously Nick, your fog is about as thick as the air at Bonnaroo! The band plays with a sense of humor and supplies a nice, laid back, fun atmosphere. Grey Leaf's sound is an arranged mix of roots, soul, funk, blues, folk, and ska, which as a whole adds a different vibe to their personal take on a jam band. Grey Leaf recorded at the legendary Rock Garden Studio in Appleton in 07 and have a full length CD and T-Shirts for sale. As a personal fan of original music I just want to give a big hats off to Mug Shots of De Pere and the other local venues that have begun to open their doors to these great local original bands and for supporting the local scene. Grey Leaf will be playing in Green Bay at Pi nightclub on the 19th and then at Jimmy Seas on the 27th. Go check them out!
More Photos and Music from TJ - GB Night Life

15 songs by Fox Valley bands you should check out now By Eric Klister
Post-Crescent assistant editor/custom publishing

Never let it be said that the Fox Valley music scene lacks diversity.

While it's true that country rules when it comes to radio and the major concerts that come through our neck of the woods, on a street level, the scene has a lot to offer.

Throwback country. Funk. Garage rock. Hip-hop. Jazz that's accessible to the average listener. There are enough flavors to satisfy every taste.

As proof, we offer Volume 2 of our Fox Valley band playlist. Unlike that new Britney Spears album, there's not a dull track among the bunch.

Track 1: "I've Got a Secret," Kilroy

Why it's cool: Part Led Zeppelin, part Deep Purple, we love how the opening guitar riff quietly sets the stage for singer Carroll Smith's huge vocals. If you haven't heard of this Oshkosh band yet, check 'em out. They just performed at the CMJ Music Marathon Showcase in New York City and among their upcoming shows is a gig at the Super Bowl XLII kickoff party.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/kilroyband

Track 2: "421," the Wildbirds

Why it's cool: The 'Birds obliterate any remaining likeness to their past as Number One Fan with their album "Golden Daze." This song, the disc's leadoff track, sets a Pabst Blue Ribbon party vibe for the rest of the album.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/thewildbirds

Track 3: "Same Damn Thing," Fahrenheit 420

Why it's cool: This rockin' tune captures the vibe of the Sunset Strip circa 1987 without sounding dated. This band would be the perfect opening act for Velvet Revolver.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/fahrenheit420

Track 4: "This World," Rosewood

Why it's cool: The simple, laid-back groove will get stuck in your head and have you humming all day long. Maroon 5 fans will like this one.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/thisisrosewood

Track 5: "If History Could Sing," Grey Leaf

Why it's cool: It's funky and bluesy, and we love that harmonica. We're also impressed by Nick Lemaire's soulful vocals.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/greyleaves

Track 6: "This Joint Right Here," KMC

Why it's cool: Artists like KMC are showing that despite our penchant for country and classic rock, hip-hop is a viable art form in the Fox Valley.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/kmcmusic1

Track 7: "On and Off," the Joe Tones

Why it's cool: Joe Vanesky is a harmonica virtuoso. What does that mean? He doesn't merely play the harp, he makes it sing. Not an easy thing to do. There's some tasty guitar and keyboard playing on this song, too.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/thejoetones.

Track 8: "Emily's Song," Steve Millar

Why it's cool: Guys, here's a tip. Download this song and play it for your girlfriend. You can thank Millar later.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/stevemillartime

Track 9: "Run," Jana Holland

Why it's cool: Holland is a great lyricist who writes songs that capture relatable slices of life. That's the hallmark of any great singer/songwriter.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/janaholland

Track 10: "Sky Goddess," Helen Exner

Why it's cool: Exner has jazz chops but she's more of a singer/songwriter. This song's melody and vocal harmonies are absolutely gorgeous.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/rockgardenstudios (click on Helen Exner)

Track 11: "Oceans," Tate Rooper

Why it's cool: Something smells Phish-y, but not in that oh-boy-here-comes-another-20-minute-jam way. These guys could do that, but they choose to keep things restrained, which keeps the focus on the groove, which makes this song highly infectious.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/taterooper

Track 12: "Tallahassee Turnpike Blues," American Fiction

Why it's cool: Ethan Cook channels his inner Dylan on this one and gets an assist from Appleton band Dance Billy Dance. This song is like a great novel; you keep listening because you just have to find out how the story ends.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/americanfictionband

Track 13: "Whine Big Wheels Whine," Honky Tonk Twisters

Why it's cool: Best. Driving. Song. Ever. OK, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but this is a great tune for the open road.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/honkytonktwisters

Track 14: "Like This City," Pale Gray Sky

Why it's cool: It's relentless, punishing and pulverizing. And that's before the vocals kick in.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/palegraysky

Track 15: "Romance for the Ages," 5man

Why it's cool: This Deftones-influenced song will appeal to those who like metal but can't stand Cookie Monster vocals.

Listen here: www.myspace.com/5man

In case you missed it: 15 more songs you should check out

Track 1: "There's Treachery Afoot," GatorArm. www.myspace.com/thegatorarm.

Track 2: "Restless Heart," Boxkar. www.myspace.com/boxkar.

Track 3: "Getting By," The Wandering Sons. www.myspace.com/thewanderingsons.

Track 4: "Tennessee," Blueheels. www.myspace.com/blueheels.

Track 5: "Betty 5-0," Andy's Automatics. www.myspace.com/andysautomatics.

Track 6: "Won't You Love Me Like That," Copper Box. www.myspace.com/copperboxband.

Track 7: "Are We Are," The Willis. www.myspace.com/thewillis.

Track 8: "Dayton," Jazz Orgy. www.jazzorgy.com (click on "Audio").

Track 9: "Digging a Hole to China," Sunday Flood. www.myspace.com/sundayflood.

