August 01, 2008 SPOTLIGHT - Who Is This Homeslice Group?
by Dave
Preston - Colorado Music Buzz
While
sitting at my computer browsing through the hundreds of
great acts in Denver on MySpace, I found a group that
energizes the listener from start to finish. Let me
share with you what I learned about a group called
HomeSlice.
I
continued listening to this fresh take on traditional
genres as I started exploring the page, viewing upcoming
shows and sighting the band’s pictures. Then it
hit me. I could tell after listening to their music
that this band is packed with musicians who consistently
change together. They challenge the comfort levels of
live improv so each band member grows at the same rate as
the others. The result is an ever-changing music
force that carries vigorous life when performing and
recording.
“The
HomeSlice sound is constantly evolving” says
guitarist Steve Franklin when I asked him to describe the
sound of his hit band. “Our fans often say
‘It looks like you guys are having a good time up
there’, and we believe it is contagious: We are
having a good time!”
Contagious
or not, the HomeSlice vibe is spreading via internet on
such music store sites like CDBaby.com
as fans
list this band as their favorite of all time. Their
self-titled debut album has fans ranting and raving about
next concert dates.
HomeSlice
is a funk group that narrows the line between many
genres. The band’s ability to create songs
within any given genre has awarded them die-hard fans all
over Colorado. “We write music that feels good
without regard to stylistic limitations. We
don’t worry about adhering to one format or
another. Our live shows are all about dancing and
having a good time. We rotate a large number of songs
through our shows to keep it fresh. Our music is
always changing.”
Visually
the band is as stunning as they sound - a freight train
full of vim and vigor carrying textures of nine different
instruments at once. The dynamic vocal presence of
Diana Wood combined with the antics of the horn section
make the show exciting to be apart of. “There
is plenty of opportunity for audience
participation.”
With
nine members, each one carrying different musical
influences and backgrounds, the HomeSlice sound is shaped
by the works of Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, Led
Zeppelin, and Johnny Cash. The nine are Jon Benson
(Trumpet/Backup Vocals), Peter Benson (Bass/Backup Vocals),
John Evans (Saxophone/Guitar/Backup Vocals), Steve Franklin
(Guitar/Vocals/Trumpet), Fred Garlington (Lead
Trumpet/Backup Vocals), John Patterson (Drums), Kenny
Saccomanto (Keyboards) Brent Smith (Trombone, Backup
Vocals), and the front lady Diana Wood
(Vocals).
My
experience says that bands who share what HomeSlice shares
connect on the same level spiritually about making the art
of music. “HomeSlice plays music to feed the
soul. It gives our lives direction and purpose.
We are all great friends sharing what we love,” said
Steve Franklin.
X
July 15th, 2008 Slice News
Hello Everyone.... the band has a few weeks off in July so we can spend some "summer" time with our families and friends. Can you keep a secret? When we return, we'll have a few surprises for our dedicated listeners, (shhhh, don't tell.... and perhaps other local groups) with the introduction of new material in our current song selection lineup. We enjoy an hope to keep things fresh and exciting for everyone. Stay tuned.
July 2nd, 2008 New Tour Stop Announced
We would like to thank Village Homes for the invitation to perform at their new South Shore development in Aurora July 12th. This is an all ages outdoor show at noon which is open to the public. We'll be a the Lake House, just beside the Model homes. Bring your families, lawn chairs, sunblock, favorite cool beverages and enjoy HomeSlice out by the pool.
June 20th, 2008 Listener CD Reviews from outside of the USA
"Pop at is best - well played,sung and produced. radio-friendly".
- Simon from Denmark
"Love the voices, top production, full sound - This is great!"
- Ariel Ojeda - Buenos Aires, Argentina
" Oh my God what a fantastic song, thank you! Great! Great! Great! Did I say this was great"
-Garni - Melbourne, Australia
"Whicked stuff Homeslice! Great tight and talented! loved it- I hold high my goblet of rock to you Homeslice! Well done!!!!"-
- Mick D. Calgary, Canada
June 12th, 2008 Listener CD Reviews
"I have had the privilege of hearing Brent and Diana working with other artists in the past and have been anxiously awaiting the release of this CD. HomeSlice has a nice big sound that is powerful, but not overpowering. All nine artists blend well and the result is truly a joy to listen to. This is a great album - we are loving it here in South Padre Island, Texas! To the band: Ya'll come on down anytime!"
-Kent Shafer
"This is an amazing CD! I bought my first CD at their release party in Denver and have since purchased 25 for my family and friends. I have never heard such a mix of music styles and songs on one album: zydeco, funk, reggae, rock... I love the song "Everything" and these guys need to get on the radio. They are truly the best live band I've ever seen in Denver (or anywhere else). Great debut album, Homeslice. Your #1 Fan."
-Cookie
"A good recording sound, fresh, upbeat and new...hope to be in Colorado this summer and I'll try to catch a show."
