Band's Hybrid Sound Wows Live

Band's Hybrid Sound Wows Live

Matthew Winters

Some of the most interesting and instantly memorable music in the world is music that combines two or more types into one new genre. Think back to when you first heard Linkin Park, even though their musical creativity is basically set on repeat with the rap/scream dynamic, that same mix was something that harnessed so much about music that we love and brought fans together from two genres.

This same idea has been harnessed by a band in our own backyard. Shaky Trade combines a large amount of funk, classic rock, jazz and even just a little bit of big band era dynamics. Their new album, "Code Green," released late last year is the product of great musical minds coming together and performing music they love.

The music is so fascinating, it sways from more straight up rock approach with "Everybody Run" and "Shut Yo Mouth" to more jazz inspired tracks, "Paint The Roses" and "I'm The Man" to even a reggae track "180 Dub." The music is all over the place but it flows together very nicely from song to song.

The jam at the end of "Shut Yo Mouth" flows really well into "180 Dub," all while the band, singer/saxophone player Billy Bommer, back-up singer/brass player Chris Clemons, Greg Shaw on bass, Simon Crompton on guitar and drummer Michael Wong, jam out.

As much as "Code Green" is a great release that really stretches the boundaries of its chosen musical genres, where the band really shines is at a live performance. I had the pleasure to be invited to their record release party in November and I was amazed at the performance. Billy Bommer really opens up on stage and has a wonderful stage persona that comes across as excited but laid back. The band jammed through many of the tracks that are on "Code Green," but they also shined as a wonderful cover's band by playing soulful renditions of the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" and the Beatles' "I Am the Walrus." All the while "Code Green" practically sold out to a packed audience.

Overall, Shaky Trade, I hope, will continue on and get to a place where they can show their national quality to a national audience.

Originally Published in The WSU Signpost 1/16/09