The Marantz Project

Formed in the spring of 2004, the Marantz Project, a seasoned five-piece collective of both live and studio musicians from the St. Catharines area have been performing their groove-based blend of trip-hop jazz fusion for their considerably large grass-roots fan base. On a whole, the Marantz Project is often compared to bands such as the Greyboy Allstars, Jamiroquai, Galactic, and Medeski, Martin, & Wood. Niagara News, describes the Marantz Project as “bass line[s] laced with a slick groove…raising the mood of the music to high peaks and bringing it back down to dreamy lows”. Adding, “[e]ach member of the band displays a unique talent and difference in style that blends into one beautifully harmonized piece of music”(2004).

On an individual basis, the Marantz Project’s members offer an effective integration of individual musical perspectives. Influenced by Bjork and Ella Fitzgerald, vocalist Sarah Beatty offers catchy metropolitan melodies that appeal to the listener’s sense of taste and style. Beatty’s diverse skills are a reflection of her classical training as a mezzo-soprano and of her extensive experience both as a performer and a songwriter. The rhythm section is comprised of drummer/percussionist Danno O’Shea, --a student of Humber College’s jazz program--, and bad mutha' bassist Tom Nemes. Both O’Shea and Nemes provide a combination of infectious rhythms that originate from a varying musical background of traditional blues/jazz, west coast bugaloo and groove rock. With the foundation of the Marantz Project securely in place, guitarist Chris Crawford adds a refreshing pitch of musical elevation inspired by his admiration of Daniel Lanois among others. Keyboardist Craig Ritchie, also known as ‘The Professor’, completes the Marantz Project experience by creating a blend of both organic instrumentation (Rhodes, B3, Wurlitzer, etc.) and synth harmonies; traditional groove with a modern twist.

With a four-song live off the studio floor EP, the Marantz Project continues to perform all across southern Ontario and is scheduled to return to the studio to record their first full length album. “The Marantz Project,” writes Hotspots Niagara, “is literally a project for all five members, providing a new creative outlet for playing and writing the music of their choosing”. Adding, “[…] make sure to check out their innovative new sound”

Pulse Niagara reader's have voted The Marantz Project "best original band in Niagara" two years in a row. Guitarist Chris Crawford received an honorable mention in the singer/songwriter category right behind Juno winners Dallas Green and Ron Sexmith. The band has also charted #1 on CFBU Brock radio's charts.