Eclectic. Even though this word has become somewhat of a cop-out for bands these days searching for a description of their sound, Kadence serves up a true concoction deriving from various sources within the group and defining the term.
As influences for bands inside of the ever-growing jam-band scene range from Miles Davis to the Allman Brothers Band to Victor Wooten, many groups originate their folksy rock sound from these sources. Because of their broad tastes, they feel that they, in turn, are an “eclectic rock band.”
In reality, many of these groups neither have diversity within the group nor provide anything new for their listeners, in effect, leaving the adjective “eclectic” moot and uninspiring. However, Kadence rejuvenated the positive meaning of the word last Friday night at Luther’s Blues.
Although the group abstains from using the term “electic” in describing its sound, it proved its right to do so. Diversity is the key to being able to use the adjective. With many different personalities and musical backgrounds, the group draws from these sources to invent an original sound.
Reminiscent of a Gallagher brother, minus the English accent, Scott Starr’s booming vocals provide a rock-star quality to the band. Add the quirky keyboarding of Teddy Pedriana, fiery, yet sophisticated melodies from Shauncey Ali’s viola, seductive bass grooves of Jeff Bail, and drumbeats comparable to those of Animal from “The Muppets” coming from Luis Santana to get a truly eclectic combustion of sound.
“[We have] too many influences,” Starr said, eluding to the fact that Kadence’s sound comes from the distinct personalities within the group as opposed to a combination of the members’ musical tastes. Kadence’s influences range from the Rolling Stones and the Beatles to David Gray to the Stone Temple Pilots. Although it may be easier to find hints of the Allman Brothers than the more alternative STP, at a Kadence show, these groups make the Kadence concoction that much more potent.
Inducing an inebriating affect on its audience, Kadence’s blend leaves no audience member inhibited by his or her seat. Continuous jams do not lag or leave a dancer tired and bored. Rather, fervent viola melodies slide into keyboard solos, which race into slow bouncing bass beats and fall back into an all-out jam.
There exists a true chemistry within the group’s formula, whether it stems from the lack of a leader or from the element of life-long friendships in Bail, Ali and Starr or the ingredient of new amity in Pedriana and Santana.
Together for a little over a year now, Kadence maintains a cohesive bond. With any group of varied personalities and backgrounds, though, there will be good days and bad. “We’re still fine-tuning the creative process,” Bail said. With a high standard for success, the group never settles. A song is hardly ever complete. Whether it is changed in the studio, or even on stage, there is a constant evolution in the writing process, Santana and Starr explained.
“We want to start playing music that we actually like listening to,” Ali stated. The guys explained that with their high standards, when they like the music they are playing, others will, too.
Under the influence of Kadence’s intense concoction, the group’s fans and families feed its fire. While Luther’s Blues love hosting Kadence because “[it] brings in all the pretty girls,” as one Luther’s employee stated, the group enjoys the venue as well. Playing at venues like Luther’s Blues has helped the band develop and generate its matchless sound. “It’s our home — they take care of us,” Starr said.
Not only does Luther’s take care of the guys, but also Starr’s parents, who are currently constructing a studio in their basement for the band to practice and continually produce more music. Without these people backing the band, it could not exist, the guys explained. “It’s not about money or fame, but the people who support you,” Starr said.
The guys seem to be taking it day by day, with no real big plans for the immediate future. Pedriana joked that if he got his way, the group would all “up and leave for Nashville” to play the Grand ol’ Opry. Although not completely out of the question, members of Kadence have their sights on finishing school for right now.
When not in school, Kadence continues to create its potions of sound and develop new mixtures or, as Bail describes it, “rock that’s trying to grow up.”
Mainly, the group will continue to follow its passion, which is currently the band. “The band keeps me going” Santana said. It’s not just the band and the music that harbors the member’s focus, but it’s the urge to formulate connections with their audiences, Starr explained. And, it will continue to produce its inebriating effects until the passion element dissolves.
Kadence opens for Arrested Development Saturday, May 3, at the Union Terrace. More information about Kadence is available at the band’s website, www.kadencemusic.com. The band’s CD is available through its website and at local music stores.