Band: Equaleyes

Genre: Rock/Reggae/Pop (Always, if delicately done, a great mix)

Members:

– Jeff Crosby (Guitar, Vocals, Songwriting)

– William Prescott (Drums, Vocals)

– Daniel “The Hawk” Blumenfeld (Keys, Accordion)

– Tom Borda (Bass, Vocals)

Band Review:

There is a short list of known musicians from Idaho. This list includes Paul Revere, from Paul Revere and The Raiders, Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue bassist), and the prominent singer/songwriter Josh Ritter. We can add a burgeoning band to this list; Equaleyes (E-Qual-Eyes: To Make Equal).

The name Equaleyes suits this Boise band particularly well. Hidden behind their interesting music is a heart that numerous bands tend to lose as they start playing professionally. This can be heard in their music and seen in their numerous humanitarian efforts. Equaleyes has affiliated themselves with organizations including the U.S. Special Olympics, Casting for a Cure and Veterans for Peace. They have also donated the proceeds of several of their shows to raise funds for cancer patients in the state of Idaho. In an interview with http://www.livemusicnewsandreview.com, where they were featured as the Band Spotlight, lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeff Crosby spoke of their endeavours.

“We’ve realized that our music and music in general is a great way to bring attention to a cause and to help people in need. There’s no better way to spread awareness about something than through the power of songs. Knowing people personally that have dealt with cancer or are a military veteran has been a huge motivation to be involved and help in some way. Being aware of the environment and helping those in need we hope is common sense to our generation and definitely plan to always be involved in helping a cause or something bigger than us.”

Big words from a 22-year-old. The band has focused on not only giving back, but also making great music. Boy, they are the full package. So, how about we get to some music.

Equaleyes is a fresh blend of rock, pop, funk, bluegrass and reggae. That is certainly an earful. But, unlike some bands who quickly fall apart because of their ambition, Equaleyes is talented enough to make it work. They ably switch gears in each song on their most recent release While I’m Alive (released in 2008). Songs on this album range from pleasant experimentation to upbeat reggae/pop. Then, after you are immersed and ensconced in the reggae funk explosion, you are taken on a wild ride through the mountains of Idaho. It is such a treat to hear young musicians create a beautiful palette of music with such ease. This is a band that has the ability to strike it big. So, it is time we show these Idaho boys some east coast love.

This post comes at a good time for Equaleyes. They are due to release a new album in a month that, if While I’m Alive is any indication, will sure to be quite entertaining. You may want to put that CD on your list of upcoming releases. Also, they are embarking on a tour (I will include dates below)

Best Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r_46K39mKQ (Sorry embedding was disabled)

“The Beaten Path” is a fun, upbeat tune that really makes you want to get up and move. It is highlighted by Crosby’s excellent vocal and the carefree, but cogent lyric. Here is a portion of the lyric.

“We walk our own path / we sing our own songs / we live the life of our choice
When this all gives in / and true life begins / we’ll all use our own voice / let’s use our own voice”

This seems quite appropriate for Equaleyes

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Mar 11 2010 The White Owl  Logan, Utah
Mar 12 2010 The Downstairs  Park City, Utah
Mar 13 2010 The Hogwallow  Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 15 2010 Cervantes W/ HOME Denver, Colorado
Mar 17 2010 Whistler’s Cafe  Nederland, Colorado
Mar 19 2010 Connor O’neill’s Boulder, Colorado
Mar 20 2010 Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins, Colorado
Mar 22 2010 Cervantes Otherside W/ Fatty Lumpkin Denver, Colorado
Mar 23 2010 Salida Cafe   Salida, Colorado
Mar 24 2010    Crested Butte, Colorado
Mar 25 2010 Fly me to the Moon Telluride, Colorado
Mar 26 2010 The Summit  Durango, Colorado
Mar 30 2010 Mystic Hot Springs Monroe, Utah
Apr 2 2010 Woody’s   Moab, Utah
Apr 3 2010 Woody’s   Moab, Utah
Apr 9 2010 Liquid (Yonder Mtn. Afterparty!)Boise, Idaho

Information:

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/equaleyeslive

Website: http://www.equaleyeslive.com/

If you’d like to contact the band for booking, cds, merchandise, general info, send an email to equaleyeslive@hotmail.com, or leave a message on the myspace.

*Are you a new band that thinks your music is better than most of the stuff out there in the music world today. Well, we at the Music Court want to hear you. Send your band info; a band bio, updated band members, pictures, a sample track and potential tour dates (basic press pack) to musiccourt@gmail.com for a chance to be profiled on the blog.*