Artist description Clay! is a Latin Funk band. Our influences include many ethnic rhythms and sounds from all over the world. We try to have purpose in our passion, meaning in our lyrics, and we get down with the funk.

Music Style Latin - Jazz

Musical Influences Dave Matthews Band, Deleriou5? Santana, The lords of Lounge

Similar Artists Dave Matthews Band, Santana, Miles Davis, Delerious, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Artist History Band has been together for about 2 years. Recently we toured in Bulgaria.

Group Members Kip - guitar, harmonica, percussion Mark - throat + trumpet Joel - Set, Background Vocals Eric (the funkmaster) on bass Marc - congas, bongos, timbalies, jembe & toyz Ryan - Organ, Keys, Funk Sounds

Instruments Trumpet, guitar, set, bass, congas, bongos, timbalies, & other delights...

Albums Claymation, 10 Trees Counting

Press Reviews Dailey Athenaeum - 10 out of 10 What do you get when three engineers, a percussionist and an international studies major, decide to form a band ? Why, Clay, of course. Kip Haynes, Joel Maas, Eric Liese, Marc Hinkle and Mark Messenger have what it takes to integrate the love of God into musical excellence. On their homemade CD entitled 10 Trees Counting, Clay explores many avenues of sound, from rock to Latin to funk. The best description of their musical style can be described in one word — kind. One thing that sticks out in my mind as I listen to Clay exists in the voice of Messenger, the lead singer. On slower songs like “Red Sky” and “Come Home,” his rich tenor shines through and tells of the wonder of God. Not only does Messenger sing well, but his trumpet-playing skills add that extra something that many bands lack. I’m sure the other members are very happy to have Messenger in the band. Drummer Maas shows how the drums were made to be played. In funky jams like “Round,” Maas keeps the sound flowing strong, allowing the other band members to get their groove on. It takes talent to be able to hold down the beat when Haynes and the others begin to jam. Maas definitely has that talent. Liese began playing the bass nearly two years ago so that he could join the band on their first overseas tour. Possibly know as “the Funk Master” by his friends, Liese works the bass nicely on all the tracks. The bass action on “Wake Up,” especially, creates a great bass sound thanks to Liese. The newest member of Clay adds that special something that leaves no doubt in my mind that this band will make it. Mark Hinkle hooked up with Clay when he came to WVU from Alaska to study African percussion and rhythm. In songs like “10 Trees” and “Clay,” his percussion sound is so developed that its existence becomes necessary for true enjoyment. The mastermind behind Clay, Haynes wields his guitar with amazing proficiency. Shifting from fast-paced rhythms to slow-moving harmonies may be hard for some musicians out there but not for Haynes. His style makes listening exciting because he adds interesting little devices here and there throughout the songs. For example, in “You Love” Haynes mixes it up with some fancy guitar work that helps spice up the song. Haynes seemed excited about the progress that the band is making, all the gigs they are playing and their increasing chances of signing with a label. About the band Haynes said, “We’re kinda like Dave Matthew’s Band meets Santana ... Feel free to check Clay out at Gibbie’s Pub on Saturday at 10 p.m. You can experience them live and buy their CD for $8. It may be the best decision you’ve made all week

Location Morgantown, WV - USA

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