Bull City Syndicate - Horn Band Tribute

Dire Straits once sang these fateful lyrics: "They don't give a damn about any trumpet playin' band. That ain't what they call rock and roll."
Well, Bull City Syndicate begs to differ, as do 100's-of-millions of horn band fans around the world who continue to attend sold-out performances by the likes of Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire.
While Bull City Syndicate remains true to their own material, their fans continue to request the classic hits of these great Horn Bands . . . and BCS delivers! Now, the band has put together the ONLY known "Horn Band Tribute" show on the East Coast, (and maybe in the entire country, for that matter). The new show is not only great for showcase clubs and theaters, but also perfect for festivals and other special events. Included in the show are the greatest hits of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears, and others. They even offer a special twist - something they refer to as, "If the 80's Gave a Damn," in which they showcase several monster hits from the 1980's, as if they had been originally presented by a real horn band, rather than with a bunch of synthesizers. (Take that, Dire Straits!)
No other band on the East Coast pays Tribute to the great horn bands as does Durham, North Carolina's favorite band, Bull City Syndicate. With their intricate fusion of rhythm-section funk, rock and jazz, 4-horn firepower and soaring vocals, this band has established themselves as the Premier Horn Band in the Mid-Atlantic region. Featuring the Bull City Horns on their front line, Bull City Syndicate has been building a loyal and ever-growing following for over 15 years - featured as Headliners and Mainstage stalwarts at regional music festivals, colleges, private and corporate events, as well as working with many national charities. BCS is clearly much more than a cliche' wedding band with a horn section.
Bull City Syndicate started as a blues band in August 1993, originally going by the name “Soul Kitchen.” The band later morphed into a 70’s retro band with the addition of trombonist, Clarke Egerton, and reed man, Vhondy Strickland. After adding a trumpet to the mix, the “Bull City Horns” were born, and added to the name of the band. For many years, “Soul Kitchen & The Bull City Horns” was one of the most popular club acts in the Triangle of North Carolina, setting the standard for horn bands in the region.
A significant move forward in direction came with the addition of Steve Baker to the horn section, eight years ago. He not only brought “lead trumpet” chops, which allowed the band to start performing more complicated, and more powerful horn arrangements, he also brought another lead vocal to the band – adding more versatility and a different timbre to the overall performance. This was the point when "The Bull City Horns" really moved to the front of the band. Clarke, Vhondy and Steve have been together for over eight years, and with trumpeter Rodney Ogden now in his third year, there's simply no horn section from the Carolinas as tight as The Bull City Horns. Many bands have a "horn section," but there are few groups as committed to being a true "Horn Band," as is Bull City Syndicate.
That said, the next BIG change came with the addition of lead vocalist, Dan Lantier. Dan’s vocal range simply blows people away. Whether he's matching the soaring falsetto of Earth, Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey, or singing one of Bull City Syndicate's originals, when Dan goes into the musical stratosphere people are left with their mouths agape. His unique and rare talent not only shaped the direction of the writing and arrangements on their own CD, but also allows for a song selection in their live performances that few band's can match.
Most of the current line-up has been together for over two years now, in which time the band recorded their first CD, “You Make Me Feel." As a by-product of their success beyond the Raleigh/Durham market, the name change to “Bull City Syndicate” (in homage to the city of the band’s birth) became necessary to avoid trademark infringement with another "Soul Kitchen." This critically-acclaimed CD pushed BCS from being just a top-drawing local cover band, to one of the most in-demand special event and festival bands in the Mid-Atlantic.
“You Make Me Feel” is a genuinely compelling funk/rock/horn-band experience. Retro, while not blatantly so, the record often reminds us of what the current pop hit-factories most often fail to deliver - namely, great melodies, real vocalists, and an in-your-face horn section. While it’s easy to point out the influences, (both subtle and overt), of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Sly, James Brown, The Temptations, and the like, the originality of the horn arrangements help sidestep any direct or presupposed comparisons to the most famous of horn bands – i.e. Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, or Chicago. Bull City Syndicate definitely gives an honorary nod to their horn band predecessors, but this record proves they are their own band.