-Charlie (from northern Illinois)
May 8th, 2008 CD's are available Online.
April 21st, 2008 Thank you!
Thank you for supporting HomeSlice! Herman's was a packed house full of such wonderful people. It was a full night of fun! A special thanks to family and friends for volunteering their time for merchandising, taking photographs, planning and helping us distribute all of those CD's.
PLEASE send along your comments regarding our original music via our website. We hope you enjoy our debut CD as or next tour stop is at the Walnut Room in May. We hope to see you there.
April 02, 2008 - New Tour Stop Announcement
Mile High Harley Davidson - Aurora location - June 7th, 2008. 3 p.m. This will be the headlining performance for this event, please come out and hang out with the HS crew and check out some bikes!
April 02, 2008 - Tour Stop Announcement
Hot Sounds in the City - This free summer concert will take place at 5 p.m. on August 7th in the middle of downtown Denver -the heart of the city. One city block is closed down for each of the Thursday concerts. This is truly an event that gives back to the people of Denver.
February 11th, 2008 - Live Studio Work Completed
January 4th, 2008 - FInally!
Okay, Ya'll. What a busy 2007! We're taking January and part of February 2008 off from live performances to finish this album. Thank you everyone (especially our spouses and families). Your support means a lot to all of us and we're excited to get this album behind us.
October 13th, 2007 - Winston Ford
Homeslice sends its sincerest condolences regarding the tragic passing of Winston Ford, (who performed with the local group Phat Daddy) on his way back from a performance. Our hearts and prayers are with his family as we are still in shock over an untimely passing. Winston was an incredibly blessed man of many attributes, a respected colleague, business associate and wonderful entertainer. We have lost a dear friend whom we will never forget .
June 5th, 2007- Live Performance Review
We cannot thank you enough for everything!! HomeSlice was amazing and we had such a great time. It wouldn't have been the same without you and we are so appreciative. You are definitely the best band we have ever heard and we are proud to say you played at our wedding :-)
Please pass along our thanks to the others and let me know if you ever need a reference - we are more than happy to rave about you!
Thank you again for everything!!!
Kind Regards,
Jessica & Andy
December 28th, 2006 - Live Performance Review
I'm a little late in writing this, but you folks performed at our last festival for the season up here in Central City. I've come to the conclusion Homeslice is the absolute top local act I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing (originally, I wasn't even going to leave the house that day).
While I was journying down the hill on foot, you were already performing, as I could hear it several blocks away.
"My God!" I thought, "Who is that???"
I started running, hoping I hadn't missed much (no lie). What a show!
The sheer power of your orchestra combined with the incredible Ms Wood was an experience I will never forget! Your effect on the crowd was something to see, too! I had friends jumping around who normally wouldn't be caught dead dancing. It was something.
Thanks again.
Gary
September 18th, 2006 - Live Performance Review
Hi Guys, I went to see (featured band named removed) Saturday at Herman's. Unfortunately, the band before them was so good, I was bored when it came time to watch (the featured band). Anyway, you guys rock! The horn section was great and I don't know how that little female singer was pushing that kind of vocal power. I know how hard it is to stay tight with that many in the band so I was very impressed with the whole band.
Later, and I will catch you guys again, Danny
July 2006 - Live Performance Review
My friend and I saw you all this weekend up at the Little Bear on Friday night. We're the ones who were out dancing to almost every song. :)
You've officially made new fans out of the two of us. What's more important is that each one of you is very personable and easy to talk to.
I've seen a lot of bands and trust me, you can't carry on a conversation with just everyone. Thanks again for the good time. We'll be seeing
you again soon.
~Karli and Crystal
Earlier Live Performance Reviews
Mike and I wanted to thank you for your AMAZING ability's and the great fun that you guys brought to our wedding! You will get nothing but praise, referrals, and attendance at your shows from us and our friends! thank you so much. we had so much fun!!!!
Sincerely,
Mike and Lindsey
I am 43 yrs old and don't normally go to bars any more. On Saturday after recently moving to Evergreen, CO, I went with some neighbors to Little Bear. You guys were great! I had a fantastic time listening to HomeSlice. Keep it up! I will be back to see you in September!
Thanks!
I wanted to let you know that my mom, mom-in-law, and I had a TERRIFIC time at Red Fish on Friday night thanks to the awesome performance of Homeslice!! You guys are absolutely amazing! The music itself is fantastic, but I also love your fun, funky, laid-back, interactive style. It was great how you joked around, interacted with the crowd, and played a wide variety of good dance music. It was really great. I'm thrilled that we hired you guys to perform at our wedding, and I'm sure you'll be fantastic!Please give my compliments to the rest of the band - you were all wonderful on Friday night! Have a great month or so, and I'll be in touch in the week or two before the wedding!
Thanks,
Nicki Leiser
