The Joint Chiefs of Staff

Friday, 20 March 2009
Marc Tonglen
Nederland

The Joint Chiefs of Staff are making their debut appearance to Nederland's most historic ground level stage at The Pioneer Inn this Friday March 20 at 10:00 p.m. The band originally formed in 2003 in Mount Prospect, Illinois after a few cosmic jam sessions in a friend's basement. It's a miracle when a high school band, comprised of elementary school chums is able to re-locate as a collective to Boulder. Not only have they begun to dig their roots in the area, they have also kept a strong focus on creating new songs while evolving in true roots-rock form. The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a 6-man collaboration consisting of drums, bass, percussion, rhythm guitar, keyboards and electric 5-string mandolin. Their eclectic sound draws on each member's distinctive music experience, as well as a shared appreciation for the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, the Doors, Talking Heads, Sublime, String Cheese Incident, George Clinton, and Clarence Carter.
In the great tradition of The Grateful Dead, The Joint Chiefs of Staff fuel their electric folk rock, Americana, bluegrass, rock n' roll journey with the power of two drum kits pounded by Pete Roach and Alex Blackshere. Mike Cantella fills the funky groove on the electric bass and Solomon Goldbas has recently switched gears to become the keyboard/synthesizer player in the band. Frank Pulice plays guitar and vocals and Jack Jostes rounds out the sound on electric five-string mandolin and acoustic mandolin. All musicians contribute vocals and original music and compositional ideas to the collective whole.
Traditionally speaking, The Joint Chiefs of Staff are the group that advises the White House in matters of foreign affairs and war. A very clever name indeed, for the group transfers the vibe of peace through their extended jams. As guitarist Frank Pulice elaborates on the upcoming show, "This is our first Nederland appearance and we're really excited. We're looking forward to playing here regularly to get acquainted with this historic town." When asked what to expect at a JCoS show Frank replies, "People should get ready for a very eclectic, upbeat experience all around. A musical journey to be sure." For more information logon to www.myspace.com/thejointchiefsofstaff - The Mountain Ear

Up for review is a CD by the Chicago group, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, entitled “Live at the Clearwater Theatre”
recorded on 12/27/2006. This sixman “funk rock group” jams on a variety of instruments such as drums, bass,
percussion, rhythmguitar, keyboards, and electricmandolin, each with a skillful, highly energetic style.
There are five original tracks on this CD, and their own version of “Gimme Some Lovin’” by The Spencer Davis
Group. As one would expect fromsong titles such as “Uncle Sally’s Bakery,” and “Five Finger Freddy>Shazbot
Nanu Nanu,” serious lyrics aren’t the focus for this group, but rather a fun, flat out great party sound where
anyone can let loose, get down, and enjoy. The Joint Chiefs of Staff sound is reminiscent of those jamsessions
at a concert that happily go on and on, and you get the feeling that their appreciative live audience doesn’t
want themto end.
A high note in this collection is “Flow Like A River,” an optimistic song about things working out as they
should, with a slightly softer, effortless sound.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff and their “jamgrass rock” are definitely:
***Worth A Listen - Phosphorescence Magazine