Vintage Blue

There is No Going Back with Vintage Blue at Birdy’s

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Colin Caffee

It can be easy to get wrapped up in a particular genre of music and only focus on that. Variety is the spice of life and if you’re looking for something a little different this weekend Vintage Blue will be performing at Birdy’s on Friday April 25th. Vintage Blue is a Chicago based band that lives by the motto, “Trends and fads come and go, but honest and heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay.”
Vintage Blue
Vintage Blue

They are touring right now in support of their new EP No Going Back. The album is a strong showing that features six tracks. The band has been working on these tracks since the release of their 2012 album Strike the Mics. It definitely shows that a lot of hard work went into these tracks as the entire album has a flow that feels natural and well thought out. The intensity of the album slowly builds to my personal favorite track “The Enemy.”

They have recently released their first video for the title track off the album “No Going Back.” For the video they worked with director Kyle Dunleavy of Rhapsody Productions. The video features a young woman who seems to be caught in a “groundhog day” scenario. It begins with the video completely in black and white, as she walks past lead singer and guitarist Ben Bassett playing the song in a park, she stops and drops some change in his open guitar case. As this happens Ben appears in full color. This theme continues throughout the video as she interacts with various people they continue to gain color as she stays monotone. Finally at the end of the video, after seeing a finished street-artist version of the album cover, she achieves her natural coloring.
The style of Vintage Blue is not necessarily one that the Indy Mojo festival-music-loving demographic would typically be drawn to. However, after viewing some of their live performances its clear that this will be a show that is definitely worth the time. The album is a beautiful collection of songs that will be interesting to see how they translate to the live arena. In our city we have a reputation for strong support of live music of all different genres. If you are looking for some live music Friday night, I can assure you this will be a good show to see. - Indy Mojo

Vintage Blue - No Going Back

That Chicago's Vintage Blue can draw respectable numbers headlining Metro and chart an EP on Triple A radio without the benefit of a label is a testament to the band's hard work, their attention to song-craft and, most importantly, the accessibility of the music that the 6-piece group creates.

The radio-friendly EP in question, No Going Back, kicks off with "Let Go," and it is apparent from the opening notes that VB is (perhaps with some irony) not trying to re-invent the wheel or even keep up with current trends. The song simply charts a course that was first mapped out in the laid-back California goldmine of 70's rock (Eagles, Jackson Brown, Fleetwood Mac, et al) and nods a bit to the 1980s (dig the Men at Work-style sax) and 90's OAR (Vintage Blue has supported Sister Hazel and lists Vertical Horizon as an influence).

The title track is even more concise in its song-craft: heartfelt, lyrical verses; big, hooky choruses; some smartly downplayed synth to give the song color. "Remember" is a bit more artful with its toy vibraphone, beautiful vocal harmonies, trains a' comin' percussion, etc.

"Alone (I Can Hear)" is the closest thing to a modern rock hit; not as arch or Anglo as The Killers but definitely in the ballpark. "Carolina" turns back to the 70's but, again, the attention to detail is there: nice female backing vocals; country-rock and lite-funk influences (think Little Feat) and sterling production. No Going Back closes with "The Enemy," the most outwardly "rock" song on the EP, which shows some late-period Yes and even a bit of U2 in the band's DNA. - Radio One Chicago

Vintage Blue, No Going Back. Album Review.
Published on June 10, 2014 by admin in Music
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Chicago just happens to be one of the great American cities, full of wonder, a sense of heritage and iconoclasm having been showered upon it as one of the Great Lakes feeds its natural hunger and gives the city its cold stirring breath in winter and baked beautiful days in summer. It has been the resting place of American Mob culture, of iconic films and even more iconic bands, for example the truly distinguished band that bares the cities name. To the North Canada, to the East New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Boston and nothing rivals it as hub of industry and humanity till you reach the southern shores of the country. It is truly a remarkable city. From out of that place in which Lake Michigan freezes and drives an icy blast comes a smashing new band, Vintage Blue, and their album No Going Back.

No Going Back can imply running away, the urge to just wander off and see the world with your own two eyes and never regret moving on. It can also thankfully suggest that when the time is right to produce something very pure, driven and full of flavour, then the urge to put it off, perhaps through fear, perhaps even through trepidation of the hopeful adulation to come; is something to overcome, the art must be heard.

Whichever reason drives a band to do what they do, Vintage Blue have opened themselves up, they have made the chest bare and clean and produced something that is intensely likeable, image ridden and with just the subtlest of hints prowling between each note of some of the American greats to which they obviously have understood and emulated. In no short measure the ears can hear the Eagles at that very best in the corner of the songs that make up No Going Back, the small nod to a band that has captured many a heart and for whom surely inspire band members Benny Bassett in vocals and guitar, Cesar Corral on bass and vocals, Will Crowden on drums, Ryan Tibbs on guitar, Bent Shumard and Matt Zimmerman on baritone and tenor/alto sax respectively.

The expanse of sound is heartening throughout the album, it gives rise to the wide open spaces that linger just out of sight from those who dwell within the metropolitan conurbation, in the skyscrapers, on the streets and who shelter anyway they can to avoid the winds that come off Lake Michigan. The songs give a sense of hope that all can be conquered, that there isn’t a problem that cannot be solved if people actually just listen rather than shouting against the tide.

Tracks such as Remember, Alone (I Can Hear), the sensational Carolina and The Enemy make up a set of songs that growl with anticipation and who deliver with the weight of a howling wind. The promise of a great band from Chicago already fulfilled.

Vintage Blue just might be your next favourite band from the American state of Illinois.

Ian D. Hall - Liverpool Sound & Vision

WIMS Radio Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cY5nSbPJh4
In advance of the 2014 Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party, Ben Bassett of Vintage Blue joined host, Jim Ryan in-studio for an interview and live performance of the song "Alone" from Vintage Blue's 2014 EP No Going Back. Bassett talks about recording with producer Jamie Candiloro as well as developing the band's massively successful Kickstarter campaign to fund it.

Guster and G. Love & Special Sauce perform on Friday, June 27, 2014 while Vintage Blue, The Mowgli's and Third Eye Blind headline the World's Largest Block Party in Chicago on Saturday, June 28, 2014.

The Rock N' Roll Radio Program is hosted by Jim Ryan and airs every Sunday at 6PM CST on WIMS radio, streaming at wimsradio.com as well via the free TuneIn Radio app for the smart phone or tablet (just search "WIMS" to find us on TuneIn).

Follow us on Twitter: @RockRadioWIMS @RadioJimRyan, "Like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRockNRoll..., or email us: RockNRollRadioProgram@gmail.com

Thanks for listening! - WIMS - Rock n Roll Radio Program

No Going Back For Chicago's Vintage Blue

If you love heart felt, stadium rock bands like The Eagles, The Killers, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, and The Black Crowes, then check out Chicago's Vintage Blue.

Regulars in the Chicago club scene, the band have been selling out shows at the House of Blues, Lincoln Hall, Double Door, Schubas and Subterranean.

Supporting acts like Lifehouse, Fitz & The Tantrums, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, The Punch Brothers, Brett Dennen, Local H, Vertical Horizon and 10,000 Maniacs, Vintage Blue are ready for headliner status.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Vintage Blue have released a video, No Going Back, which is the title track from the band’s new EP, out on April 29, 2014.

Directed by Kyle Dunleavy for Rhapsody Productions, the video was filmed on location in the Windy City and features fantastic visual effects and editing. - Convozine

One of the best unsigned bands in the country at the moment is Chicago’s Vintage Blue. Vintage Blue consists of: Ryan Tibbs guitarist, vocalist; Benjamin Bassett guitarist, vocalist; Brent Shumard percussionist, wind; Cesar Corral bassist; Matt Zimmerman backup vocalist, brass, keyboardist and Will Crowden drummer. Back in 2012, the band put out their first CD, a 13-track called Strike the Mics. With that release, the public got a good indication of what the band sounded like as the band’s sound would have attracted fans of both Vertical Horizon and Sister Hazel.

