Music
Press
From the attractive packaging to the superb production, Lyquid Amber's "Ritual" is a musical journey bringing together the wide spectrum of seemingly diverse musical influences such as folk, pop, jazz and world and melding them into a harmonius whole.
Ably supported by an all-star cast of musicians from the Central Valley of California, the singing, writing and playing talents of Hans York and Evo Bluestein are impressive. Enough so, I believe, that major labels should sit up and take notice. The final track, the utterly charming "Down with the Elements" will appeal to anyone with a pop sensibility. A "hit" waiting to happen. Bravo gentlemen!
--Vince DiCiccio, Valley Public Radio, Fresno/Bakersfield - KVPR
Discography
Lyquid Amber "Drops of Rain" (2001) http://cdbaby.com/cd/lyquidamber
Lyquid Amber "Ritual" (2008)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lyquidamber2
Photos
Bio
Based on the original music collaborations of Evo Bluestein and Hans York, Lyquid Amber in its full complement also includes the incredibly talented Eva Scow (viola, violin, mandolin), Kevin Hill (bass), Dusty Brough (guitar), John Martin III (percussion, vocal) and vocalist Karen Marguth (total of seven people, though the sub-group is four).
The music could be called progressive acoustic.
Individual members have strong histories but the ensemble is new.
Evo Bluestein employs a myriad of banjo tunings, traditional and original, to compose funky and quirky new music. In the 1970s, he started The Roundtown Boys Oldtime Stringband, and, in the 1980s, he founded Bad Boys Zydeco. He grew up as a member of the Bluestein Family Stringband and has toured throughout the U.S and abroad.
Hans York is a master of DADGAD guitar--a tuning that produces unique harmonies and voicings. As a classically-trained musician, who grew up in Germany, Hannsjoerg studied jazz, rock, and world music traditions. Living in Brazil added to his repertoire of musical styles and rhythms. In addition to composing, Hans is a noted producer and arranger and winner of Kerrville Festival Song contest 2008.
Before graduating from high school, Eva Scow began making a name for herself. Besides performing with Lyquid Amber, she can be heard on David Grismans latest Tone Poets cd or performing Brazilian jazz with Mike Marshall or guitarist Anthony Wilson (Diana Krall).
Jazz bassist Kevin Hill, was born in Texas and grew up in China and West Africa. He began performing at age 12 and has been playing bass since age 16. Kevin studied jazz and contemporary music at The New School in New York. He played in several bands in New York and California.
Dusty Brough and John Martin III come from a Nuevo Flamenco background with the group Cerro Negro.
Karen Marguth is a jazz vocalist from the bay area who lives in central California where much of this music germinated.
Lyquid Amber music draws from the members collective experience in jazz, rock, classical, Brazilian, and Southern Appalachia, to create inspiring new landscapes in music.
Sub groups (duo or trio) featuring Evo Bluestein and Eva Scow, offer multi-instrumental roots/Americana performances and workshops.
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