Intricate wordplay, soulful roots, memorable hooks, old-school vocal harmonies, and intense passion are but a few of the elements which combine to form the powerful and unmistakable sound of the Alchemystics.
Fueled by the belief that music could expand beyond the boundaries of style and categories, the Alchemystics first formed as a trio in 2003. They worked to create a sound that reflected their love of heavy rhythms, reggae, hip hop, soul and dub, while also infusing earthy vocal harmonies to create truly original music. True to their name, The Alchemystics have transformed into their current lineup of diverse and talented musicians, including the vocal stylings of Ras Jahn and Ian-I, the intricate lyrics of MCs Force and Soul Jah T, and the deep groove of drummer Demse Zullo, world-traveled bassist Garrett Sawyer, and keyboardist Jay Metcalf .
Band members have studied percussion with masters in Cuba, won awards in orchestras, toured the Caribbean playing soca, recorded at Bob Marley's Tuff Gong studio, studied flamenco, performed in Afro-Caribbean drum and dance troupes, and graduated from Berklee College of Music. The Alchemystics’ veteran rhythm section has has backed musical legends such as the Abyssinians, Tony Rebel, and Rupee.
The Alchemystics have shared stages with such international music luminaries as Stephen Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Clipse, Damian Marley, Sister Carol, The Coupe, Dennis Brown, Inner circle, Busta Rhymes, Yellow Man, Burning Spear, Gil Scott Heron, Culture, ShineHead, Angelique Kidjo, Mighty Sparrow, The Brazilian Girls, Israel Vibrations, English Beat, Bonnie Raitt, King Sunny Ade, and Taj Mahal.
Performing live, the Alchemystics specialize in high-energy, captivating performances which get crowds jumping and dancing to what they like to call their “new roots music,†combining elements both traditional and fresh. Performances continue to draw steadily growing, highly mixed crowds drawn to the potent blend of infectious rhythm, powerful lyricism, and masterful use of soulful vocal harmonies. Venues to date include a wide array of settings from festivals (including Vermont Reggae Festival, Strange Creek, Wormtown Music Festival, Charlemont Reggae Fest), clubs and dancehalls (including Pearl Street Ballroom, Iron Horse Music Hall, Paradise Rock Club, Middle East, Harpers Ferry, Toads Place), colleges and universities (including University of Massachusetts, Trinity College, Colby Sawyer College), and ski areas such as Ascutney, Whale Back, and Mount Wachusett.
The Alchemystics firmly embrace the notion of music and art as vital tools to bring about social change in our communities. Individually and collectively, the members of the Alchemystics have made it a priority to give back to their local community, working closely with the community youth and lending their musical talents to raise funds for causes such as the Massachusetts Red Ribbon Ride, and the Northampton Survival Center, Victims of Hurricane Katrina, Darfur Relief, AIDS awareness, and domestic abuse awareness. Members have also guest lectured and performed at a number of schools in the Northeast.
With the Fall 2007 release of their self-titled EP featuring the crowd favorite ‘Shine Eyed Girl’ the Alchemystics continue to grow and gain momentum. The group is hard at work at North Fire Studios on their second full-length album.
www.thealchemystics.com
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