BAND ON THE WEB

Jul 1, 2001 12:00 PM, By Peter Drescher

           
 

The word vinyl implies a certain warm and scratchy sound that conjures up the image of flipping through packed bins in a dusty record store. But Vinyl now has a new meaning: an outrageously funky band from the Bay Area that plays original tunes with R&B, reggae, and Latin flavors. Catch the group's cool grooves at www.vinylgroove.com.

Vinyl consists of excellent musicians, including trumpeter Danny Cao, Doug Thomas on saxophone, and Jonathan Korty on Hammond B-3. The band's funky rhythm section includes Alexis Razon on drums, Antonio and Sean Onorato on Latin percussion, Billy Frates on guitar, and Geoff Vaughan on bass.

Vinyl is a thriving member of the jam-band phenomenon. It lays down its infectious beats to packed houses and frequently headlines outdoor music festivals. Vinyl has even performed as the backup band for Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead.

The band's Web site features MP3s from its three CDs: I recommend the funky “Morse Code” from Live at Sweetwater and the interesting “Funk in 5/4” from Vinyl's self-titled first record. You can also watch the band's goofy “Pipe Bomb” video in Real G2 or Windows Media format.

Vinylgroove.com includes an online message board through which fans can communicate with the band members and one another. There's a link to the CRAPstore, a secure site where fans can buy band merchandise. The press page contains some great photos of the band, along with praise from reviewers. There's also a page on which you can subscribe to the band newsletter. The site, designed and maintained by Kung Fu Design (www.kungfudesign.com), is colorful, easy on the eyes, and fun. The only thing lacking is the sound of a phonograph needle hitting dust in the grooves.