User:Pdnative
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Band Biography Native came together in 1992 when Mat Hutt and Dave Thomas, frustrated from working for people with less-than-stellar leadership acumen, decided to try out their own less-than-stellar leadership acumen. They dreamed of a 'perfect band.' One that would satisfy on a purely musical, songwriting level, and jam the way that The Dead and The Meters did.
Dave called Mike Jaimes, an old buddy and an extraordinary guitarist, and Matt Lyons, a bassist of unquestionable ability-and *voila* one of the northeast's touring institutions was born. Anthony Ballsley was tapped as lead singer and by summer Native was gigging all around NYC and even up in Maine.
By December 1992, Ballsley had left, Mat had stepped up as lead singer, John Wood (better known as Woody) had joined in on percussion and, aside from the comings and goings of various keyboardists, this line-up would remain unchanged right up to this day.
The bands first keyboardist, John McGann, lasted so short a time that few tapes have emerged featuring him. He was immediately replaced by John Epstein, who remained through the recording of the first album, 1994's Native.
Marked by brilliant songwriting, but marred by hasty, sloppy mastering, Native is an album begging for a remix, which it will get early next year, in a major re-release.
John Epstein's tenure with the band was brief and stormy, ending in 1995, but not before he had contributed a legacy of funk that would remain a vital part of Native's sound long after the temptestuous Mr. Epstein had gone. In his wake came John Watts, the calm and wise. In every way the exact opposite of Epstein, Watts, an erudite and exacting arranger, brought with him a refinement and attention to detail that rounded out Native's rough and ready attack.
The years 1995-97 were marked by hundreds of shows featuring this version of the band, as they barnstormed the northeast, building a loyal following. A good sampler of this period can be found on Native's 1997 release, Live at Marmfington Farm Vol 1.
Life on the road is tough, very tough indeed and, one day in 1997, John Watts decided he'd had enough of it, and left with nary a hard feeling. Finding themselves keyboardless, the five remaining members performed some memorable shows, but kept looking for that 'perfect' replacement. Very soon, Chris Wyckoff arrived and amazingly his name was not John. He was perfect for the job, he had the fire of Epstein, and the cool of Watts, and for good measure he added a touch of cayenne pepper to the brew.
Native was, by now, a touring machine, kept hopping from state to state, Maine to Maryland, and all points in between, by manager Paul Ducharme.
Finally the band entered the studio for the first time in four years, and created 1999's Exhale On Spring Street. Easily Native's best and most polished effort, Exhale features excellent performances from everyone, the typically inspired songwriting, and almost-psychic interplay that can only result from years of playing together.
Unfortunately, just as Exhale was being released, family matters forced two of Native's members to relocate away from NYC. Turning obstacles into opportunity, the group decided that their retirement from the road was the perfect chance to finally take all the time they could need to put together a dream album. This forthcoming release will feature some of the finest examples of their songwriting skills, including many long-time fan favorites.
Adding even more excitement, Native recently secured a record deal with Malaxis Records, a new independent label. Their plans include releasing not only their new material, but making the first three albums available around the world.
Who knew, when Mat and Dave dreamed of a 'perfect band' in 1992, that over a decade later they would be creating work that towers over anything currently being produced. Don't believe it? Just listen.
Long Live Native!!!!
