Charley Orlando - articles

RUHA Contributing Writer : Garret K. Woodward www.RUHAmusic.com www.myspace.com/ruhamusic What does chicken soup and RUHA have in common? Soothing wintry souls one offering at a time. “We have some flavors of old school rock’n’roll, funky grooves, and an earthy singer-songwriter vein,” bassist Max McKee said of the Syracuse, N.Y. quartet. “Tossed into a pot, [you] make RUHA soup.” Combining over 20 years of touring experience, the jam-rock troubadours are currently embarking on cross-country tour, wandering through Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Maine, and New York. “The music maintains the elements,” McKee said. “With the solid foundation and support of the earth, the flow and wandering of the waters, the intensity and heat of the fires, and the floating and flying of the wind.” Influenced by the Grateful Dead, Parliament Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, “the drive to the gig, our momma’s home cookin’, and the energy of the crowd”, a vital aptitude for improvisation remains at the heart of the band. “It’s raw creation on the spot,” said McKee. “[We enjoy] venturing into new territories or expanding the world that you’re in at the time. We seek a balance of form and formlessness. The basic approach is to have no approach. That sometimes creates a new direction each night for the same song. [It’s] pretty much different each time we step onstage.” Formed in 2005, as a side project by the lively Charley Orlando (lead vocals/guitar), RUHA (an Aramaic word meaning “air, breath and atmosphere”) released their first album, “The Dust That Lands”, in 2007. But, the initial lineup seemed to go nowhere according to McKee. “Members of the band at the time didn’t have the vibe,” he said. “The vibe of RUHA is that of one sound, one being, one heart. In a meditation it came to Charley that this [current] lineup of musicians was indeed “ruha”. So, six months ago, Greg [LaPoint drums)], Brian [Lauri (keyboards)], Charley, and myself emerged as RUHA. [We want] to spread the sound like peanut butter across the world, promoting unity and love.” And with an industry quickly losing steam in the mainstream, the group embraces the personal challenge at hand, which is one of relentless self-promotion amid a sometimes-unforgiving musical landscape. “It seems like it’s becoming more of a grass roots operation,” said McKee. “Of course a record label can help, but they wont step in until they see success. [We are] a grassroots band, that when signed to a major label, will remain connected to its roots. The need to connect with your audience is the most important aspect of any band. Continued success on all levels is the ability to never lose contact with your crowd.” Looking towards the future one show at a time, McKee is eager to reach new audiences and cross paths with those unknown yesterday, yet friends today. “The road is a blast for the most part,” he said. “To hang with everybody, making new friends, crashing on couches, and the everyday insanity is our favorite part, besides the music obviously. “[We want people] to feel a sense of aliveness and inspiration, to share what we’re all feeling together, and to realize there is so much more to life than what streams through your head on any given day.”
