(Portland Phoenix, May 19-25, 2006)
BEST R&B/SOUL/BLUES ACT
SLY-CHI
Winning their third BMP award in a row, Sly-Chi are showing no signs slowing down. Theyve been one of Portlands tightest live acts for years which is especially noteworthy considering that togetherness isnt always easy for a nine-member group with horn, rhythm, and vocal sections. The band have added saxophonist Brian T-Bone Graham this year, and vocalist Kelly McKenna this month both new additions who have the tough task of improving a sound that our readers seem adamant about calling the best. Their music is popularly described as a mix of funk, soul, blues, and R&B but whatever they are, their large following and powerful BMP success has shown that this ensemble is anything but boring.
Notable shows include opening for the Toots & the Maytals, Derrick Trucks (of the Allman Brothers Band), and Sam Kininger (of Soul Live). The band have been known to cover a variety of artists including Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and the Allman Brothers but its their original material that is most impressive. Smooth, professional, and vibrantly energetic, their debut album Wave Sound (released in February 2004) showcases the seriousness of their talent. The album hit the charts in New Hampshire and Maine but the nine-track recording only scratches the surface of their original material. Look for a new album this fall and for now, catch them live every Tuesday at the Big Easy and every Thursday at Brian Boru.
_Hootie Giangreco