User:Emunoz88

Baldi and Suburban Graffiti
Baldi and Suburban Graffiti are a 6 piece funk and jazz band created by students from Summit, New Jersey.

History Early Days The band was put together in 2005, and over the past years has gone through many transformations. Two constants throughout the original project include Casey McGuire (rhythm guitarist) and Baldi (emcee). In 2005, they spent much of their time doing shows at The CrossWoods in Garwood, NJ, a local bar/music venue, under the name Baldi and The Jones. When they weren’t scheduled for gigs, they spent their nights doing 2 man acoustic sets at open mics throughout Northeast New Jersey.

Band Additions In September 2005, Baldi and McGuire met up with Nick Kiminski, who plays the drums. Although there were only three members of their band, they were offered to play the Lions Den in the West Village of New York City. The Lions Den is a club known for harboring up and coming acts. The three artists agreed to play the show and within a month picked up 4 new members; Brian McNeil (lead guitar), Dan Flaherty (bass), Chris Lijoi (sax) and Dan Rufulo (keys). The band took the stage on October 28, 2005 in front of over 100 people whom they recruited to the club, and that was the birth of Baldi & Suburban Graffiti. Within weeks, the group got the services of Monica Flanagan (vocals) and N.Y.C. (Never Yet Contest) (emcee), in order to further enhance their live performances. Together with a 9 person band, the group expanded their fan base as well as the list of venues played. They also soon began recording their first album.

Under The Weather: The NJLP Their first full length offering, Under The Weather: The NJLP includes 8 studio recordings as well as two live bonus tracks.

Influences Band influences include Atmosphere, Soulive, Medeski Martin & Wood, The Roots, Black Star (Talib + Mos), Phish, Bruce Springsteen, Sage Francis, Duke Ellington, Robert Glasper.

Sound The band has a foundation of a funk and jazz band fused with the sound of an emcee, Baldi as well as another emcee, N.Y.C. (Never Yet Contest), with whom they recently won MTV University’s The Freshman video contest for the week of 4/20-4/24 2009. Their emcees incorporate a hip hop vide to their music. Instrumental solos as well as the often improvisation that resembles a jamband is fused with the energy and aggression of an underground hip-hop concert.

Live Performances Their sound of music provides for an incredible live performance, and they have played in venue that include but are not limited to B.B. Kings in Times Square in New York City as well as Avalon Ballroom in Boston, Massacusetts.