Track 10: "Inside You and Inside Me," Rob Anthony. www.myspace.com/robanthonymusic.

Track 11: "Ella," The Lights Band. www.thelightsband.com, www.myspace.com/bandthelights.

Track 12: "Bunky," Sulco. www.myspace.com/sulcoband.

Track 13: "Goodbye Surrender," Verona Grove. www.myspace.com/veronagrove.

Track 14: "Merk," Derill Pounds. www.myspace.com/derillpounds.

Track 15: "As Strange as it Seems," Silent Point. www.myspace.com/silentpoint.
Eric Klister: 920-993-1000, ext. 423, or eklister@postcrescent.com.

9:40 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment - The Post Crescent

You know Fox Valley band Grey Leaf has to have chops because it's the house band at Cranky Pat's in Neenah. But the band will break from its usual Thursday gig to perform a CD release party Friday at the pizzeria.

Grey Leaf's new CD is titled "Redemption," and it's the group's debut album. We got a chance to check out an advance copy and it's a fun collection of funk and rock tunes that's heavy on old-school keyboard riffing. At times it's like a much groovier version of Deep Purple. At other times, the band taps into its inner Phish. There's also some tasty harmonica and horn playing mixed in, and singer Nick Lemaire's gravelly, bluesy vocals sound like they're coming from a guy twice his size. Now, this sounds like a recipe for jam-band excess but the band is good at exercising restraint. The sound is highly accessible.

You can decide for yourself by checking out the show, which starts at about 10 p.m. Admission is free. More info at 920-725-2662 or www.crankypats.com. - The Post Crescent

Editorial Band Review
Grey Leaf at Mug Shots in De Pere, Wisconsin

TJ - GBNightLife.com Band ReviewsBy TJ
Nick Lemaire on Acoustic Guitar - Grey Leaf Live at Mug Shots in De Pere, WisconsinPosted: February 10, 2009
Live Live Performance: February 7, 2009

The entire day had this weird buzz to it on what will probably go down as the warmest Saturday night in February. It was almost as if the release of cabin fever had people hanging out in different places and doing different things. This vibe held true for me as well, as I found myself down at Mug Shots in downtown De Pere, not to mention the surreal feeling that George Street has, now that the old bridge has been removed. About 50 yards away I could hear the tunes, Grey Leaf were about 20 minutes or so into their first set when I arrived fashionably late. To my immediate right of entering Mug Shots, up on a two foot riser stage, were the five cats settling into the groove. There was one stool at the front of the bar that just happened to be the perfect spot to chill. I ordered my favorite cocktail and began to absorb the Grey Leaf. First in order, they sounded good right off the bat. My theory was that this was going to be just another good rock and roots band. Really all the essentials of rock and roots were right there on stage, you've got Ben Vosters running two keyboards switching from a sweet Hammond organ tones to Wurlitzer electric keys. Nick Lemaire on acoustic and Nick Rathsack on the P90 Gibson SG electric and at the back bone is the rhythm of Brian Harrah on drums and Erik Sikich on bass. Then Grey Leaf started to dismantle my theory. The first crack in my wall was when Ben reached down over to his right and came back up with a trumpet while at the same time tending to his keys. The second shift in my fault was Nick Lemaire's ardent vocals, most pertinent to soul and funk; his notes were tight taunts of emotion that were mostly delivered in a controlled holler. The finality of completely winning me over as a Grey Leaf fan was the "Pocket" ability of Erik on bass and Brian on drums. The "Pocket" is a loosely defined rhythmic term of the feel of playing just behind the beat. I thought the way Brian was riding the bell on the back beat added to that great funk feel. Erik had some fast and killer solos but the tone he was putting out of that Kustom bass cab was like warm butter! After a few more well crafted originals the band took a break before entering into their second set.

I had a little time to hang with Brian Harrah, Nick Rathsack and Ben Vosters who are, by the way, very nice guys. I was a little surprised to find that since their spawn of jam sessions, beginning in Appleton of 2007, this was Grey Leaf's second time playing in the area. You see, for a band that plays mostly original tunes it is almost always an uphill battle to get gigs at most venues, even for a really good band. So Grey Leaf complies with a few covers and very creatively sneaks them into the set via smooth transitions. Never straying away from the Grey Leaf style, they pulled a couple of covers from a stash including Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" and Sublime's "Lovin' is what I got." I nearly fell off the stool when they began to pull off the song by The Doors "Break on Through." Grey Leaf sees itself as a jam band. I saw a band that instead of hiding behind endless solos they stand out with emotion, climatic song structure, and creativity. Grey Leaf fired up their second set, and the casual crowd started really getting into it. Just about everyone that walked by and saw the band in the window stopped in to check it out or danced in the corridor. Nick L. would take solos then fall back on the bands rhythm with harmonica and tambourine, giving Vosters some lead vocal time. Nick Rathsack handled lead Grey Leaf Live at Mug Shots in De Pere, Wisconsinguitar with a little wah and overdrive, bending the scale on solos and transitioning in and out with a nice fret board trill and a whole lot of smoke machine. Seriously Nick, your fog is about as thick as the air at Bonnaroo! The band plays with a sense of humor and supplies a nice, laid back, fun atmosphere. Grey Leaf's sound is an arranged mix of roots, soul, funk, blues, folk, and ska, which as a whole adds a different vibe to their personal take on a jam band. Grey Leaf recorded at the legendary Rock Garden Studio in Appleton in 07 and have a full length CD and T-Shirts for sale. As a personal fan of original music I just want to give a big hats off to Mug Shots of De Pere and the other local venues that have begun to open their doors to these great local original bands and for supporting the local scene. Grey Leaf will be playing in Green Bay at Pi nightclub on the 19th and then at Jimmy Seas on the 27th. Go check them out!
More Photos and Music from TJ
- GB Night Life