Aristotle Jones Band

Local funk-rock band Aristotle and the Like Minds will perform at Fat Daddy’s Bar & Grill tonight at 10:30 p.m.
The group, which boasts a sound equal parts R&B, rock ‘n’ roll and funk, promises a fun atmosphere fueled by unadulterated, catchy tunes and grooves.
"We feel like we’re filling a vacuum of bluesy, funky soul music in West Virginia," said Nicholas Filippelli, the group’s drummer. "We’re raw. We’ve all been involved in the scene in one way or another for a while now, and we’re just making music we’d like to listen to that appeals to us."
In doing so, Aristotle and the Like Minds creates an honest and intimate sound laced with energy and passion. Thrown into a live setting, this sound resonates with crowds of all shapes and sizes.
"Our live show is compelling," said frontman Aristotle Jones. "We always leave room in the show for impromptu and ad-libbing to engage the audience."
A key component to the band’s success is its willingness to step outside the proverbial box to craft a unique sound. Unlike strictly cover bands or groups bound by the ties of a specific genre, Aristotle and the Like Minds’ mission consists of one objective: artistic satisfaction.
"There are many talented bands in the area, (but) what sets us apart is that we aren’t trying to sound like anyone else," Jones said. "Our original material is the culmination of our influences. Our sound is like The Black Keys playing Led Zeppelin like Stevie Wonder would."
Adding to the group’s appeal, each live show is shuffled and restructured so the same setlist will never be performed in the same way on a night-to-night basis.
"We do it (the performance) differently every time," said Drew Jones, group multi-instrumentalist. "There is a lot of high-energy creativity happening, and we are bringing it from a soul music angle. People come to see us make music on the spot."
Aristotle echoed this sentiment and said the group’s live show is ultimately about the audience and what they take from the music itself.
"Our live show is all about the audience," Aristotle said. "We have a distinct personality, and we let our light shine. That’s our swagger."
In this effort to please the fans, the band began incorporating more lights and lasers into its live show to enhance the overall experience.
"People come to our shows because we try to go the extra mile for our active fans," Drew said. "We care about the show and the experience."
With an extended play set to drop April 23 and a live performance booked for West Virginia University’s U92FM-hosted production Morgantown Sound, Aristotle and the Like Minds appears primed for a lengthy stay as a fan favorite on the local music scene.
Tonight’s show at Fat Daddy’s will feature a $5 cover charge. Concertgoers must be 21 years old to attend.
- TheDAOnline.com

Local funk-rock band Aristotle and the Like Minds will perform at Fat Daddy’s Bar & Grill tonight at 10:30 p.m.
The group, which boasts a sound equal parts R&B, rock ‘n’ roll and funk, promises a fun atmosphere fueled by unadulterated, catchy tunes and grooves.
"We feel like we’re filling a vacuum of bluesy, funky soul music in West Virginia," said Nicholas Filippelli, the group’s drummer. "We’re raw. We’ve all been involved in the scene in one way or another for a while now, and we’re just making music we’d like to listen to that appeals to us."
In doing so, Aristotle and the Like Minds creates an honest and intimate sound laced with energy and passion. Thrown into a live setting, this sound resonates with crowds of all shapes and sizes.
"Our live show is compelling," said frontman Aristotle Jones. "We always leave room in the show for impromptu and ad-libbing to engage the audience."
A key component to the band’s success is its willingness to step outside the proverbial box to craft a unique sound. Unlike strictly cover bands or groups bound by the ties of a specific genre, Aristotle and the Like Minds’ mission consists of one objective: artistic satisfaction.
"There are many talented bands in the area, (but) what sets us apart is that we aren’t trying to sound like anyone else," Jones said. "Our original material is the culmination of our influences. Our sound is like The Black Keys playing Led Zeppelin like Stevie Wonder would."
Adding to the group’s appeal, each live show is shuffled and restructured so the same setlist will never be performed in the same way on a night-to-night basis.
"We do it (the performance) differently every time," said Drew Jones, group multi-instrumentalist. "There is a lot of high-energy creativity happening, and we are bringing it from a soul music angle. People come to see us make music on the spot."
Aristotle echoed this sentiment and said the group’s live show is ultimately about the audience and what they take from the music itself.
"Our live show is all about the audience," Aristotle said. "We have a distinct personality, and we let our light shine. That’s our swagger."
In this effort to please the fans, the band began incorporating more lights and lasers into its live show to enhance the overall experience.
"People come to our shows because we try to go the extra mile for our active fans," Drew said. "We care about the show and the experience."
With an extended play set to drop April 23 and a live performance booked for West Virginia University’s U92FM-hosted production Morgantown Sound, Aristotle and the Like Minds appears primed for a lengthy stay as a fan favorite on the local music scene.
Tonight’s show at Fat Daddy’s will feature a $5 cover charge. Concertgoers must be 21 years old to attend.
- TheDAOnline.com