Now Vintage Blue is back with a new 6-song EP called No Going Back. While the last release featured that Vertical Horizon/Sister Hazel sound, the new release finds Vintage Blue going after a pop-rock sound that is much more unique to the band.


No Going Back from Vintage Blue begins with the track “Let Go”. The track begins with a great guitar riff that features both the acoustic and electric guitar from Benjamin Bassett and Ryan Tibbs. The initial ten seconds allows the two guitars a chance to create a very strong musical feel. The music builds until the entire band comes in to create a track that easily belongs on any Hot Adult Contemporary radio station. The lyrics to the track seem to find the singer waiting for more as he sings of “letting go “ and allowing whatever is present to take place. One of the largest parts of the song is the chorus as it is one of the most infectious moments on the entire release. There are many different elements to the song that make it undeniably one of the strongest moments on the new release from the band.

While the first track of “Let Go” features a guitar-driven feel to the music, the title track of “No Going Back” changes that feeling as Matt Zimmerman takes the lead for this track as the keyboard player. The piano-driven feel to the music gives the song a much more pop-like quality. With the combination of piano and guitar, the track brings to mind a slight Bruce Hornsby and the Range feel. While the piano from Zimmerman helps shape the music on the track, the track contains the same amount of energy as the track of “Let Go”.

Vintage Blue slows things down on the track “Remember”. The glockenspiel and acoustic guitar add a simplistic feeling to the music before the music slowly builds. The resulting track that is created by the quintet is perhaps the most acoustic of any of the songs on the No Going Back EP. The drums from Will Crowden on the latter half of the track have a driving quality to them as the band builds the song into a folk/rock-like song. That folk/rock feel goes well with the lyrics about turning back the hands of time and returning to days gone by when you were growing up. The band seems to have created the perfect song to tug at your heartstrings with “Remember”.

The tempo is brought back up for the track “Alone (I Can Hear)”. The track will remind many of the simple feeling of the rock music from the eighties. With a sound that has made many of the songs from that time period so “timeless,” “Alone (I Can Hear)” features music that is built as much on the keyboard as it is on the guitar. Like the track “Let Go” earlier on, “Alone (I Can Hear)” finds the singer in a very reminiscent mood; although, this track features lyrics that seem to suggest that he has lost his direction and has turned inward to ask a love from another time for guidance. The subject matter, mixed with the style of rock music, makes the track feel as if it would have fit well with songs on commercial radio back in the eighties…with enough current rock flavor to keep it relevant with today’s music-buying audience.

The No Going Back EP from Vintage Blue continues with the track “Carolina”. While the track “Alone (I Can Hear)” contains a large amount of influence from 1980s rock and roll but also contains some influence from modern-day rock and roll, the song of “Carolina” finds the band firmly embracing the 1980s for this track. The inclusion of the saxophone on the track really helps bring that retro feel to the song. The female vocals on the track also seem to give the song a little bit of a duet-like quality.

For the final track of “The Enemy,” the band brings back a little bit of their Vertical Horizon-influenced sound for the song. On a song that could easily have been found on VH’s Everything You Want album, the song will remind you of “You’re a God”. The song ends up being easily the hardest rocking track on the CD and brings the release to an end on a very upbeat note.

The No Going Back EP from Vintage Blue features a lot of strong music. The release shows the band stretching their talents and creating a lot of music that shows that they’ve matured as a band. And producer Jamie Candiloro has helped to bring out the best in the band. All-in-all, the new release from Vintage Blue is worth checking out.

Check out the No Going Back EP from Vintage Blue as well as other music from the band by going to their Soundcloud profile.

To check out the video to "No Going Back", click the link.

Check out the band's PR firm, Novo Arts and Management.

- See more at: http://rockandrollreport.com/cd-review-vintage-blue-no-going-back/#sthash.xbAbgGGM.dpuf - The Rock n' Roll Report

Chicago rockers Vintage Blue are celebrating the release of the first video from their upcoming EP at Double Door tonight.

The clip for "No Going Back," which you can check out here, was created by Rhapsody Productions (directed and edited by Kyle Dunleavy, camera by Becki Pikula and special effects by Matt Kowynia) and is perfectly suited to the song (a piano-led ballad that invokes the meticulous studio craft of 80's hit makers like Bruce Hornsby and Toto).

The video features a beautiful female protagonist traveling through familiar windy city neighborhoods that magically transform from moody black and white to full color. The visual effects (color and B&W often occupy the same frame) are stellar and the video smartly incorporates images (the face of a clock, hands moving forward; a mural being painted) that speak directly to the song's overriding themes.

The inevitability of time marching on, relationships changing like the seasons and the beauty of nature (flowers blooming, leaves falling), art and human interaction in a big city that can often be stark and impersonal are all addressed to stunning effect. - Radio One Chicago

Vintage Blue @ Double Door

Vintage Blue is celebrating the release of their video for the single "No Going Back" tonight, Feb. 28th, at Double Door. This is their first music video and it was masterfully produced by Rhapsody Productions. The track comes their forthcoming EP of the same titled which is due out in April. - Deli Magazine Chicago

“Radio-friendly rock” may be an industry’s-old cliché, but that doesn’t mean that it ever gets old. Over the decades, Top 40 radio listeners have tuned in their dials to drift away in rock n’ roll that isn’t too loud or too soft, and is easy to listen to, understand, and relate with. Vintage Blue, a Chicago quintet, seems to aim right for the heart of this particular audience. Supported by excellent recording and production, Vintage Blue’s latest release “Strike the Mics” features varied organs, horns, strong harmonies, and a dash of Southern flair, sounding much like a mix of The Black Crowes, Hootie and The Blowfish, and Matchbox Twenty.

Vintage Blue has released the single “Speak” from the album via Rock Ridge Music, an independent marketing and management firm that currently works with such artists as Reel Big Fish, Psychostick, and Attack! Attack! (UK), and have even garnered some airplay on Chicago’s 93.1 WXRT, and for good reason: Their music is built for radio-play. It’s well-rounded, well-composed, and well-produced, and when you put these three things together, it’s hard not to gain some attention quickly. Other strong tracks on the album include “Sleep on This”, “Just Breathe”, and “Here to Stay”, although there really isn’t a “weak” track on the album to speak of, honestly. Every track features excellently mixed layers, with each artist’s instruments coming through clearly and with strength. All in all, Vintage Blue’s 2012 release, “Strike the Mics”, is a job well-done, and it should garner them even more attention here in 2013. - Rock In Chicago Magazine

“Radio-friendly rock” may be an industry’s-old cliché, but that doesn’t mean that it ever gets old. Over the decades, Top 40 radio listeners have tuned in their dials to drift away in rock n’ roll that isn’t too loud or too soft, and is easy to listen to, understand, and relate with. Vintage Blue, a Chicago quintet, seems to aim right for the heart of this particular audience. Supported by excellent recording and production, Vintage Blue’s latest release “Strike the Mics” features varied organs, horns, strong harmonies, and a dash of Southern flair, sounding much like a mix of The Black Crowes, Hootie and The Blowfish, and Matchbox Twenty.

