Green Island
band introductions
This is the section where I get to tell folks about our excellent band. We first grouped together on 4/28/07 at Caboose to Zion studios in Whately, Ma. At that time, we had a slightly different line up. However, most of the essentials are still intact from that first meeting, so there is no need to rehash old history.
Green Island is a collective of friends, old and new, who engage themselves with the pursuit of musical excellence and vibrational altitude. (you heard it here first)
During the winter of 2007, Green Island drummer/band chief Dave Noonan decided to put together a musical project that embraces both musical individualism and a well rehearsed unit. The initial material circulated was a blend of reggae, afro beat, ska, and Jamaican jazz.
Dave first called on Gerry 'Jah Gerry' Leblanc, an old friend and musical compatriot. Gerry rocked the Pioneer Valley music scene for the whole of the 1990's as lead vocalist for Minibus, a rock/reggae/jam outfit. Gerry immediately signed on as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and percussion.
Hunter Toran, spirtual and physical embodiment of hilltown roots culture, came aboard next on lead vocals and lead/rhythm guitar. Hunter has electrified audiences locally for years with his 'round the campfire' brand of folk music that draws on reggae, country, gospel, Woody Guthrie, and the blues.
Garrett Sawyer, bassman for many a roots band in the valley, enjoyed the Green Island concept and traveled to the Island. Garrett and Dave play together in the world music ensemble 'The Pangeans', and have jammed together with 'Mafanti' and 'The Alchemystics', among others. The drum and bass bond between these two professors is strong and subtle. 'Nuff said.
Jon Weeks, horn man extraordinaire of the valley, came aboard following an email correspondance with Dave. Jon has played saxophone with many of the musicians in the valley, and there is a deep and mutual repsect between this horn statesman/latin percussionist and the musical community.
Matt Desreuisseau, piano/organ master for GI, came through a recommendation from Hunter, who had heard him playing at local gigs and was impressed enough to pass his name along. Matt is comfortable in any musical arena, and aptly tests new borders and boundaries, stretching his abilities to serve the music.
Will 'Will-I' Cluster, original GI lead guitarist, has left the band for personal reasons. We wish him the Ites. An original member of Boston's 'Bim Skala Bim', Will-I and his sound are going to be an asset to whomever he plays with in the future. Best of luck, brother.
Lastly, Dave 'Captain Happenin' Noonan rounds out the Island on drums. Dave's groove and pocket
help power the engine of the island. Though Dave facilitated the original framework within which the band initially evolved, the Island will continue to create new music for the times and for the people.
Reveling in the experience of our debut gig on 9/1/07 at Mocha Maya's in Shelburne Falls, I am able to surmise the following:
Green Island is a collective.
We have a sound that fires on all cylinders, quiet or loud.
We eat music.
We play food.
We drink air.
We breathe water.
Read our bio page for some bragging about our collective musical heritage and shameless name dropping.
Best to all, and a happy fall,
Dave
p.s. don't forget to put your garlic in the ground before 10/15/07. Mulch well with compost and straw. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
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