Though none of its cities have a population over 52,000 and touring bands often skip over it on East Coast tours, West Virginia has recently developed a surprisingly rich and varied music scene, especially around WVU hub, Morgantown. From modern newgrass tunesters penning tracks about that time-honored subject, moonshine, to the wild experimentalism of bands like Qiet, the Mountain State isn’t lacking for homegrown talent...

"...Aristotle Jones & the Like Minds would be a great band to book for your Parents Weekend frat party. This is not meant to be an insult. The foursome blends funk, classic rock, hip-hop and blues into jams so smooth, they’re practically begging to be grooved to by a mass of sauced young people (and their parents)." - Pastemagazine.com

Though none of its cities have a population over 52,000 and touring bands often skip over it on East Coast tours, West Virginia has recently developed a surprisingly rich and varied music scene, especially around WVU hub, Morgantown. From modern newgrass tunesters penning tracks about that time-honored subject, moonshine, to the wild experimentalism of bands like Qiet, the Mountain State isn’t lacking for homegrown talent...

"...Aristotle Jones & the Like Minds would be a great band to book for your Parents Weekend frat party. This is not meant to be an insult. The foursome blends funk, classic rock, hip-hop and blues into jams so smooth, they’re practically begging to be grooved to by a mass of sauced young people (and their parents)." - Pastemagazine.com

On Friday, Paste magazine, an online publication, favorably recognized 10 West Virginia bands as part of its national music spotlight feature, "The Paste 50 States Project."
Four Morgantown acts were listed, pushing a few local talents into a much larger pool.
Sleepwalker, Goodwolf, FOX Japan and Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds were among the West Virginia acts that made the cut.
"We were excited," said Sleepwalker vocalist Tyler Grady. "Paste is a pretty big magazine; I heard someone the other day describe them as Spin’s younger brother. It’s always exciting when you can say your band is participating in something on a national level, but there is always this sense of wanting more. It’s kind of like that Dr. Hook song, ‘Cover of the Rolling Stone."
Along with Sleepwalker, Grady received a second recognition with his solo project Goodwolf.
He describes the experience as "surprising."
"I couldn’t imagine that Goodwolf would be on that list," Grady said. "Billy Matheny made the Ohio list with Southeast Engine, and I read that article thinking, ‘who are they going to pick for WV?’ I thought literally nothing of it until I got the email saying Goodwolf was in."
Grady said he’s happy to be on the list twice, but he would have no problem giving up a second title so other acts could share the excitement.
"I really think that Rozwell Kid should have been on that list somewhere," Grady said. "They deserve it."
Zone 8 Recording producer and recording engineer Mark Poole said the Paste article can only be seen as a good thing, noting better exposure for state-grown talent.
"This is great – a little past due, but great," Poole said. "It’s bound to boost sales for the bands plus the general awareness. It’s what we here in the state have known all along – that we have an awesome music scene."
Poole cannot recall whether or not this is the first time West Virginia-bred music has seen such recognition, but he says there is a history of music in the state and it is open to those interested.
"A good place to start would be the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame," Poole said. "It might be an eye opener for people, just to see how many influential artists have come from West Virginia."
A member of the local band Jet Set Vapour Trails as well as a longtime Morgantown resident, Orville Weale is quite certain there has been a lack of attention on both the state’s and Morgantown’s music community.
He suggests the monetary goals of the music industry as a possible reason.
"Our Morgantown music scene is known around the region as having great bands for the size city we are," Weale said. "But I know we’ve never been nationally recognized. There are probably lots of little college towns with great music scenes everywhere. I just think the music industry could care less about the talent because they can’t make a buck off them."
Still, Weale says Morgantown is a special place. To him, there is always "an audience open to new music and bands."
"There’s a core group of people living here who keep the music scene alive and thriving," Weale said. "The town has an atmosphere conducive to musical creativity – just look at all the open mics."
Poole agrees and also said the consistent stream of people flooding this college town make it an electric place.
"Well, you’re right about the amount of people that come through here," Poole said. "There’s also a ton of rabid music fans that live here. I’ve seen so many shows at 123 Pleasant Street where afterwards the band said it was the best show of their whole tour."
Comparatively, Poole says Morgantown has always offered talented musicians, but he especially likes what he sees now.
"Take any year – there’s always been quality stuff coming out of the area," Poole said. "I think right now, though, in particular, there’s a ton of great music in this town. New students should seek it out. It’ll make their stay here really special."
Weale, to an extent, disagrees, and said Morgantown has seen better years in terms of the number of bands available.
"It is definitely not nearly as good as it was in the ’90s," Weale said. "There were many local bands touring around the region then. In Sunnyside, every other house on Grant Ave. had a band practicing in it. There were so many great bands then."
Weale said Morgantown "still has all the ingredients for a kick-ass scene," though. They just need to be realized and developed a little further.
Grady is happy with where things are. Both of his musical projects made Paste’s list, and he is glad the list spotlights a variety of genres.
"I’m glad we were able to show people outside the state that we don’t all play old-time country and classic rock covers," Grady said. "The next step is still the same as before the article came out: to keep writing and playing as much as possible."
The Paste nomination, to Grady, is huge, but it is not a means to and end. For him, it is merely inspirational.
"This seems like a really big thing, but it means n - The Daily Athenaeum

