Bandees

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Bandees Bio
The Bandees; featuring vocalists, multi-instrumentalists, Stephen and Patricia Ann Dees; are a duo that displays both versatility and virtuosity with a wide-ranging yet distinctive sound. With the amazing Alberto Cruz on drums; this Indie, Power-Pop, Alt. Rock band manage to create the most monstrously delicious slabs of music out of a myriad of influences.
Bandees founder, Stephen Dees has toured/recorded with many diverse acts, including Todd Rundgren, Hall & Oates, Tony Carey, Victor Wainwright, Noble Thin Man Watts and Novo Combo, co-founded by Dees and Santana drummer Michael Shrieve. Novo Combo released two critically acclaimed Polygram Albums, the self titled "Novo Combo" and "Animation Generation", featuring the Dees penned hits, Up Periscope [Billboard Top rock tracks], Animation Generation [Top 5 MTV video] and City Bound (E-Train) [Billboard Top rock tracks] a song co-written with Desmond Child.
In 1998, Stephen decided it was time to start the band hed always dreamed of; with the ability to play any style of music and make it their own. Patricia Ann Dees classical background and beautiful voice; made her the ideal partner to realize this goal. On vocals, flute, oboe, saxophone, harmonica, bass and keyboard; Stephen refers to Patricia as the Brian Jones of the group, with the ability to pick up just about any instrument to add that special touch. With Stephens charismatic vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, percussion and seemingly endless prolific song writing ability; the twosome have been the core and creative force behind the Bandees 5 CDs. Alberto Cruz, a dynamically creative drummer; joins the Bandees as a collaborating member for their 6th release, Sonic Kitchen. Alberto has toured and recorded extensively in America, the Caribbean and South America, with artists including Flock of Seagulls, Alejandro Delafuenta, Meritaje and Water.
With the Bandees latest CD Sonic Kitchen they continue to serve up their own unique brand of tasty sonic treats. Bon Appetit
Bandees Reviews
Sonic Kitchen
"I’m not gonna mince words. This album is simply a pop, psychedelic, garage tour de force. From the erotic kitchen drama playing out in “Loopy Jane” to the Cheap Trickish, Bowie-esque charm of “She Blows” to the “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” sound of “Claudia”, the Dees have stepped up their usually intense game by cooking up a buffet of Beatlesque, Brian Wilson inspired ditties that rock, roll and flat out leave you with a sugar high. Add to that recipe inspired drumming by Alberto Cruz and several renowned area axe-slingers, and you’ve got a full kitchen. Stephen has worked with some of the best songwriters in the business throughout his career. A listen to “Saint Joan” and “Monkey Boy” is evidence of all the magic that’s rubbed off on him. Lush harmonies, fluid bass lines and subtle guitar licks abound, this collection even comes with a children’s choir section on “Love Will Save the Day” courtesy of Volusia Pines Elementary 4th Grade Class. It’s the grooviest, trippiest, hippiest, damn best CD ever released by a Central Florida duo… ever. Stick that on your stove and cook it. [Anthony Sica, Music Entertainment Magazine]
WOW! Retro rock 'n roll done properly.
