Sly-Chi profile picture

Sly-Chi

Hot Damn these guys are good! (IT Magazine)

About Me

Sly-Chi [chee], from Portland, Maine, defies your standard musical genres. It takes more than a word to describe their style. There's funk, soul, a little R&B - all with an underlying jazz edge. Throw in the classic rock and you're pleasantly confused. This unique combination - along with the sheer size of the band - creates an unmistakable energy. The group has horns, 4 singers, and a super-tight rhythm section to support all that sound. They pack dance floors much like the bands they're often compared to - Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Brand New Heavies. Just ask their devoted fans. The group's been around since 1999 and has a huge following in Maine. And with a number of out-of-state shows in recent years, their fan base has grown. Add to that their 2004-released debut CD, Wave Sound, which hit the charts in Maine and New Hampshire, as well as a record-breaking number of wins in the Portland Phoenix's annual Best Music Poll, and you've got a group that's only scratched the surface of its success.
"Sly Chi ... know that rhythm is one of the most basic components in life and that a good beat transcends race, class, gender, nationality and everything else. With their potent mix of Soul and Funk standard covers and jazzy originals, they are a dance band that is in great demand. After all, it is a simple fact that people want to dance when they party. It's actually surprising that more bands haven't figured this out." - IT Magazine, January 2005
"…These guys are a hot contender in the Maine music scene … Star performances across the board in this montage of musicianship ... This album is sure to be a party favorite…" - IT Magazine, October 2004
"Horns dominate the sound of Sly-Chi with their jazzy riffs, but the rhythm section also steam out hot African beats and Cuban-styled flare, making Wave Sound a sexy, alluring listen." - Face Magazine, June 2004
"Bands of this kind of construction are usually so loose as to invite criticism from music nerds looking for flaws, but there is pedigree and history here enough to impress both the casual good-time seeker and the exacting fan of well played instruments." - Portland Phoenix, May 2004 MyGen Profile Generator

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 2/5/2005
Band Website: slychi.com
Band Members: Matt Day - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cowbell/ Jay Desormeau - Guitar/ David Henault - Drums/ Rafael Keilt-Freyre - Bass, Vocals/ Brian Graham - Saxophones/ Brian Pierce - Vocals, Trumpet, Flugelhorn/ Tyler Stanley - Keyboard, Vocals/ Kelly McKenna - Vocals
Influences: Tower of Power; Stevie Wonder; Earth, Wind & Fire; Brand New Heavies
Sounds Like: There are elements of all the bands listed above.
Record Label: Self-Produced
Type of Label: None

My Blog

2006 Portland Phoenix Best Music Poll Winners Article

(Portland Phoenix, May 19-25, 2006) BEST R&B/SOUL/BLUES ACT SLY-CHI Winning their third BMP award in a row, Sly-Chi are showing no signs slowing down. Theyve been one of Portlands tightest live ac...
Posted by Sly-Chi on Sat, 27 May 2006 09:23:00 PST

2005 Portland Phoenix Best Music Poll Winners Article

2005 BMP Winners
Posted by Sly-Chi on Mon, 01 Jan 1900 12:00:00 PST