On Friday, Paste magazine, an online publication, favorably recognized 10 West Virginia bands as part of its national music spotlight feature, "The Paste 50 States Project."
Four Morgantown acts were listed, pushing a few local talents into a much larger pool.
Sleepwalker, Goodwolf, FOX Japan and Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds were among the West Virginia acts that made the cut.
"We were excited," said Sleepwalker vocalist Tyler Grady. "Paste is a pretty big magazine; I heard someone the other day describe them as Spin’s younger brother. It’s always exciting when you can say your band is participating in something on a national level, but there is always this sense of wanting more. It’s kind of like that Dr. Hook song, ‘Cover of the Rolling Stone."
Along with Sleepwalker, Grady received a second recognition with his solo project Goodwolf.
He describes the experience as "surprising."
"I couldn’t imagine that Goodwolf would be on that list," Grady said. "Billy Matheny made the Ohio list with Southeast Engine, and I read that article thinking, ‘who are they going to pick for WV?’ I thought literally nothing of it until I got the email saying Goodwolf was in."
Grady said he’s happy to be on the list twice, but he would have no problem giving up a second title so other acts could share the excitement.
"I really think that Rozwell Kid should have been on that list somewhere," Grady said. "They deserve it."
Zone 8 Recording producer and recording engineer Mark Poole said the Paste article can only be seen as a good thing, noting better exposure for state-grown talent.
"This is great – a little past due, but great," Poole said. "It’s bound to boost sales for the bands plus the general awareness. It’s what we here in the state have known all along – that we have an awesome music scene."
Poole cannot recall whether or not this is the first time West Virginia-bred music has seen such recognition, but he says there is a history of music in the state and it is open to those interested.
"A good place to start would be the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame," Poole said. "It might be an eye opener for people, just to see how many influential artists have come from West Virginia."
A member of the local band Jet Set Vapour Trails as well as a longtime Morgantown resident, Orville Weale is quite certain there has been a lack of attention on both the state’s and Morgantown’s music community.
He suggests the monetary goals of the music industry as a possible reason.
"Our Morgantown music scene is known around the region as having great bands for the size city we are," Weale said. "But I know we’ve never been nationally recognized. There are probably lots of little college towns with great music scenes everywhere. I just think the music industry could care less about the talent because they can’t make a buck off them."
Still, Weale says Morgantown is a special place. To him, there is always "an audience open to new music and bands."
"There’s a core group of people living here who keep the music scene alive and thriving," Weale said. "The town has an atmosphere conducive to musical creativity – just look at all the open mics."
Poole agrees and also said the consistent stream of people flooding this college town make it an electric place.
"Well, you’re right about the amount of people that come through here," Poole said. "There’s also a ton of rabid music fans that live here. I’ve seen so many shows at 123 Pleasant Street where afterwards the band said it was the best show of their whole tour."
Comparatively, Poole says Morgantown has always offered talented musicians, but he especially likes what he sees now.
"Take any year – there’s always been quality stuff coming out of the area," Poole said. "I think right now, though, in particular, there’s a ton of great music in this town. New students should seek it out. It’ll make their stay here really special."
Weale, to an extent, disagrees, and said Morgantown has seen better years in terms of the number of bands available.
"It is definitely not nearly as good as it was in the ’90s," Weale said. "There were many local bands touring around the region then. In Sunnyside, every other house on Grant Ave. had a band practicing in it. There were so many great bands then."
Weale said Morgantown "still has all the ingredients for a kick-ass scene," though. They just need to be realized and developed a little further.
Grady is happy with where things are. Both of his musical projects made Paste’s list, and he is glad the list spotlights a variety of genres.
"I’m glad we were able to show people outside the state that we don’t all play old-time country and classic rock covers," Grady said. "The next step is still the same as before the article came out: to keep writing and playing as much as possible."
The Paste nomination, to Grady, is huge, but it is not a means to and end. For him, it is merely inspirational.
"This seems like a really big thing, but it means n - The Daily Athenaeum

Critically acclaimed funk outfit Dumpstaphunk is primed to storm the 123 Pleasant Street stage tonight at 10 p.m.
Led by world-renowned multi-instrumental musician Ivan Neville, Dumpstaphunk boasts a lineup that can only be described as exceptional.
"The Neville family has funk in their veins," said Adam Payne, event promoter. "Ivan’s father, Aaron, is a Grammy Award-winning artist and founder of the notorious group The Funky Meters. Ivan will show you how he didn’t miss a beat with the family music genes."
Considering his father’s success, Neville certainly had a set of Sasquatch-sized footsteps to follow, but he has achieved greatness in the music business through his relentless attitude and pitch-perfect ear.
Among the acts Neville has either recorded or performed with are The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt and John Mayer, and he will bring this experience and refined stage presence with him tonight to 123.
While Neville provides a rock-solid foundation for the group, Dumpstaphunk will showcase a new drummer tonight in female protege Nikki Glaspie.
Like Neville, Glaspie has performed with some of the world’s best musicians, including Beyonce, Cee Lo Green and Kanye West.
"She (Glaspie) is good enough to drum for as big a star as Beyonce, so you know she’s got a lot of respect in the music business," Payne said.
Along with Glaspie and Neville, Dumpstaphunk features a double-bass attack of Nick Daniels and Tony Hall on bass and Ivan’s cousin Ian Neville on rhythm guitar.
Neville handpicked this group of musicians, and the results are stellar.
Vocal harmonies, groovy funk beats and hammering, punchy drums make up a sound that is 100 percent funk and 100 percent original, and this is what sets Dumpstaphunk apart from most of today’s musical acts.
There is real talent to be found in the group, and each perfectly crafted song makes this fact evident.
What originally started for Neville as a side project is now widely considered one of New Orleans’ most prestigious modern funk ensembles – and such notoriety can only be achieved through excellence.
"If you want pure funk, you have to go to New Orleans, and this band is one of the funkiest bands New Orleans has to offer," Payne said.
Supporting Dumpstaphunk tonight is Morgantown, W.Va., funk rock group Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds.
Like Dumpstaphunk, Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds is led by a sensational power in the musical business in Aristotle Jones.
Jones traveled throughout Appalachia in his quest to deliver a unique blend of funk, rap and acoustic soul to the masses before finally finding a steady supporting group in bassist Justin Bricker, drummer Nicholas Filippelli and multi-instrumentalist Drew Jones to form the Like Minds.
Now, the group comes to 123 Pleasant Street to showcase its versatile style that sees the band seamlessly transition from soulful rhythm and blues to powerful blues-inspired rock ‘n’ roll to funky hip-hop, without missing a beat.
This considered, Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds is the perfect match to warm up the stage for the funk phenomenon that is Dumpstaphunk.
Tonight’s show begins at 10 p.m., and tickets can be bought online at www.showclix.com for $15. Tickets bought at the door are $20, and concertgoers must be at least 18 years old to attend. - The Daily Athenaeum

On Friday, Paste magazine, an online publication, favorably recognized 10 West Virginia bands as part of its national music spotlight feature, "The Paste 50 States Project."
Four Morgantown acts were listed, pushing a few local talents into a much larger pool.
Sleepwalker, Goodwolf, FOX Japan and Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds were among the West Virginia acts that made the cut.
"We were excited," said Sleepwalker vocalist Tyler Grady. "Paste is a pretty big magazine; I heard someone the other day describe them as Spin’s younger brother. It’s always exciting when you can say your band is participating in something on a national level, but there is always this sense of wanting more. It’s kind of like that Dr. Hook song, ‘Cover of the Rolling Stone."
Along with Sleepwalker, Grady received a second recognition with his solo project Goodwolf.
He describes the experience as "surprising."
"I couldn’t imagine that Goodwolf would be on that list," Grady said. "Billy Matheny made the Ohio list with Southeast Engine, and I read that article thinking, ‘who are they going to pick for WV?’ I thought literally nothing of it until I got the email saying Goodwolf was in."
Grady said he’s happy to be on the list twice, but he would have no problem giving up a second title so other acts could share the excitement.
"I really think that Rozwell Kid should have been on that list somewhere," Grady said. "They deserve it."
Zone 8 Recording producer and recording engineer Mark Poole said the Paste article can only be seen as a good thing, noting better exposure for state-grown talent.
"This is great – a little past due, but great," Poole said. "It’s bound to boost sales for the bands plus the general awareness. It’s what we here in the state have known all along – that we have an awesome music scene."
Poole cannot recall whether or not this is the first time West Virginia-bred music has seen such recognition, but he says there is a history of music in the state and it is open to those interested.
"A good place to start would be the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame," Poole said. "It might be an eye opener for people, just to see how many influential artists have come from West Virginia."
A member of the local band Jet Set Vapour Trails as well as a longtime Morgantown resident, Orville Weale is quite certain there has been a lack of attention on both the state’s and Morgantown’s music community.
He suggests the monetary goals of the music industry as a possible reason.
"Our Morgantown music scene is known around the region as having great bands for the size city we are," Weale said. "But I know we’ve never been nationally recognized. There are probably lots of little college towns with great music scenes everywhere. I just think the music industry could care less about the talent because they can’t make a buck off them."
Still, Weale says Morgantown is a special place. To him, there is always "an audience open to new music and bands."
"There’s a core group of people living here who keep the music scene alive and thriving," Weale said. "The town has an atmosphere conducive to musical creativity – just look at all the open mics."
Poole agrees and also said the consistent stream of people flooding this college town make it an electric place.
"Well, you’re right about the amount of people that come through here," Poole said. "There’s also a ton of rabid music fans that live here. I’ve seen so many shows at 123 Pleasant Street where afterwards the band said it was the best show of their whole tour."
Comparatively, Poole says Morgantown has always offered talented musicians, but he especially likes what he sees now.
"Take any year – there’s always been quality stuff coming out of the area," Poole said. "I think right now, though, in particular, there’s a ton of great music in this town. New students should seek it out. It’ll make their stay here really special."
Weale, to an extent, disagrees, and said Morgantown has seen better years in terms of the number of bands available.
"It is definitely not nearly as good as it was in the ’90s," Weale said. "There were many local bands touring around the region then. In Sunnyside, every other house on Grant Ave. had a band practicing in it. There were so many great bands then."
Weale said Morgantown "still has all the ingredients for a kick-ass scene," though. They just need to be realized and developed a little further.
Grady is happy with where things are. Both of his musical projects made Paste’s list, and he is glad the list spotlights a variety of genres.
"I’m glad we were able to show people outside the state that we don’t all play old-time country and classic rock covers," Grady said. "The next step is still the same as before the article came out: to keep writing and playing as much as possible."
The Paste nomination, to Grady, is huge, but it is not a means to and end. For him, it is merely inspirational.
"This seems like a really big thing, but it means n - The Daily Athenaeum

On Friday, Paste magazine, an online publication, favorably recognized 10 West Virginia bands as part of its national music spotlight feature, "The Paste 50 States Project."
Four Morgantown acts were listed, pushing a few local talents into a much larger pool.
Sleepwalker, Goodwolf, FOX Japan and Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds were among the West Virginia acts that made the cut.
"We were excited," said Sleepwalker vocalist Tyler Grady. "Paste is a pretty big magazine; I heard someone the other day describe them as Spin’s younger brother. It’s always exciting when you can say your band is participating in something on a national level, but there is always this sense of wanting more. It’s kind of like that Dr. Hook song, ‘Cover of the Rolling Stone."
Along with Sleepwalker, Grady received a second recognition with his solo project Goodwolf.
He describes the experience as "surprising."
"I couldn’t imagine that Goodwolf would be on that list," Grady said. "Billy Matheny made the Ohio list with Southeast Engine, and I read that article thinking, ‘who are they going to pick for WV?’ I thought literally nothing of it until I got the email saying Goodwolf was in."
Grady said he’s happy to be on the list twice, but he would have no problem giving up a second title so other acts could share the excitement.
"I really think that Rozwell Kid should have been on that list somewhere," Grady said. "They deserve it."
Zone 8 Recording producer and recording engineer Mark Poole said the Paste article can only be seen as a good thing, noting better exposure for state-grown talent.
"This is great – a little past due, but great," Poole said. "It’s bound to boost sales for the bands plus the general awareness. It’s what we here in the state have known all along – that we have an awesome music scene."
Poole cannot recall whether or not this is the first time West Virginia-bred music has seen such recognition, but he says there is a history of music in the state and it is open to those interested.
"A good place to start would be the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame," Poole said. "It might be an eye opener for people, just to see how many influential artists have come from West Virginia."
A member of the local band Jet Set Vapour Trails as well as a longtime Morgantown resident, Orville Weale is quite certain there has been a lack of attention on both the state’s and Morgantown’s music community.
He suggests the monetary goals of the music industry as a possible reason.
"Our Morgantown music scene is known around the region as having great bands for the size city we are," Weale said. "But I know we’ve never been nationally recognized. There are probably lots of little college towns with great music scenes everywhere. I just think the music industry could care less about the talent because they can’t make a buck off them."
Still, Weale says Morgantown is a special place. To him, there is always "an audience open to new music and bands."
"There’s a core group of people living here who keep the music scene alive and thriving," Weale said. "The town has an atmosphere conducive to musical creativity – just look at all the open mics."
Poole agrees and also said the consistent stream of people flooding this college town make it an electric place.
"Well, you’re right about the amount of people that come through here," Poole said. "There’s also a ton of rabid music fans that live here. I’ve seen so many shows at 123 Pleasant Street where afterwards the band said it was the best show of their whole tour."
Comparatively, Poole says Morgantown has always offered talented musicians, but he especially likes what he sees now.
"Take any year – there’s always been quality stuff coming out of the area," Poole said. "I think right now, though, in particular, there’s a ton of great music in this town. New students should seek it out. It’ll make their stay here really special."
Weale, to an extent, disagrees, and said Morgantown has seen better years in terms of the number of bands available.
"It is definitely not nearly as good as it was in the ’90s," Weale said. "There were many local bands touring around the region then. In Sunnyside, every other house on Grant Ave. had a band practicing in it. There were so many great bands then."
Weale said Morgantown "still has all the ingredients for a kick-ass scene," though. They just need to be realized and developed a little further.
Grady is happy with where things are. Both of his musical projects made Paste’s list, and he is glad the list spotlights a variety of genres.
"I’m glad we were able to show people outside the state that we don’t all play old-time country and classic rock covers," Grady said. "The next step is still the same as before the article came out: to keep writing and playing as much as possible."
The Paste nomination, to Grady, is huge, but it is not a means to and end. For him, it is merely inspirational.
"This seems like a really big thing, but it means n - The Daily Athenaeum

By Brittnay McCombs

Published: Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Updated: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 21:07

Morgantown psychedelic funk and electric soul band, Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds released their debut album, "The Meeting of the Minds," Friday.