Vintage Blue has released the single “Speak” from the album via Rock Ridge Music, an independent marketing and management firm that currently works with such artists as Reel Big Fish, Psychostick, and Attack! Attack! (UK), and have even garnered some airplay on Chicago’s 93.1 WXRT, and for good reason: Their music is built for radio-play. It’s well-rounded, well-composed, and well-produced, and when you put these three things together, it’s hard not to gain some attention quickly. Other strong tracks on the album include “Sleep on This”, “Just Breathe”, and “Here to Stay”, although there really isn’t a “weak” track on the album to speak of, honestly. Every track features excellently mixed layers, with each artist’s instruments coming through clearly and with strength. All in all, Vintage Blue’s 2012 release, “Strike the Mics”, is a job well-done, and it should garner them even more attention here in 2013. - Rock In Chicago Magazine

Vintage Blue, 1:20 p.m. (BL): There will always be a place on any city's music scene for well-performed, funk-tinged rock. Come, and be prepared to have fun with this Chicago band's covers and originals. - Chicago Tribune

Vintage Blue is the new venture of this five man rock and roll show. This new venture lives up to its title, intending to be characterized by excellence and enduring appeal.

What you will hear with Vintage Blue, is a well-reasoned mix of classic rock structure deftly blended with more modern rock overtones, creating something new and stirring for the rock n' roll fan. - Fearless Radio

Novidade – Amazing Grace

Postado por: Janderson Bueno | em 19 maio, 2013
A versão rock do clássico hino Amazing Grace pela banda Vintage Blue

Mais uma novidade pintando no Covernation, e dessa vez vem de Illinois, Chicago. Trata-se da banda de rock Vintage Blue, que está na estrada desde 2007, porém com esse nome desde 2011.
A música escolhida é um clássico hino protestante, conhecido no mundo todo e com mais de 3.000 versões, com artistas do naipe de Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles e Rod Stewart, estamos falando de Amazing Grace.

A letra é de 1779, do inglês John Newton, que era um traficante de escravos e após se converter ao cristianismo virando um pastor protestante, compôs a famosa música. Existem controvérsias sobre a bonita história, afirmações que mesmo depois da conversão e de ter composto o famoso hino, o pastor John continuou a comercializar escravos…

Existe até uma versão muito famosa do hino em português do Brasil, cantada nas igrejas protestantes e católicas, chamada “Segura na mão de Deus”, com variações na música e letra.

Voltando ao Vintage Blue, o som dos caras traz influências diversas no som, Hard Rock, Blues, Hard Core e Ska, e ainda sim, com identidade própria. A música foi gravada para a trilha de um curta com o mesmo nome do som, em fase de pré produção, a ser lançado em breve nos Estados Unidos. Vamos ao som:

É isso. Espero que gostem! O Site do Vintage Blue é http://vintagebluemusic.com

Abraços e até a próxima!


(ENGLISH ROUGH TRANSLATION)

Novelty - Amazing Grace

Posted by: Janderson Bueno | on May 19, 2013
The rock version of the classic hymn Amazing Grace by the band Vintage Blue

Another new painting in Covernation, and this time comes from Illinois, Chicago. This is the rock band Vintage Blue, which is on the road since 2007, but with this name since 2011.
The selected song is a classic Protestant hymn, known worldwide and with over 3,000 versions, to suit artists Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Rod Stewart, we're talking about Amazing Grace.

The letter is from 1779, the Englishman John Newton, who was a slave trader and after converting to Christianity becoming a Protestant pastor, wrote the famous song. There are controversies about the beautiful story, claims that even after conversion and have composed the famous hymn, Pastor John continued to trade slaves ...

There is even a version of the very famous song in Portuguese of Brazil, sung in Protestant and Catholic churches, called "Safe in the hand of God", with variations in music and lyrics.

Returning to Vintage Blue, the sound of the guys brings diverse influences in the sound, Hard Rock, Blues, Hard Core and Ska, and yet, with its own identity. The song was recorded for the soundtrack of a short film with the same name of the sound, in pre production, to be released soon in the United States. Let the sound:

That's it. Hope you enjoy! The website is Vintage Blue http://vintagebluemusic.com

Hugs and see you soon! - Covernation

Novidade – Amazing Grace

Postado por: Janderson Bueno | em 19 maio, 2013
A versão rock do clássico hino Amazing Grace pela banda Vintage Blue

Mais uma novidade pintando no Covernation, e dessa vez vem de Illinois, Chicago. Trata-se da banda de rock Vintage Blue, que está na estrada desde 2007, porém com esse nome desde 2011.
A música escolhida é um clássico hino protestante, conhecido no mundo todo e com mais de 3.000 versões, com artistas do naipe de Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles e Rod Stewart, estamos falando de Amazing Grace.

A letra é de 1779, do inglês John Newton, que era um traficante de escravos e após se converter ao cristianismo virando um pastor protestante, compôs a famosa música. Existem controvérsias sobre a bonita história, afirmações que mesmo depois da conversão e de ter composto o famoso hino, o pastor John continuou a comercializar escravos…

Existe até uma versão muito famosa do hino em português do Brasil, cantada nas igrejas protestantes e católicas, chamada “Segura na mão de Deus”, com variações na música e letra.

Voltando ao Vintage Blue, o som dos caras traz influências diversas no som, Hard Rock, Blues, Hard Core e Ska, e ainda sim, com identidade própria. A música foi gravada para a trilha de um curta com o mesmo nome do som, em fase de pré produção, a ser lançado em breve nos Estados Unidos. Vamos ao som:

É isso. Espero que gostem! O Site do Vintage Blue é http://vintagebluemusic.com

Abraços e até a próxima!


(ENGLISH ROUGH TRANSLATION)

Novelty - Amazing Grace

Posted by: Janderson Bueno | on May 19, 2013
The rock version of the classic hymn Amazing Grace by the band Vintage Blue

Another new painting in Covernation, and this time comes from Illinois, Chicago. This is the rock band Vintage Blue, which is on the road since 2007, but with this name since 2011.
The selected song is a classic Protestant hymn, known worldwide and with over 3,000 versions, to suit artists Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Rod Stewart, we're talking about Amazing Grace.

The letter is from 1779, the Englishman John Newton, who was a slave trader and after converting to Christianity becoming a Protestant pastor, wrote the famous song. There are controversies about the beautiful story, claims that even after conversion and have composed the famous hymn, Pastor John continued to trade slaves ...

There is even a version of the very famous song in Portuguese of Brazil, sung in Protestant and Catholic churches, called "Safe in the hand of God", with variations in music and lyrics.

Returning to Vintage Blue, the sound of the guys brings diverse influences in the sound, Hard Rock, Blues, Hard Core and Ska, and yet, with its own identity. The song was recorded for the soundtrack of a short film with the same name of the sound, in pre production, to be released soon in the United States. Let the sound:

That's it. Hope you enjoy! The website is Vintage Blue http://vintagebluemusic.com

Hugs and see you soon! - Covernation

Vintage Blue will be direct support for Lovehammers at Hammerfest 2013, this Saturday, June 1 at House of Blues. VB is hitting Chicago and the surrounding Midwest hard this summer so catch them at an air conditioned venue while you can! Superbig and Ockam's Razor open up the show at HOB. - Radio One Chicago

Home » Features » Vintage Blue: Turning up the Mics This Summer
Vintage Blue: Turning up the Mics This Summer
Andrew Duncan May 14, 2013 Features No comments
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Vintage Blue (www.selectivememorymag.com)

The gents in Vintage Blue have been busy—real busy. With the album Strike The Mics giving the band momentum and their song “Amazing Grace” being plucked out for use in a short film of the same name, the group found it a fine time to get out and tour. The Chicago group has developed quite a following in their hometown and are making friends across the States.

And who wouldn’t want to get to know these guys. This is a band that presents itself as humble and genuine in a foundation of classic style rock numbers and contemporary rompers. The album is wholesome and honest in that it’s hard to imagine this band coming from the third largest city in the United States.