"This is a fantastic album. Smart punchy tracks & melodies with great lyrics that don't leave your head. Believe me you won't want them to! I'm English & the Beatles got me into music, in my humble opinion John Lennon (RIP) would be proud of these guys. BUY IT!" CDBaby Reviewer: Tony Evans (London. England)
Be Refreshed with Bandees
"Finding a band these days that doesn’t sound like every other band that you hear on the radio is very refreshing. The Bandees will satisfy the need for new sounds. If you are realizing more and more modern musicians losing creativity, don’t despair. With their new release, “Sonic Kitchen”, the Bandees are serving up a dose of originality. “Sonic Kitchen” is the Bandees sixth album and features songs like “Loopy Jane”, “Down” and “Where you are”. Great artists like The Beatles, David Bowie and Beck come to mind when listening to this beautifully written and melodic album. The songs are catchy and smart and leave you with a smile. The band features singer/songwriters, multi-instrumentalists Stephen and Patricia Ann Dees and drummer/percussionist Alberto Cruz. The Bandees have received awards such as “Best Writing Team”, “Best Vocal Group”, and “Best Duo” from Songwriters Showcase of America." [Backstage Pass Magazine Daytona Beach, Tucker Doran]
"Beatle-maniacs can take a magical mystery tour through Beatle allusions in "Music Box," a song on the new CD by the Bandees. Even the song's soundscape is all Sgt. Peppery and fey like the Fab Four. "Loopy Jane," "She Blows" and "Saint Joan," three songs about eccentric babes, will quell the appetite of folks who miss Badfinger and Matthew Sweet. "Monkey Boy" outguns the Strokes by deploying Steve Vai-worthy guitar blasts from Dees and guest T.J. Evans. Crunchy-sweet guitars and Dees' all-American Bowie voice are key ingredients, but the band's secret weapon is singer-multi-instrumentalist Patricia Dees. Her flute brings a Beatle-esque, mourning dove melancholy to the lost-love ballad "Claudia." And her oboe haunts her lead vocals on the chick-flick emo of "Hold My Breath." "We all dig our music box," the Bandees sing on "Music Box." Pop-rock fans will, too." **** EXCELLENT Daytona Beach News Journal [RICK de YAMPERT, Entertainment Writer]
“Sonic Kitchen is a delicious collection of catchy, jangly pop-rock tunes; reminiscent of the Beatles and Spiders from Mars-era Bowie.” ***** 5 out of 5 rating [Connections Magazine]
Neverland
"So many cool mondo-rock songs -- from Devo-like new wave to delicate, exquisitely crafted ballads that seem like a Rossetti Pre-Raphaelite painting cast in sound. "Neverland's" many textures aren't as scattershot as they may seem. Rather, the Bandees are chameleon-like in the manner of David Bowie -- artfully so, and confidently so."
[Rick deYampert, Daytona Beach News Journal]
three
"Does the notion of mixing the best of the Beatles and Bowie, a dash of X, Elvis Costello, and the Violent Femmes and a drop or two of chick-rock cool, with a good-sized chunk of that whole late twentieth century psychedelic jangly pop guitar thing whet your appetite yet? The best part of three is the way the toe-tapping-happy melodies and harmonies wrap themselves around such non-pop-like topics as stalkers Psycho Boy, dysfunctional families Its Not Working, and the fad-of-the-moment mentality of modern American society Month Of The Flavor."
[Backstage Pass Magazine]
BIG DAY
"Edgewater, Fla., may not be known as the home of Brit pop or new wave, but it will be if the Bandees keep it up. "BIG DAY" is the band's second album of Euro pop that is as catchy as it is unexpected. There's the conga- and organ-driven fun of the title track, and the reggae rock of "Turn Around" and "Slow Fade" that would make the Police proud. From the Rockpile-style country-pop of "Kids Go Out and Play" and "Working for My Car" to Dees' dead-on Bowie vocals on the album's best tune "That's What the Big Man Said!" the band can slip into a familiar musical style while still sounding fresh." [Orlando Weekly]
Saffron
"An enchanting journey from beginning to end, Saffron reaches well beyond the mainstream realm of folk and pop-rock with imagination and soul."
[Connections Magazine]
They Fly Around
"is nothing short of a true pop-rock masterwork"
[JAM Magazine]
ENDORSEMENTS:
Greg Bennett Guitars by Samick
Elixir Strings
Avlex Corp
MIPRO
Superlux
AWARDS:
Songwriter Showcase of America
Best Writing Team
Best Vocal Group
Best Duo
COMPILATION CDs
The Power Pop Overthrow Vol. 2 - 272 Records
NO COVER Magazine Groupies Suck Vol 11
Trackspotting Vol. 1
Trackspotting Vol. 3
Trackspotting Vol. 4
Trackspotting Vol. 5
Trackspotting 2000
SSA Vol. 3 "Shine"
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