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‘The Urban Sophisticates’ promise energetic live show |
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Thursday, 07 September 2006 |
by ALLISON CASEY
Lifestyles Reporter
Mixing jazz, funk, hip-hop and witty lyrics is a feat The Urban Sophisticates pull off seamlessly.
The Greensboro-native band is set to perform at Legends on Friday at 9 p.m.
Appalachian Popular Programming Society Club Shows Chairperson Megan M. Sayre said the band’s audience continues to grow each time they come.
The
Urban Sophisticate’s diverse sound brings a diverse audience, putting
the group atop the list for potential bands to bring to campus, she
said.
The band consists of seven members who met through church and Bible studies classes, said lead vocalist Benton A. James.
"Their music is original. It doesn’t sound like anything else out today."
Annie Krazmien,
senior advertising major
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Inspired by the horn sections in early Chicago albums, the band added additional horn players to the band.
“I was really attracted to the idea of a horn section,” James said. “It
really drives a lot of melodies, and it’s a really cool solo instrument
at live shows.”
Lyrically, James said he is heavily inspired by Adam Duritz of The Counting Crows.
“You really know how he felt,” he said. “That’s something I try and mimic.”
Senior advertising major Annie Krazmien became a fan of the group when she befriended vocalist Aaron James in Greensboro.
“Their music is original,” she said. “It doesn’t sound like anything else out today.”
It is this unique sound that appeals to the college audience, Krazmien said.
The group presents a new take on hip-hop that college students find refreshing, APPS Advisor Randy M. Kelly said.
“Hip-hop is this generation’s voice,” he said. “And this is a band that has uplifting and great music.”
The band places an emphasis on the energy at live shows, where as the
record is “easy to the ear” and more song driven, James said.
“The record is more to catch the attention of labels,” he said. “There’s less of a dynamic.”
Krazmien said the energy and interaction of the band during live shows is a difference from the album.
“Their shows are highly energetic and crowd pleasing,” said Krazmien.
“With these guys it was all about seeing them interact with the crowd
and hearing them perform other songs that aren’t on either of their
albums.”
The college audience brings an exciting energy to shows that James described as “sophisticated fun.”
“[Students] come to be participants more than observe,” James said.
James said the band has received “nothing but support from Appalachian” and considers Boone to be a favorite location.
Though the band has a large notoriety on the college circuit, the fan base is growing, said James.
Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 for the public and at the door.
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