The band will be performing at Birdys, Friday, May 17. For more info, check out Birdy’s website or the band’s outlets:

----------------------------------

You have quite the summer planned out. Tell us a little about what’s in store for the band?

We are definitely really excited about this Summer. We have done a ton of work networking, playing and meeting Chicago music people to allow us to get some of these excellent festival gigs. One of our guys even volunteered at one of the festivals a few years ago in an effort to meet the decision-makers and figure out how to get us in. We are playing a handful of Chicago festivals, but are most proud of playing the Taste of Chicago down in Grant Park on July 13th, and also playing Worlds Largest Block Party on June 28th at Old St. Pats sharing the bill with Blues Traveler and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. We also are waiting to hear on our bid to return to Milwaukee’s Summerfest after opening for Fitz & The Tantrums last year.

As your debut was released last year, what is the band up to? Are you working on new material and if so, are you playing anything new by the band out on tour?

Unlike many bands who can tour full time and constantly get in the studio to create new material, we used our first record to introduce ourselves to Chicago and now to places like Indianapolis, Nashville, Cleveland, Milwaukee, as we continue to expand our reach. We did just release a single of the song “Amazing Grace” that we recorded for a short-film being released by a Florida film company called Stars North. In addition we have been testing out new material for the past few months and will be playing at least 2 or 3 new songs this summer before we enter the studio again in August.

How did “Strike the Mics” come about and what was the recording of this album like?

Our band, years ago, was originally a cover band. When we all had been together a while we started writing and incorporating our own material into our cover sets. We recorded an EP under the old band name out of a good friend’s home studio. Then about a year later we started working on a new record and in the middle of the recording we were introduced to Jamie Candiloro, who became our producer. Jamie had worked extensively with REM, Ryan Adams and Luscious Jackson and immediately made an impact on our project. We did the record in about 8 days and some long long hours. We wanted a record that was not over-produced and that sounded like we do live. Jamie drew the best out of us, even if it meant doing take after take to get the exactly right piece.

Where does Chicago fit in for a band like Vintage Blue?

Chicago is a great great music town. While it generally gets a bad wrap for being a “pop punk” town, there are so many bands here that are excellent entertainers and work very hard. For us Chicago is our home base, which is also great because we are in the middle of the country. It has allowed us to get out to shows in Los Angeles, Pennsylvania and Georgia all without too much crazy planning. Chicago also has the added bonus of having Lollapalooza, which brings bands and music fans from all over the country and gives Chicago a chance to show off its’ bands and music.

The music you write seems anti-metropolitan with songs like “Just Breathe,” a song that feels like it fits more in the countryside. But thinking about a song like this, it could be about anything from outward perspective on issues like war to getting through internal issues. What does this song mean to the band and is there anything in particular you wrote it for?

Anti-metropolitan, I like that, never heard that before! A lot of people think this song is about love, just because the word is contained in the song, but that is not the case. I actually wrote the song when I was really down about a lot of things in life. My job, music and love were all in difficult spots and I wrote this song as part of a message to myself about relaxing and realizing that everything was going to be okay. Just recently - Selective Memory Magazine

I’ve talked about Vintage Blue at length many times over the past 18 months, so I won’t bore you with minutiae. Hammerfest was once again upon us over the weekend, and The Lovehammers set up a great rock show that had Chicago’s favorite sons as the final band before Marty Casey and company blew the roof off the House Of Blues. It was a full circle kind of night, as the very first time I covered the band they were at the same venue opening two nights for Sister Hazel. They’ve come a long way since then, and it probably won’t be much longer until Vintage Blue is asking bands to open for them at one of our city’s most renowned music venues. The party was so rocking even The Rolling Stones, in town for a 4-show run at the United Center, couldn’t resist dropping by.

The set seemed to fly by as the band kept things fast and furious. They played some songs off their debut album Strike The Mics, and also threw in three new ones (I think). As always the energy was high, with bassist Cesar Corral frantically running the length of the stage during every song. He really is the heart of the band, with passion dripping from every pore of his body. He’s always fun to watch at shows, and like a dog getting to run around in the country it was nice to watch him move freely on a stage suited to his needs.

Ryan Tibbs is a natural frontman, banter with the audience seems to be as normal as breathing for him. He and Ben Bassett share singing duties, but when it comes to communicating with the crowd he takes front and center. Tibbs is a funny, charming guy even when he’s not trying, so when he turns it on he’s like Brian Williams times Jimmy Stewart-impossible not to like. It doesn’t hurt that he writes good songs and provides listeners with an emotional connection to the music.

Bassett, more stoic but no less enjoyable as a person, shreds on the guitar. The two voices couldn’t be more different, but they go together brilliantly. Tonight was more of the same as the two banged out one rocker after another, especially “Hey Hey,” one of my favorites from their record.

The band had some surprises waiting for us in the back end of their set featuring a special guest on a cover and a mashup that mixes songs from the 80's and today. First, the band launched into a version of The Black Keys song “Lonely Boy.” It was a great version-I’m not much of a Black Keys fan, so I thought VB’s was better-aided by special guest vocalist Marty Casey. The crowd erupted when he came out and he definitely earned it.

For their last trick Vintage Blue unveiled their latest mashup. I asked them about it during our interview last week, but they weren’t dishing any details. The last one they did was quite impressive, so they had a lot to live up to. It started with their song “Unchained,” but quickly veered off into Don Henley’s “Boys Of Summer” after a Will Crowden drum fill that made me think it was gonna be Dire Straits. From there Matt Zimmerman took over, leading them into Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight.” I thought Matt’s voice sounded really good, and I hoped they would do a little more of the song, but then Tibbs came back in to start the third part of the mashup-”Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Unfortunately it was only the hook so we didn’t get to hear him rap.

I think this marked the fifth or sixth Vintage Blue show I’ve seen (including the acoustic set they generously provided for a show I put together) and every time I walk away completely satisfied. They are arena rockers currently paying their dues before they get to play the huge stages their music calls for. If you haven’t had a chance to see them yet and live in the Chicago area, you’re in luck because they have a bunch of shows coming this summer. June 8th they’ll be in Northbrook for the St. Norbert Block Party, June 28th they’ll share a stage with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes for The World’s Largest Block Party, July 13th they play Taste of Chicago followed on July 14th with the Roscoe Village Burger Fest (come hungry), and finally July 20th at the Sheffield Garden Walk. So there’s no shortage of opportunities and no excuses. - Music.Defined.

I’ve talked about Vintage Blue at length many times over the past 18 months, so I won’t bore you with minutiae. Hammerfest was once again upon us over the weekend, and The Lovehammers set up a great rock show that had Chicago’s favorite sons as the final band before Marty Casey and company blew the roof off the House Of Blues. It was a full circle kind of night, as the very first time I covered the band they were at the same venue opening two nights for Sister Hazel. They’ve come a long way since then, and it probably won’t be much longer until Vintage Blue is asking bands to open for them at one of our city’s most renowned music venues. The party was so rocking even The Rolling Stones, in town for a 4-show run at the United Center, couldn’t resist dropping by.

The set seemed to fly by as the band kept things fast and furious. They played some songs off their debut album Strike The Mics, and also threw in three new ones (I think). As always the energy was high, with bassist Cesar Corral frantically running the length of the stage during every song. He really is the heart of the band, with passion dripping from every pore of his body. He’s always fun to watch at shows, and like a dog getting to run around in the country it was nice to watch him move freely on a stage suited to his needs.

Ryan Tibbs is a natural frontman, banter with the audience seems to be as normal as breathing for him. He and Ben Bassett share singing duties, but when it comes to communicating with the crowd he takes front and center. Tibbs is a funny, charming guy even when he’s not trying, so when he turns it on he’s like Brian Williams times Jimmy Stewart-impossible not to like. It doesn’t hurt that he writes good songs and provides listeners with an emotional connection to the music.