The Hot Spot Charley Orlando Band By Melissa Brodeur April 08, 2009 Many may remember Charley Orlando as the front-man for the psychedelic /folk groove acoustic duo Dexter Grove, who courageously played more than 250+ shows a year for almost ten years straight. After a five year well deserved break from the road, Orlando is back, this time with his Charley Orlando Band. Formed in December of 2007 this band has been locked up in a garage in North Syracuse relentlessly rehearsing to refine a sound that features Kiel Feher on drums, Max McKee on bass and Charley Orlando on electric/acoustic guitar, Harmonica and vocals. The sound is best described as Americana mixed with roots rock that doesn’t shy from improvisation. His new album Free World Citizen is now available for download and was released March 17th 2009 followed by a Midwest Rocky Mountain Spring Tour and Festival stops at Sterling Stage Folk Fest' in Sterling,NY and Summer Camp in Chillicothe,IL . You have been in the music business for quite some time, what are some of the most positive, significant changes you have experienced? All of it really. Being a musician is an honor. Lately the 2 other members of Charley Orlando Band, Kiel Feher and Max McKee, have been my most positive experience in my career. We have such a great bond and deep spiritual connection with each other and it shows in the music and in our lives. Being able to connect with other musicians like that really raises the level of the experience. My whole outlook on life and music has really been over the top positive lately and it has to be when you write lyrics about changing the world for the better, you have to live it and really believe and we do! How has living in upstate NY affected your life after being on the road for so many years? At first it was tough. I went from going 500 miles an hour to 20 in a day it seemed like. I sorta kinda freaked out. I had to address some serious issue with my lifestyle and nasty habits that I had acquired on the road. I really needed a break. It's not just the big stars that get sucked in ... it's all of us. Being on the road is a surreal experience. You live in your own bubble and the outside world doesn't really exist. I had to relearn how to socialize with "normal" people. Most folks don't get the inside jokes and thought process of being a touring musician. But my wife and kids really helped me adjust and now after 5 years I'm ready to go back out and hit it again. You have worked with so many different musicians and have been involved with all types of bands, how do you feel your fans react to these changes? During the Dexter Grove years it seemed like folks welcomed the changes and talents we pulled into the fold. You know when you do 250 shows a year it's always good to mix it up. When I went from Dexter Grove to being a solo artists I don't think they liked it that much. It was WAY different. It was me and my songs: very intimate, quiet, and personal stuff. Most came around to it but it was really a transition period for me. I was searching for something different and it took me five years but with the Charley Orlando Band I have found a sound, a home and two insanely talented musicians to help get it done. I do believe anyone who has been following my travels will just flip over this lineup. Plus my songwriting has never been better than it is now. If you could share a stage with any other band or musician still alive who would it be? Bob Dylan or U2! Either one would be a life changing experience. In your travels, what has been the weirdest most random thing you have found? Two come to mind ... One is right here in Syracuse,NY where I was booking a show at a local venue and the owners name was Charley Orlando. Truly bizarre. The other was a friend of mine Charley, who I have known since 1988, was at a show in Albuquerque,NM that was on my birthday and it was his as well. Never knew that. Any other stories I am keepin' to myself? Most people just wouldn't believe me. Some really random stuff happens on the road. What has been your favorite city to play in? Tough call! There are some many for so many different reasons. But I'd have to say Bolinas,CA. For no other reason than that is the way life should be! Good luck finding it ;) I know you don't remember this, but I remember when we planted a tree at the studio in Rochester, what other things have you done to "be green" either in your personal life or while with a band? You're right ... I don't remember, but that was real nice of us to do. I always try to leave a minimal foot print in general, but being human is a contradiction. I use recycled shopping bags, buy local, ride my bike whenever possible(which is a lot ... i love my bike) and my new album "Free World Citizen" is replicated on 100% recycled cardboard and soda and water bottles. I really wish the world would get on board more with and all digital format. It would waste a ton less. Do you want to say anything to your fans? Thanks for sticking with me for 20+ years. It's only getting better!
Reviewed by Erin Bukofsky of Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion Charley Orlando Band Free World Citizen In this album Orlando used his music to speak his mind on the issues that are prevalent in today's world, be it the personal relationships of individuals or the status of the world as a whole. All the while, Orlando's solid vocals allowed him to present his beliefs with passion and conviction. Further, each song involved strong character and intricate beats emphasized by excellent instrumental performances. Those who connect with Bob Dylan and Neil Young will be impacted by the Charley Orlando Band. Track 1 Out to Sea- A great track to start the album. The instrumental section at the end of the song shows impressive musicianship and really gets the listener feeling the music along with the musicians. Track 5 No More Cruelty- A powerful track with meaningful lyrics. The strength and intensity of the instrumentation and vocals perfectly stress the importance of the message. Track 11 World Citizen- An upbeat tempo with awesome guitar riffs and drum beats. Like the previously mentioned song, this track has a sincere lyrical message that speaks of the troubles that today's and tomorrow's world citizens face.
Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, an album by its title. Singer-songwriter Charley Orlando named the new CD by he and his band "Free World Citizen." That says so much. Orlando handles all vocals -- with his distinctive tenor, -- and all the guitar work. He wrote all 11 songs, too. And he's smart enough to let drummer Kiel Feher and bassist Max McKee add to the tasty texture. Together they build a big and mostly happy sound. The lyrics run deep. In its finest moments, the Charley Orlando Band brings to mind the richness, soul and intelligence of the folk- rock movement at its best. The finest crescendo comes in "Radiate," with Tim Herron's whirling organ work added as a special ingredient. "We live in a day and age where everything's not so simple," Orlando sings. "Political monkeying, lies, deception and treason. A fever-pitch of insolence. Not one person believing that he or she or them or it can do a thing about it." Recorded and mixed by David Peters at Belfry Studios in LaFayette and mastered by Jocko at More Sound in Syracuse, the music and lyrics entwine themselves clearly, and from the heart. Orlando closes the package with blistering guitar and lyrics in "World Citizen," in which he declares, "I've been a citizen of this world, sometimes lost, sometimes found. I've been a citizen of this world, and it's time I left town." Catch a show: The Charley Orlando Band plays at 10 p.m. March 16 at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 246 W. Willow St., Syracuse. The CD release party will include two shows, at 6 and 8 p.m., April 11 at the Belfry Studio in LaFayette. Only 50 people will get tickets for each seating. The admission fee of $12 also includes a copy of the CD. Requests must be made to info@charleyorlando.com.
Sounds of Syracuse: Charley Orlando by Tiffany Bentley A Grammy-nominated musician lives in our own backyard. Charley Orlando was added to the 48th Grammy awards ballot in 2005, and the 50th in 2007. And he lives and works in Syracuse, New York. Charley’s sound is folk on the fun side. At times fiddles and a back-up band accompany him, others it’s just him and his guitar, his voice, his words and his energy. The songs are very melodic and truthful and leave a smile on the listener’s face. Whether he breaks out the harmonica or just wails on the guitar, each jam leaves the audience focusing on his next move and tapping their feet or swaying to the beat at the same time. The effects of his music on the audience contribute to his mission in performing – to join people and peace through tolerance and common ground. Charley’s purpose is to diminish the fear and worry that leads to hatred with his music – through positive thoughts and awakening. His top two friends on MySpace are his wife and Barack Obama. In his career, Charley Orlando has put out 11 albums and continues to tour, playing shows all over New York State and festivals such as the High Sierra in California, and the 10,000 Lakes in Minnesota. He has toured in three countries and 45 states, totaling almost three thousand shows so far in his career. The albums “Charley Orlando” and “The Dust That Lands” were added to the Grammy Ballot in 2005 in six categories, while “Beauty and Pain” was added to the 48th in four. Sharing the stage with the likes of musicians from Jackson Browne, Rusted Root, Jefferson Airplane, and the Spin Doctor, his show is his own, but shares common threads with all of these artists. Fans of Phish, The Tragically Hip, Dave Matthews, or Bob Dylan would likely enjoy Charley’s flair. Songs like “My Angel” invite a sing- along and bring a tear in the eye as the love song emphasizes the better side of love, contrary to many ballads today. Jams like “Out to Sea” bring out the jam side of his tunes with lyrics like “So I ask you does it ever become any brighter than this?” and “Sail my ship out to sea so I can be free.” Charley tours solo, and also with his newly formed project, The Charley Orlando band. His other side projects include the band Ruha and The Assassins of Hip. His current dates include stops in Albany, Rochester, Utica, and New York City, and of course many home appearances. Regardless of whom he plays with Charley is a very talented guitar player and performer. His stage presence is focused yet lasting – you remember his face and motions long after the last song is played. Check Charley out on this webpage www.charleyorlando.com. See him live locally at The Limp Lizard on February 5th or the Dewitt Shire on February 27th.