Album Notes

Vibe Syndicate is an original 6-piece band from Madison, Wisconsin whose sound incorporates elements of funk, soul, r&b, jazz and hip-hop. Influenced by everything from James Brown to Miles Davis, the band features Carolynn Black on vocals and the occasional tambourine, Jon Hoel on saxophone and flute, Wade Alters on keys, Todd Thomas on guitar, John Mesoloras on bass, and Aaron Streicher on drums. Their combined experience and musical knowledge is clearly evident in their electrifying stage performances. A typical set at a Vibe Syndicate show is heavy on the original tunes with some choice covers from artists like Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, and west coast funk band Breakestra, to name just a few. Released in October 2007, their deubt cd “Check Yourself,” flows from one style to the next, wrapping political verses and lusty come-ons around funky grooves and sultry beats. The title track rants against an insensitive lover, while the calypso flavored “Give me more” pleads for, well, more. Ms. Black’s lyrics are often inspired by her experiences living in New York, including “Can you believe?” which recounts 9/11 as seen from her Brooklyn backyard. Carolynn Black, who also sings with local legend Clyde Stubblefield, joined the band in 2005 after moving to Madison from New York where she was a regular performer at famed Greenwich Village club The Bitter End. John Mesoloras, also a local middle school music director, plays with several outfits including jazz chanteuse Gerri DiMaggio. Jon Hoel, a seriously funky brass man, also plays with The Get Down Syndrome and has helped to organize the Recreational Rhythms festival four years running. Todd Thomas, with great form and content, spent his time with Milwaukee area bands, Life On Other Planets, Symposium, The Pawns and First Light before heading his way to Madison. Voted Best New Band in 2007 by Isthmus readers in the Annual Manual, Vibe Syndicate has also been nominated for Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA) in 2007, 2005 and 2004. For booking, contact Todd Thomas by calling (608) 334-7265, or via email booking@vibesyndicate.com. For more information including audio clips, photos, and our gig calendar, go to www.vibesyndicate.com. You can also check out our MySpace page at www.myspace.com/madvibesyndicate/