Bad Sneakers and a Pina Colada, My Friend

Posted by Seven Tang - Jul. 2009 - Entertainment

Just got in from seeing a great show here in Phoenix:  the very groovy Steely Dan tribute band, Bad Sneakers.

Not gonna ramble here — I’ll just say this:  it doesn’t even matter if you’ve never HEARD of Steely Dan… if you’re in Phoenix and you dig watching incredible musicianship happen live before your very eyes, COME OUT for this band…

Bad Sneakers is dangerously stacked, pure artistic firepower:  3 vocalists, 7 musicians — all excellent (and relatively accomplished) in their own right.  There is at least one Grammy-winner on stage (I’ll let you find out for yourself…) — let’s put it this way:  your night won’t suck.

The Valley’s Bad Sneakers Band:  Getting Your Steely Dan Fix

Posted by Gregg Malkoff - Feb. 2010 - examiner.com/phoenix

Love 'em or hate 'em, Steely Dan created some of the most complex and sophisticated songs during their heyday in the 1970s; a unique hybrid of jazz, pop, blues and other musical flotsam. Defying most melodic (and lyrical) conventions, the Dan's songcraft often stretched the outer limits of the traditional pop/rock tune while retaining the basic structure of the genre.

Enter the Valley's own Bad Sneakers Band started in 2006 by good friends drummer Matt Goodman and bassist Mel Brown. The two, determined to impart one of their personal musical passions, eventually added 10-15 core, like-minded professional musicians to the mix. The band's growing repetoire consists of some 30 pristine and wide-ranging Dan tunes.

And something for everyone too. The band now also incorporates songs from the perenial Tower of Power as well as "Soul Truth," featuring pop/jazz and R & B from legends such as Aretha Franklin and Al Jarreau to its live shows.

Steely Dan cover bands, always a challenge for even the most seasoned musician, exist both here and abroad with varying levels of expertise. What puts the Sneakers a cut above, along with their excellent musicianship, are the unsurpassed vocals. Unlike similar bands, the band employ three personable singers switching leads--two girls and a guy--who breezily impart the heart, humor and sophisticated harmonies such songs require but rarely are achieved. 

And the deep, soulful vocals and quality musicianship don't stop with the Steely numbers. The same is true for the newer song additions from the Tower of Power and from the "Soul Truth" setlists. These guys (and gals) are good.

So break out your hats and hooters. Drink a big Black Cow. (Or a Pina Colada).

And head on over to the nearest Bad Sneakers Band gig.