“Anchored by the sound of funk and soul masters including James Brown, Otis Redding, and Prince, SugarBad creates an uplifting sound spearheaded by the velveteen voice of Lisa Ramey.
Unlike most typical funk-soul acts, SugarBad has all the intensity of a rock band, featuring anthemic vocals and horns, a powerful rhythm section, and funky guitar and organ based grooves. With beginnings as an instrumental house band at 169 Bar, Ramey (Vocals), Aaron Rockers (Horns), Dave Mainella (Organ/Keys), Frank Cogliano (Guitar), Isaac Jaffe (Bass), and Nick Myers (Saxophone) quickly evolved into a staple of the New York soul scene.
On stage, funk, rock, and soul combine to create an energetic and captivating experience. With tours in Italy, grand performances at Jazz! at Lincoln Center, and packed shows at legendary NYC rock clubs such as Bowery Electric and Rockwood Music Hall, SugarBad shows unique versatility and is ready to jolt their genre with their upcoming EP, set to release winter 2014.
SugarBad Is:
Lisa Ramey – Vocals | Nicholas Myers – Saxophone | Aaron Rockers – Trumpet | Frank Cogliano – Guitar | David Mainella- Organ and Keyboards | Isaac Jaffe – Bass“
That’s what the press release said and listening to SugarBad’s Up In The Clouds, they may have a point. Lisa Ramey has unbelievable pipes, she doesn’t sound like the UK soul singers working the EDM side of pop soul all over the UK, she sounds old fashioned, and funky and the horns are blasting like a mutated Maceo. The title track is masterful and “Teacher” sounds like the Small Faces with a female Steve Marriott soundalike.
SugarBad are playing Rockwood 2 (a great club on Allen Street, if you don’t know it get there early and stay on the balcony looking down) SugarBad’s EP release show is this Friday at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage II (196 Allen St, New York, NY 10002), their set is 10 pm. If you don’t know the room it’s great, get there early and stay on the balcony looking down).
Here’s a taste:
