Ghost

Ghost
“The Get Down”

Add equal parts rap, funk, and hip-hop, shake well and serve chilled and you’ve got Ghost. But what separates Ghost from other of this genre is that these guys are not sampling or scratching a bunch of music from other artist. To the contrary. These guys play their own instruments and play them well. Adding to their sound is the use of horns in various tracks, a little piano, and exceptional backing vocals. Not what I expect from a hip-hop / funk sound but Ghost mixes this difference exceptionally well with their groovin’ funky bass lines that you’d have to be deaf to miss, and a rapid fire rap vocal style that’s unique all on it’s own. Adding to the musicianship and killer rhymin’ lyrics is the arrangement of the songs on the CD. The songs order is assembled with a mood and direction in mind making this a CD you could put on in a club or at a party and just let the music set the pace for the evening and I absolutely dig that. If you want some music to move and groove to listen to Ghost’s CD and you’ll be gettin’ down.
Rating 4+ (Hidden Gem) - ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE by Mike Cavanaugh

GHOST was honored to receive a TOP MUSIC ARTIST AWARD at THE TEMECULA VALLEY INTERNATIONAL FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL. - TEMECULA VALLEY INTERNATIONAL FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL

URBAN MAINSTREAM MAGAZINE
Austin “Mr. Bugz” Jeters

Finally there is soul in the west coast again. Ghost is here and they are here to stay. All you have to do is listen to one of their cuts “Welcome to the Get Down” and I guarantee you are going to press the repeat button. This is a historical comment I am going to make. I am saying that Ghost is in my top 10 unsigned bands! Ghost has been selling out shows in the L.A. area for a long time now. Every track that Ghost does is different and with a groove. I guarantee you will not stand still or sit still when you listen to at least one track with Ghost. You definitely need to pick up at least one of their albums if not all. Just for the record if you are reading this and the record stores are closed Ghost is available on iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=253884357

Check them out on their website at www.getghost.net or on their myspace at www.myspace.com/getghost. The groove music is finally back!!!
- URBAN MAINSTREAM MAGZINE

Cool! What a breath of fresh air! I love the fusion of funk, soul and hip hop elements with live instrumentation - a great balance of old and new school. Nice job on the arrangement - horns, guitar, vocals, etc.
The groove is really infectious and full of energy - perfect for a party! A ride, indeed! Well done with incorporating the rap while keeping the song's original vibe. Over all, a great sound and style!
I did get to hear some of the next song ("Represent") It's certainly a "head nodder"! I enjoyed both. From those two, it sounds like you're a dynamic band that has options.
- TAXI

GHOST RECIEVED THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MUSIC AWARD FOR BEST R&B. - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MUSIC AWARDS

GHOST is Music Connection's Top 100 Unsigned Bands issue. 12-3-06. - MUSIC CONNECTION

Ghost presents an intriguing blend of funk and hip-hop that incorporates a modern take on the Check Your Head-era Beastie Boys and Brand New Heavies with Sly & The Family Stone style choruses. There’s also a taste of dance-hall reggae thrown in for good measure. From the political "I have a Question" to the party anthem "Let’s get Naked" and "Saturday Night" the funk on-slaught never lets up, whether riding a groove or showcasing inspired raps. All this bravado is tempered with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. The may be more G-Love than P-Funk, but Ghost have some thought-provoking and entertaining songs in their repertoire, and offer the perfect party soundtrack.

The arrangements are tight and lively, anchored by J.D. Bass’ propulsive bass playing and Lyle D’s relentless drumming, which lay down a solid foundation for Bates’ syncopated guitar and Arch’s melodic contributions on harmonica and trombone. Against the ample musical backdrop, G-Rhymes delivers impassioned and witty rhymes, backed up by Paul Benshoof, the comical, rabble rousing Flavor Flav to G-Rhyme’s Chuck D. Never allowing the hip-hop elements to over shadow the funk, or vice-versa, Ghost’s balanced attack is energetic and potent.

From the moment they took the stage, Ghost were full-thottle, in-your-face reminder that funk is best when it’s played loud, fast, and with relish. Taking an organic and democratic approach to their funk/hip-hop hybrid, Ghost come off as a spirited and engaging live band, whether giving Bates or Lyle D. a turn on the mic, or augumenting original compositions or doing a cover of the Bob Marley/Peter Tosh classic "Get Up Stand Up."

In a music scene inudated with melancholy singer/songwriters and wannabe rock bands, Ghost come forth with a refreshing voice, displaying both musical acumen and a sense of fun.
- Music Connection Magazine. Written by Ben Nachman

Marsha Kerasidis Manager and Booking of The Gig, Hollywood.

“GHOST is one of the most fun and professional bands ever! Working with them is a gem and their live performance leaves everyone in awe! From the get go, Jaime makes a grand entrance through the front door while he's laying down some of the most funky bootyshakin' basslines. He grooves his way through the crowded venue up to the stage. Mike's well annunciated poetry/rap meets with the Funk of yesteryear and competes well in today's market, bridging generations of party-rock, soul and funk. It's impossible not to wiggle, bop, or shimmy. Always a Gig-favorite, they are called on for regular bills and I have often recommended them for private parties.”
- The Gig, Hollywood

GHOST interview for FizzKicks.com
By Aaron Burton, Fizzkicks.com Online Artist Interview
Date: 4/05/07

"The Get Down" is what you will be doing after you hear and see the ultra funk sounds of Ghost. Winner of The Southern California Best R&B Award, it is no wonder Ghost is playing to sold-out shows through out their home city of LA. Playing up and down the California coast, Ghost is intoxicating their fans with their unique blend of funk, hip-hop, rock and pure soulful delivery of powerful performances and musicianship. Mike Evans aka G.Rhymes, Jaime Dow, Lyle Lawing and Mychael Bates talk to Fizzkicks.com about how their band started to where its heading in 2007 and beyond.

FIZZKICKS: Your band has a unique style. How Would You Categorize Your Sound?

Mike, "Alternative Hip-Hop."
Jaime, "Funk, Hip-Hop, Soul with Jazz and multi-cultural influences."
Lyle, "Big Band/Funk/Hip-Hop."
Mychael, "Funky Soul."


FIZZKICKS: How did you guys come together to form Ghost?

Mike, "We met at a local bar called The Starlite in N. Hollywood. I was working at a recording studio nearby and wanted to put some live drums on a hip-hop track. I heard Lyle play and was impressed. Lyle knew our guitar player Mychael Bates and we started jamming at a place called AMP Rehearsal in N. Hollywood. Jaime was introduced to us by his brother and has been with us for 6 years now."

FIZZKICKS: With over 29,000 profile views on Myspace.com, your new album "The Get Down" has quite a few great songs on it like "The Get Down" and "Take A Trip". Tell me about your song writing & recording process?

Jaime, "We all write together and everyone brings in ideas for new tunes all the time. We start with a lot of impromptu jams and it seems to take off from there."

FIZZKICKS: Which one of your songs connects most with your audience and why?

Mike, "I hope that people connect with each of our songs and find something unique to our sound. If I had to pick a personal favorite on the album...I would have to say "All the time" is getting a lot of spins in my car right now. I think it's a good combination of old school funk/hip-hop and the horns really bring it to life.

Jaime, "Baby. Because' of the drum solo. It really gives Lyle a chance to shine on the drums and is always a favorite at our live shows.

Lyle, "You Gotta Go". I think it's musically diverse and is a new sound for us. Everyone can identify with the lyrics and situation in the song."

Mychael, "Take a Trip". It's dynamic and I think people enjoy taking that ride with us."

FIZZKICKS: Southern California is a very competitive music scene. What was it like to win the Best R&B Band in Southern California for 2006?

Mike, "Awesome. We were honored just to be nominated. When we won I just kind of sat there for a moment like...huh...us? Jaime had to grab me and be like "Come on man, let's accept this award." "It really inspired us to put are all into the new album."

FIZZKICKS: What is the most driving factor that keeps your band going?

Lyle, "Seeing us grow musically and the evolution of our sound."

Jaime, "The live shows, the new projects were working on and continuing to grow artistically."

FIZZKICKS: Any plans for touring outside of your hometown this summer?

Lyle, "Yes. We will be touring all over California this summer and into the fall. We are booking additional dates all the time.

FIZZKICKS: Where do you see your band 2 years from now?

Mychael, "More new music, more touring.

Lyle, "World Domination..."

Mike, "We have a double live album in the works and have started our own label, "Get Ghost Music." A new studio album from us will be out next summer and I am looking forward to producing some of the new artist we are working with."

"We are really excited about expanding our tour dates and getting out to new venues in new cities."

For more information on Ghost check them out on Fizzkicks.com/ghost or go to www.myspace.com/getghost or www.getghost.net
- FIZZKICKS.COM Interview with Aaron Burton

Material: Combine equal parts of hip-hop, rap, funk, a guitar sound reminiscent of 70’s exploitation movies, add some ice, give it a boogie-woogie shake, and garnish it with backup vocals, an accompanying horn section, and you’ve got Ghost.

Musicianship: The musical talents of this band are exceptional. As a unit they are well rehearsed, prepared and deliver an amazing tempo that is infectious. Grounding the sound is Lyle D. banging out steady and smooth beats, using only a kick, bass, and snare drum. Providing thumping bass grooves, phat with rhythm, is J.D. An edgy accent comes from Bates’ guitar. Rounding out the foursome is G-Rhymes on vocals who provides a catchy, lightning-paced St. Louis style of rap that keeps the alchemy interestting.

Performance: Ghost’s performance was lively to say the least. The set kicked off with “Get Down,” which got everyone in the club gyrating. The vibe was free flowing and smooth. The stage presence of every band member was engaging and fun. To their credit, the group were more than happy to oblige those in the crowd who requested favorite songs. Ending the night with a flair, Ghost asked the crowd to come up onstage to join them, making the action that much more interactive.

Summary: Ghost’s core personnel are four, but occasionally they also utilize two backup vocalists and a horn section making their sound rich and full with different flavors melding together. Without a doubt, their material not only gets the body grooving, it also maintains a party atmosphere throughout the set.

––Mike Cavanaugh
- MUSIC CONNECTION