Artist description World Jazz jam band with great vocals and internationalmusicians

Music Style World-Jazz

Musical Influences Santana, Fela, Jon Lucien

Similar Artists Sade

Artist History Rarely has an ensemble exploded on the scene with the dynamic presence and unique vocal stylings of the Equal Rites Band. The band's sound dubbed as "Afro-Caribbean", is underscored by a driving fusion of funk,reggae, and jazz. The group is led by Lon E. Plynton, veteran performer/songwriter and founder of the Mystic Jammers, a legendary band in the New England area'a "world music" scene. Plynton's guitar riffs are as funky as anything by James Brown yet they can soar with the lyricism and beauty of Santana. Working hand in glove with Plynton, is a vocalist and lyricist Keli Garrett, best known for her work as a professional actress and playwrite. Garrett's and Plynton's voices combinee to create a distinct sound that is theirs alone. On steel drum, is the "Professor" of the Pan, the great Mackie Burnett. As a lauded instuctor for Brown University and Smith College, Burnette gives much of his time bequeathing unto future generations his vast knowledge of the instrument from his homeland, Trinidad. Burnett stays busy touring and recording with his own steel drum ensemble, Panorama. At the Keys, is Willie Myette, a young rising talent of the east coast jazz scene. The Willie Myette Trio performs extensively throughout the New England area and beyond featuring the wonderful songstress, Tish Adams. Myette's playing is ferociously funky, intuitive, and ever expanding. Respected by his peers as a great session player and a master crafter of the electric bass, Mibbit Threats is a man who trained at the feet of some of the greatest Classic Funk bassists ever-Including Larry Graham. True to his name, Threats' grooves are menacingly funky and daringly innovative. John Booth is identified by many as the Jimi Hendrix of our era. He is explosive, powerful, frantic, though precise. Here we have represented some of his best acoustic work. Matt Niebels is fast making a name for himself on the scene as a drummer of dexterous skills. Matt performs anywhere and in any style. Playing with local Favs Sunshine Smokey, and Spogga, Niebel's skills for Equal Rites are heightened by the band's cross breed of sounds and ever changing rhythms.

Group Members Mackie Burnett- Steel Drum Keli Garrett- Vocals Willie Myette - KeyboardsMatt Niebels - DrumsLon Plynton - GuitarMibbit Threats - BassJohn Booth - GuitarAbdoul Doumbia - African DrumsNano Valerio - Latin Percussion

Albums Lucia

Press Reviews Equal Rites: Lucia (Lion's Eye Productions) Rising up as an offshoot of local reggae celebs the Mystic Jammers, Equal Rites delves deeply into a highly percussive groove-adelic sound, part Afro-dance, part Caribbean hipsway. Led by singer/guitarist Lon Plynton of the Jammers and supported by singer Keli Garrett, drummer Matt Nielbels, bassist Mibbit Threats, keyboardist Willie Myette, and percussionist Jackie Burnett, Equal Rites burns brightest and heats up most when they get their ensemble thing revving at full tilt. On "Lucia" or "When I Dream" the band conjures up the tropical nights of Trinidad when rum swizzles and an ocean breeze are the only things that'll cool off the performance of a great groove band. Plynton doesn't shy from mimicking a few guitar heroes, namely Carlos Santana on the stinging "Running Back" and Chic's Nile Rodgers on the boogie-oogie of "What Does It Matter." A couple of acoustic numbers -- "On the Street" and "What Else" -- feature some nice guitar work on the part of guest John Booth, and they provide a nice breather from the ensemble's jazzy pushes, a vital effort from a gritty, versatile, and worthwhile local outfit.

Location Providence, Rhode Island - USA

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