Bassett, more stoic but no less enjoyable as a person, shreds on the guitar. The two voices couldn’t be more different, but they go together brilliantly. Tonight was more of the same as the two banged out one rocker after another, especially “Hey Hey,” one of my favorites from their record.

The band had some surprises waiting for us in the back end of their set featuring a special guest on a cover and a mashup that mixes songs from the 80's and today. First, the band launched into a version of The Black Keys song “Lonely Boy.” It was a great version-I’m not much of a Black Keys fan, so I thought VB’s was better-aided by special guest vocalist Marty Casey. The crowd erupted when he came out and he definitely earned it.

For their last trick Vintage Blue unveiled their latest mashup. I asked them about it during our interview last week, but they weren’t dishing any details. The last one they did was quite impressive, so they had a lot to live up to. It started with their song “Unchained,” but quickly veered off into Don Henley’s “Boys Of Summer” after a Will Crowden drum fill that made me think it was gonna be Dire Straits. From there Matt Zimmerman took over, leading them into Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight.” I thought Matt’s voice sounded really good, and I hoped they would do a little more of the song, but then Tibbs came back in to start the third part of the mashup-”Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Unfortunately it was only the hook so we didn’t get to hear him rap.

I think this marked the fifth or sixth Vintage Blue show I’ve seen (including the acoustic set they generously provided for a show I put together) and every time I walk away completely satisfied. They are arena rockers currently paying their dues before they get to play the huge stages their music calls for. If you haven’t had a chance to see them yet and live in the Chicago area, you’re in luck because they have a bunch of shows coming this summer. June 8th they’ll be in Northbrook for the St. Norbert Block Party, June 28th they’ll share a stage with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes for The World’s Largest Block Party, July 13th they play Taste of Chicago followed on July 14th with the Roscoe Village Burger Fest (come hungry), and finally July 20th at the Sheffield Garden Walk. So there’s no shortage of opportunities and no excuses. - Music.Defined.

Hate-watching the Grammys is an annual tradition for this pop culture nerd; however, the majority of last night's sham of an award show was so blatantly awful that I almost didn't make it to the end. In years past, I've reveled in the sheer camp of Nicki Minaj levitating like a demon or Lady Gaga bursting out of an egg. This year, I groaned aloud at several key moments ("We Are Young" winning Best Song, Mumford and Sons' Babel winning Best Album, that god-awful Bob Marley tribute wasting 10 minutes of my life) and did not find pleasure in them at all.

Then, I realized: why are Chicagoans sitting at home and live-tweeting obnoxious performances on television when they could just walk down the street to Township, Schubas, or Subterranean and see a great live band right in their neighborhood?

Chicago has a thriving local music scene with long list of notable alumni (Wilco, Andrew Bird, Kanye West, the Lawrence Arms, White Mystery, the Smith Westerns, Common and the Smashing Pumpkins all got their start here), so chances are good that the show you saw for free at the Empty Bottle on Monday night could become one of those life-changing experiences you tell your grandchildren about one day.

Local music blog Loud Loop Press just released their list of 13 Bands to Watch in 2013, an impressive roster of Chicago talent that immediately sent a ripple of show-going excitement through my friendship circle: "You guys, we need to see more local bands this year!" However, a number of other buzzworthy artists that didn't make the cut (like the contemporary classic rockers of Vintage Blue, the hypnotic brass ensemble of Kelan Philip Cohran and underground hip-hop quartet Typical Cats) still deserve some spotlight.

Ergo, I present my own list of favorites: a rousing local mix of pop, punk, rap, soul, garage rock, indie folk and groovy psychedelia: - WBEZ - Chicago Public Radio

Fresh off their two-night stint with Sister Hazel at Chicago's House of Blues, local band Vintage Blue rocked Lincoln Hall on Friday night. The stage might have been smaller, yet the sound was anything but. If you missed the show -- hope you didn't! -- you can still sample and buy tracks below from their album, Strike the mics. But you'll definitely want to check their page for the next opportunity to see them live. - It's Cool ... I'm With The Band

Happy New Year from all of us at Shoeshine Boy Productions. Congratulations to our Artist of the Month, Vintage Blue on their new CD, Strike the Mics! - www.shoeshineboyproductions.com

The Chicago-based band, Vintage Blue, was formerly known as Tanglewood. Now the name is shed, but the tunes are better than ever. The ska-influenced, "Set You Free," is a mix of roots and rock music with luscious vocals and reverberating sax. The more rock-driven "Unchained" is partly influenced by Creed, but on a much lighter, vocal scale. The wailing guitars are not too loud or unnecessary. The folksy, ballad, "California Road," contains a good folk rock beat with reverberating B-3 and the horns give the song a little retro-class. "Sleep On This" is strikingly-similar (at least vocally and structurally) to circa-2000 Ed Kowalczyk from the band, Live. The folksy-rock ballad contains backup vocals, horns, and B-3 charisma. The Southern-rock-style piece, "Here To Stay," is a post-grunge anthem with vocals and guitar arrangements reminiscent of Stroke 9. "Against Time" is another song seemingly inspired by Stroke 9. The opening lines of "Just Breathe" beckons the spirit of the band Filter. The most divergent song is the classical, ballad-esque, "Great Divide." Throughout, Vintage Blue delves into various rock, ska, pop, and ballad-driven hooks with intelligent lyrics and classy grooves. Anyone interested in folk-rock, roots, post-grunge, and classy music with style and swagger, than look no further. ~ Matthew Forss - My World Music Friends

If you are a fan of rock and roll and you really don’t have a specific preference to the style that you listen to, Vintage Blue is the band for you. Vintage Blue is a band made up of vocalist and lead guitarist Ben Bassett, rhythm guitarist and vocalist Ryan Tibbs, bassist and vocalist Cesar Corral, keyboard and saxophone player Matt Zimmerman and Will Crowden. The Chicago-area band takes a lot of different sounds and styles of rock and roll and combines them into their music. It’s this combination that can be found on the band’s new release called Strike the Mics.
The Strike the Mics album begins with the track “Set you free”. The song has a strong beat to it, and with the inclusion of Matt Zimmerman’s sax, the song has a great ska quality to it. It’s nice to come across people who want to keep their music from sounding like everyone else’s, and with the ska flavor to this track, Zimmerman and the rest of Vintage Blue give you something different right at the beginning of their new release.
Vintage Blue follows up the ska-influenced “Set You Free” with the song “Unchained”. With this track, the band lets loose a lot of energy on this solid rocker. The guitar playing on the track help add a lot of power to this release. The contrast between the ska feeling on “Set You Free” and the straight-out rock feeling of “Unchained” allows the listener to hear a major difference in the sound of Vintage Blue right at the beginning of the album.
One of the best tracks of the album is probably “California Road”. With the combination of guitars, the keyboards and saxophone from the members in the band, the resulting track has a feel that should give any lover of classic rock a reason to smile.
Matt Zimmerman once again is featured on another track off of Strike the Mics, the new release from Vintage Blue. While Zimmerman was feature on the saxophone on “Set You Free,” this time the musician is behind the keyboards on the song “Speak”. It is Zimmerman’s playing on the keyboards that really make the song, at least for me.
Probably the most commercial of the songs on Strike the Mics from Vintage Blue is “Just Breathe“. The modern rock music on the song has a feel that might remind people of other modern rock bands like Vertical Horizon.
On the song “What Lies,” the band changes directions once again with their sound. The track features a song that has a more acoustic feel, as the acoustic guitar has a large part in the shaping of the music on this song. The electric guitar on the track helps keep the song from getting too soft. It’s a good balance.