The album features 10 original tracks and, according to lead vocalist Aristotle Jones, attempts to capture the raw energy produced from their live shows.

"We always strive to bring high energy to our shows," Jones said. "And that was our goal with ‘The Meeting of the Minds' as well."

Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds consists of Justin Bricker on bass and back up vocals; Drew Jones on keyboard, guitar, saxophone and back up vocals; Nicholas Filippelli on drums and Aristotle Jones on guitar and lead vocals.

The band formed in the spring of 2010, but didn't originally have serious intentions for an album.

"We started off just as a group of musicians looking for a Thursday night jam. A catharsis to shake off all of stress of day jobs, school or whatever burdens we were carrying around with us," Jones said.

Jones claims that the recording process was a smooth endeavor, self-produced and one that he personally played a large part in creating. "We recorded during the snowy season at SuperFlare Studios in Morgantown," Jones said, "I did the mixing and mastering myself with feedback from the band. Our goal was to take our time and create a genuinely memorable album."

For this album the band tried to blend elements from a diverse array of musical genres. "In the end it is rooted in funk, blues and rock with a soulful singer," he added.

Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds currently plan for a multi-state tour through Ohio, Maryland, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

The band is also planning for a second album, which they will start recording in the winter. They have already penned five new tracks and they hope to feature up and coming rappers, singers and other musicians from Appalachia.

Fans can check out Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds or purchase their new album on their website at www.aristotlejonesmusic.com.

Their album is also available for download through iTunes and Amazon MP3, or can be picked up at any of their shows.

The band will next perform July 21 at 123 Pleasant St. with Ohio band Adrian Niles. - The Daily Athenaeum > A&E

By Brittnay McCombs

Published: Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Updated: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 21:07

Morgantown psychedelic funk and electric soul band, Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds released their debut album, "The Meeting of the Minds," Friday.

The album features 10 original tracks and, according to lead vocalist Aristotle Jones, attempts to capture the raw energy produced from their live shows.

"We always strive to bring high energy to our shows," Jones said. "And that was our goal with ‘The Meeting of the Minds' as well."

Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds consists of Justin Bricker on bass and back up vocals; Drew Jones on keyboard, guitar, saxophone and back up vocals; Nicholas Filippelli on drums and Aristotle Jones on guitar and lead vocals.

The band formed in the spring of 2010, but didn't originally have serious intentions for an album.

"We started off just as a group of musicians looking for a Thursday night jam. A catharsis to shake off all of stress of day jobs, school or whatever burdens we were carrying around with us," Jones said.

Jones claims that the recording process was a smooth endeavor, self-produced and one that he personally played a large part in creating. "We recorded during the snowy season at SuperFlare Studios in Morgantown," Jones said, "I did the mixing and mastering myself with feedback from the band. Our goal was to take our time and create a genuinely memorable album."

For this album the band tried to blend elements from a diverse array of musical genres. "In the end it is rooted in funk, blues and rock with a soulful singer," he added.

Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds currently plan for a multi-state tour through Ohio, Maryland, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

The band is also planning for a second album, which they will start recording in the winter. They have already penned five new tracks and they hope to feature up and coming rappers, singers and other musicians from Appalachia.

Fans can check out Aristotle Jones and the Like Minds or purchase their new album on their website at www.aristotlejonesmusic.com.

Their album is also available for download through iTunes and Amazon MP3, or can be picked up at any of their shows.

The band will next perform July 21 at 123 Pleasant St. with Ohio band Adrian Niles. - The Daily Athenaeum > A&E