With the song “Great Divide,” Vintage Blue takes a lighter approach. The love song features a great duet, while the music also features a string section to add an orchestral feel. With the beauty in the lyrics and in the music, this is one of the best love songs I’ve heard in a long time.
To finish off Strike the Mics, Vintage Blue includes the song “True”. This is yet another side to the band’s side, as they seem to transport their listener back in time to an era closer to the beginning of rock and roll. The sound of the rock music takes a simpler feel to it, while the saxophone really adds a vintage sound quality to the song that really brings the listener back to that earlier era of rock music.
Having created a sound that features so many different styles of rock music, Chicago band Vintage Blue gives their listeners music that never gets stale and their new release called Strike the Mics reflects that fact. You will definitely find something that catches your ear; however, if you’re like me, the entire release will leave you smiling. There really should be more bands like this out there in today’s music industry.
***** (Out of 5) - Matheson's Entertainment Blog

Speak by the chicago-based Vintage Blue is a song with a BIG chorus that combines the funky elements of Maroon 5 with the alt. rock pop of O.A.R. - a fan of either group would enjoy Vintage Blue for sure! - Independent Artist Buzz

Last week was one of the better weeks of Chicago music in a while. Wilco played their “Shrinking Venue” shows, which ended Sunday at Lincoln Hall. I went to two of those shows, the largest venue and the second smallest (Metro). Incredible nights worth the price of admission plus some. The week continued to be great when Kari and I went to check out a new band at the House Of Blues called Vintage Blue.

I’m not sure exactly how long Vintage Blue has been together. I believe that either parts of the band or the whole band used to go by the name Tanglewood. They have a new album coming out next month called Strike The Mics, which I’ve heard and enjoyed. It’s a large band: 2 guitars, 2 saxaphones, bass, drum, keyboards, and a backup singer. They filled up the stage pretty well at House of Blues, and put on a hell of a show.

Having heard the record already, I wasn’t sure how the live show would go. I also didn’t realize there were so many members. The band’s sound has a definite 90's feel to it. They also find roots in classic rock anthems and singer/songwriter emotion. It made sense that they were opening for the band Sister Hazel (their 1994 hit “All For You” was one of the biggest songs of the early to mid-90's). To that point, the crowd totally dug these new kids on the block, and rightfully so.





It’s one thing to be good musicians that are technically proficient. It’s quite another to be that, and entertaining. Every time one of the singers stepped to the mic to say something to the crowd, it was something funny. At one point Ryan Tibbs, guitarist and singer, grabbed a bunch of t-shirts and launched them into the crowd with his cannon arm. The band joked with and about one another, and you could tell that they were really appreciating this opportunity and having fun with it.

There were a lot of impressive moments in the show, but I think the one that stood out the most was Ben Basset’s guitar solo at the beginning of “Hey Hey.” He appears to be the guitarist who uses his ax as a weapon, cold and calculating., Tibbs is more of a improvisational player, going more on feeling than technicality. The band’s bass player Cesar Corral was dripping with sweat after the first few songs. Every time he banged his head forward I could see the people in the front being sprayed by the drops coming off his face and head.



Vintage Blue is the kind of rock band I like to see, because they just wanna have a good time. There’s no pretensions about putting on a perfect show. It’s much more important that everyone have fun and leave smiling. That’s exactly what I did.

And I look forward to doing it again on January 21, when the band will play their release show at Subterranean with Ty Stone.
- Music.Defined.

Last week was one of the better weeks of Chicago music in a while. Wilco played their “Shrinking Venue” shows, which ended Sunday at Lincoln Hall. I went to two of those shows, the largest venue and the second smallest (Metro). Incredible nights worth the price of admission plus some. The week continued to be great when Kari and I went to check out a new band at the House Of Blues called Vintage Blue.

I’m not sure exactly how long Vintage Blue has been together. I believe that either parts of the band or the whole band used to go by the name Tanglewood. They have a new album coming out next month called Strike The Mics, which I’ve heard and enjoyed. It’s a large band: 2 guitars, 2 saxaphones, bass, drum, keyboards, and a backup singer. They filled up the stage pretty well at House of Blues, and put on a hell of a show.

Having heard the record already, I wasn’t sure how the live show would go. I also didn’t realize there were so many members. The band’s sound has a definite 90's feel to it. They also find roots in classic rock anthems and singer/songwriter emotion. It made sense that they were opening for the band Sister Hazel (their 1994 hit “All For You” was one of the biggest songs of the early to mid-90's). To that point, the crowd totally dug these new kids on the block, and rightfully so.





It’s one thing to be good musicians that are technically proficient. It’s quite another to be that, and entertaining. Every time one of the singers stepped to the mic to say something to the crowd, it was something funny. At one point Ryan Tibbs, guitarist and singer, grabbed a bunch of t-shirts and launched them into the crowd with his cannon arm. The band joked with and about one another, and you could tell that they were really appreciating this opportunity and having fun with it.

There were a lot of impressive moments in the show, but I think the one that stood out the most was Ben Basset’s guitar solo at the beginning of “Hey Hey.” He appears to be the guitarist who uses his ax as a weapon, cold and calculating., Tibbs is more of a improvisational player, going more on feeling than technicality. The band’s bass player Cesar Corral was dripping with sweat after the first few songs. Every time he banged his head forward I could see the people in the front being sprayed by the drops coming off his face and head.



Vintage Blue is the kind of rock band I like to see, because they just wanna have a good time. There’s no pretensions about putting on a perfect show. It’s much more important that everyone have fun and leave smiling. That’s exactly what I did.

And I look forward to doing it again on January 21, when the band will play their release show at Subterranean with Ty Stone.
- Music.Defined.

Styx. Cheap Trick. Vintage Blue? Chances are you've never heard of the last band in this list of Chicago-based rockers. But after feasting your ears on Vintage Blue's debut full-length album, Strike the Mics, chances are you'll be firm believers that they're poised to become the Windy City's next great rock-and-rollers. One firm believer in this rosy future (albeit a bit biased) is Ben Bassett, Vintage Blue's colead singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has been part of the group for three years and is confident that upon the release of Strike the Mics that he and his bandmates are poised to take the Midwest (and beyond) music scene by storm. (SEE MORE AT LINK) ... - SOCO Magazine

Any band that draws a comparison to one of my favorite anime series is already tremendous in my book – fortunately, Vintage Blue also has a sound I’m absolutely into. The Chicago-based rock outfit indeed fits together like Voltron and have a new record to prove it. Ryan Tibbs, Ben Bassett, Will Crowden, Matt Zimmerman and Cesar Corral were formally known as Tanglewood, and their debut collection titled “Strike the Mics” is a welcome introduction to the music-loving world.

Basseett says the album is “the result of countless hours of dedication, writing and growing as a band. The aim of the record was to expand expectations... it covers a number of genres and there is a song for everyone. It is a great representation of this band and the music we intend to make for a long, long time.” Their sound? They call it “Contemporary. Classic. Rock.” And much like the Voltron reference, it’s spot-on. Keep an eye on Vintage Blue – they just played a dream show with PEV alum Sister Hazel and they’ll be playing much, much more in 2012 (perhaps even an appearance at one of our favorite events, SXSW). Go sample “Strike the Mics”, right after you finish reading the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Vintage Blue

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Ben Bassett (BB): We came up with this slogan of Contemporary. Classic. Rock. We like to describe our music as founded on the roots of the music we grew up on (The Eagles, Creedence, The Doors, The Stones, etc) but with more modern or contemporary twists. For example, we love working the saxophone back into rock n' roll, an art which is lost on more modern rock bands. We also have two songwriters, and four vocalists, which allows us to cover a wide swath of sounds, from folk type tunes to real rockers.

PEV: Calling Chicago, Illinois home, what kind of music where the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

BB: Three members of the band grew up in Illinois and have distinct memories of seeing Dave Matthews and Smashing Pumpkins when they were young. Will Crowden, our drummer, is the grandson of the founder of Ludwig Drum Company, and his father owned a drum shop in Chicago, so his earliest memories involve being around musicians. Ben grew up in California and remembers his first concert, appropriately enough, being a Dick Dale concert. But much like the music we write, our band enjoys music that spans many genres and decades, from when we used to cover "Sway" by Dean Martin, to now covering bands like Sister Hazel and Queen.

PEV: Tell us your take on the music scene is like in your hometown and what was it like trying to break into it?

BB: Contrary to what many people may tell you about the music scene in Chicago, it is thriving. We have met and played with so many excellent bands from the area. And not just pop/punk Fallout Boy bands. That said, breaking into the scene is a little more difficult. Chicago is a town that loves cover bands. So convincing people to come out for an original gig can sometimes require some persuasive maneuvering. However, we have been lucky to have such a solid foundation of friends and fans that support us every time we play.

PEV: With that, what can fans expect from a live Vintage Blue show?

BB: At a Vintage Blue show you can expect to see passion. None of us are full time musicians, so our music and specifically our live performance is our opportunity to release. We use that opportunity to our advantage and really work to connect our music to the fans. You can also expect some fun moments, witty banter and our bassist, who we have dubbed 'the rockalope' will most likely knock someone or something over by the end of the night.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

BB: Did I turn my amp on? Ha ha. But seriously, the mindset has a lot to do with the venue. While we always aim to deliver a great performance, there is always an excitement and nervous energy with a venue you have never played before. Only a couple months ago we had the opportunity to play the House of Blues Chicago in front of over 1,000 fans and I can remember when the curtains opened I had to catch my breath. It was a great moment.

PEV: Knowing how other musicians work together as a band, how is playing with Vintage Blue as a group, different then the others?

BB: I made a joke a while back about our band being like Voltron, and I think the analogy is actually pretty perfect. Since the moment the five of us came together we have been able to compose, practice and perform with an uncanny ability to read each other and where we want our music to go. With the variety of music backgrounds and styles it would initially be difficult to imagine these misfits all working well together, but there have been so many moments, either during live shows, recording or practice, where a simpl - Penseyeview

Any band that draws a comparison to one of my favorite anime series is already tremendous in my book – fortunately, Vintage Blue also has a sound I’m absolutely into. The Chicago-based rock outfit indeed fits together like Voltron and have a new record to prove it. Ryan Tibbs, Ben Bassett, Will Crowden, Matt Zimmerman and Cesar Corral were formally known as Tanglewood, and their debut collection titled “Strike the Mics” is a welcome introduction to the music-loving world.

Basseett says the album is “the result of countless hours of dedication, writing and growing as a band. The aim of the record was to expand expectations... it covers a number of genres and there is a song for everyone. It is a great representation of this band and the music we intend to make for a long, long time.” Their sound? They call it “Contemporary. Classic. Rock.” And much like the Voltron reference, it’s spot-on. Keep an eye on Vintage Blue – they just played a dream show with PEV alum Sister Hazel and they’ll be playing much, much more in 2012 (perhaps even an appearance at one of our favorite events, SXSW). Go sample “Strike the Mics”, right after you finish reading the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Vintage Blue

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Ben Bassett (BB): We came up with this slogan of Contemporary. Classic. Rock. We like to describe our music as founded on the roots of the music we grew up on (The Eagles, Creedence, The Doors, The Stones, etc) but with more modern or contemporary twists. For example, we love working the saxophone back into rock n' roll, an art which is lost on more modern rock bands. We also have two songwriters, and four vocalists, which allows us to cover a wide swath of sounds, from folk type tunes to real rockers.

PEV: Calling Chicago, Illinois home, what kind of music where the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

BB: Three members of the band grew up in Illinois and have distinct memories of seeing Dave Matthews and Smashing Pumpkins when they were young. Will Crowden, our drummer, is the grandson of the founder of Ludwig Drum Company, and his father owned a drum shop in Chicago, so his earliest memories involve being around musicians. Ben grew up in California and remembers his first concert, appropriately enough, being a Dick Dale concert. But much like the music we write, our band enjoys music that spans many genres and decades, from when we used to cover "Sway" by Dean Martin, to now covering bands like Sister Hazel and Queen.

PEV: Tell us your take on the music scene is like in your hometown and what was it like trying to break into it?

BB: Contrary to what many people may tell you about the music scene in Chicago, it is thriving. We have met and played with so many excellent bands from the area. And not just pop/punk Fallout Boy bands. That said, breaking into the scene is a little more difficult. Chicago is a town that loves cover bands. So convincing people to come out for an original gig can sometimes require some persuasive maneuvering. However, we have been lucky to have such a solid foundation of friends and fans that support us every time we play.

PEV: With that, what can fans expect from a live Vintage Blue show?

BB: At a Vintage Blue show you can expect to see passion. None of us are full time musicians, so our music and specifically our live performance is our opportunity to release. We use that opportunity to our advantage and really work to connect our music to the fans. You can also expect some fun moments, witty banter and our bassist, who we have dubbed 'the rockalope' will most likely knock someone or something over by the end of the night.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

BB: Did I turn my amp on? Ha ha. But seriously, the mindset has a lot to do with the venue. While we always aim to deliver a great performance, there is always an excitement and nervous energy with a venue you have never played before. Only a couple months ago we had the opportunity to play the House of Blues Chicago in front of over 1,000 fans and I can remember when the curtains opened I had to catch my breath. It was a great moment.

PEV: Knowing how other musicians work together as a band, how is playing with Vintage Blue as a group, different then the others?

BB: I made a joke a while back about our band being like Voltron, and I think the analogy is actually pretty perfect. Since the moment the five of us came together we have been able to compose, practice and perform with an uncanny ability to read each other and where we want our music to go. With the variety of music backgrounds and styles it would initially be difficult to imagine these misfits all working well together, but there have been so many moments, either during live shows, recording or practice, where a simpl - Penseyeview

Chicago band Vintage Blue won a one week vote to be featured as Chicago's Band of the Month on The Deli Magazine website. Their banner adorns the top of the page for November 2011. - The Deli Magazine - Chicago

Vintage Blue, formerly known as Tanglewood, has finally dropped its first full-length album, “Strike the Mics,” following last year’s EP, “California Road.” Like most of the bands who drop into the Leader’s inbox without warning, I have to admit that I had no knowledge of this band prior to this week. What’s rare is that I actually regret this fact.
“Strike the Mics” kicks off with “Set You Free,” an uplifting piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. It’s hard to tell immediately where Vintage Blue’s inspiration lies. “Set You Free” contains one of the least appreciated instruments in rock music: the saxophone. I can only think of Dave Matthews Band and Bruce Springsteen as other users of the sax.
Track three is “California Road.” Sounds familiar. It has a surprisingly country-like sound, which contrasts sharply with the first two tracks. Furthermore, the vocals seemed totally different.
Upon further research, I found that there are actually two lead singers: lead guitarist Ben Bassett and regular guitarist Ryan Tibbs. These two split the songwriting duties, and the writer of each song is also the singer. I’m not sure which guy is which, but I know that I hate this. I hated it when the Goo Goo Dolls did it, I hated it when Weezer did it, and now these guys are doing it.
Vocals peeves notwithstanding, the album presses on to “Speak,” a Bassett-written piece and the first single to be released from the album. “When mah girl speaks, there’s no one else around,” Bassett sings. “When you feel alone, my girl’s voice will bring you home.” It’s definitely the most radio-friendly track: it’s unoffensive, but not particularly stunning either.
As the album continues, it becomes more and more apparent what band I can best make a comparison with: Rascal Flats. Vintage Blue is some kind of fusion between straight-up rock and subtle country. The country twang really detracts from the quality of the vocals, and it affects the overall quality as well.
In the end, Vintage Blue has promise, but there are some things that need to be worked out before I can accept them as a “good” band. “Set You Free” is really the only likeable track on the whole album, while the rest falls somewhere in the zone of forgettable, country-pop blandness. The first single, “Speak,” should be coming out sometime soon; “Strike the Mics” comes out Feb. 14, 2012. Use the first as a gauge to see if you should listen to the second. - The University Leader, Official Student Publication of Fort Hays State University

Vintage Blue, formerly known as Tanglewood, will release their debut LP, Strike The Mics, on February 14, 2012. The project, which was produced by Jamie Candiloro, is a follow-up to their 2010 debut seven-track EP, California Road.

“Absolutely every ounce of our love of music was poured into Strike The Mics,” says singer/guitarist Ben Bassett. “Our passion was drawn out by our producer Jamie Candiloro who demanded nothing but the best, and found unique, odd and hilarious ways to bring out our talents.”

“To a man, Vintage Blue believes the music on our album is truly us,” continues Bassett. “It speaks to our lives, our loves and our passion. We truly love what we gained from the process and look forward to making music for many more years to come. We could not be more excited to have listeners get to know the guys behind the sound.”

The Chicago-based rock band plans to tour in promotion of the album shortly following its release. - Everything But Urban

Producer Jamie Candiloro has managed to squeeze every ounce of our love of music into their new 13-song album 'Strike The Mics' which will be released on February 14, 2012. You will have to wait for it but be aware that their debut EP 'California Road' was released in 2010. On the first single 'Speak', which singer/guitarist Ben Bassett wrote, shows their passion for love and not being able to get it. In other good news for the female fans is that Bassett and Ryan Tibbs are both singles again after a long-term relationship.

One of the key factors underlying Vintage Blue’s strengths as an original rock act is the dual writing tandem of Bassett and singer/guitarist Ryan Tibbs, who each pen and sing their own respective material. Both recently single after long-term relationships, Bassett and Tibbs admit that affairs of the heart dominate much of their lyrical content, with a range of emotions from blissful to vitriolic. “Just Breathe,” another Bassett-penned track, reminds listeners of the importance of letting things fall into place: stepping back, taking a breath, and trusting that things will work. Tibbs’ “What Lies” is based on the idea of two people who don’t really know each other, yet who are swept up in a beautiful place for a very short period of time.

Vintage Blue—which includes singer/lead guitarist Bassett, singer/guitarist Tibbs, drummer Will Crowden (the grandson of the founder and former owner of Ludwig Drums), bassist Cesar Corral, and saxophonist/keyboardist Matt Zimmerman—formed as the band Tanglewood in Chicago several years ago as a cover band, and as time passed and the group solidified, the outfit started to compose their own original material. Tanglewood then released the aforementioned California Road, a home studio recording. Lineup changes ensued, partly prompting the name change to Vintage Blue, but the core roster persevered. Recently, the band played the House of Blues, Double Door, and Cubby Bear in Chicago, as well as several Chi-Town summer festivals (including Party at St. Mikes, Chicago Ribfest and Taste of River North), and a show is planned at the Mint in Los Angeles on December 3, 2011, further building the momentum toward their next release.

With Strike The Mics, Vintage Blue are eager to share a much-anticipated batch of new material with fans, and bring their eclectic blend of soulful rock to their largest audience yet. Although the band are regulars in the ever-thriving Chicago club scene, a regional tour will follow the release, traveling from Madison, Wisconsin, to East Lansing, Michigan, and then to downstate Illinois, where several band members attended college.

“To a man, Vintage Blue believes the music on our album is truly us,” says Bassett. “It speaks to our lives, our loves and our passion. We truly love what we gained from the process and look forward to making music for many more years to come. We could not be more excited to have listeners get to know the guys behind the sound.” Agrees Crowden: “We so excited to get this new material out to the public and truly think there is something unique for every different music fan out there.”

"Strike The Mics" by Vintage Blue - release date: 02/14/12. - Music Remedy

Chicago’s Vintage Blue is releasing their debut full-length, Strike The Mics, on February 14, 2012. This follows 2010’s ep, California Road. This new record features production from Jamie Candiloro who has also worked with The Eagles, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson and Lucious Jackson.

Their music is a soulful variety of rock. Interestingly enough the group began under another moniker and as a cover band. Playing other people’s music can give you insight folks. And if you are the right sort can inspire you in making your own. - Mapanare.us

Chicago-based five-piece rock band Vintage Blue (formerly known as Tanglewood) will be releasing its debut full-length record, Strike The Mics, on February 14, 2012. The new album is the follow-up to their 2010 debut recording, California Road, a seven-track EP. For theStrike The Mics sessions, Vintage Blue enlisted producer Jamie Candiloro (The Eagles, Luscious Jackson, Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams), who not only ensured a sparkling, 13-track-strong sonic result, but also drove the band to write their most concise, structurally impactful songs to date.

“Absolutely every ounce of our love of music was poured into Strike The Mics,” says singer/guitarist Ben Bassett. “Our passion was drawn out by our producer Jamie Candiloro who demanded nothing but the best, and found unique, odd and hilarious ways to bring out our talents.”

One of the key factors underlying Vintage Blue’s strengths as an original rock act is the dual writing tandem of Bassett and singer/guitarist Ryan Tibbs, who each pen and sing their own respective material. Both recently single after long-term relationships, Bassett and Tibbs admit that affairs of the heart dominate much of their lyrical content, with a range of emotions from blissful to vitriolic. Bassett’s “Speak,” the first track that will be released from the forthcoming album, plumbs the idea of recognizing love and not quite being able to get it, while “Just Breathe,” another Bassett-penned track, reminds listeners of the importance of letting things fall into place: stepping back, taking a breath, and trusting that things will work. Tibbs’ “What Lies” is based on the idea of two people who don’t really know each other, yet who are swept up in a beautiful place for a very short period of time.

Vintage Blue—which includes singer/lead guitarist Bassett, singer/guitarist Tibbs, drummer Will Crowden (the grandson of the founder and former owner of Ludwig Drums), bassist Cesar Corral, and saxophonist/keyboardist Matt Zimmerman—formed as the band Tanglewood in Chicago several years ago as a cover band, and as time passed and the group solidified, the outfit started to compose their own original material. Tanglewood then released the aforementioned California Road, a home studio recording. Lineup changes ensued, partly prompting the name change to Vintage Blue, but the core roster persevered. Recently, the band played the House of Blues, Double Door, and Cubby Bear in Chicago, as well as several Chi-Town summer festivals (including Party at St. Mikes, Chicago Ribfest and Taste of River North), and a show is planned at the Mint in Los Angeles on December 3, 2011, further building the momentum toward their next release.

With Strike The Mics, Vintage Blue are eager to share a much-anticipated batch of new material with fans, and bring their eclectic blend of soulful rock to their largest audience yet. Although the band are regulars in the ever-thriving Chicago club scene, a regional tour will follow the release, traveling from Madison, Wisconsin, to East Lansing, Michigan, and then to downstate Illinois, where several band members attended college.

“To a man, Vintage Blue believes the music on our album is truly us,” says Bassett. “It speaks to our lives, our loves and our passion. We truly love what we gained from the process and look forward to making music for many more years to come. We could not be more excited to have listeners get to know the guys behind the sound.” Agrees Crowden: “We so excited to get this new material out to the public and truly think there is something unique for every different music fan out there.” - Fearless Radio