Traditionalists or progressives? Fronted by the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie, the seven-piece New York band The Big Takeover plays original music that is rooted in and reverent toward the genres and rhythms of Jamaican pop: reggae, rocksteady, ska. They are devotees of Desmond Dekker and the way the old school did it.  At the same time, The Big Takeover crosses lines and blends traditions like global pop fusionists. Their deceptively complex arrangements and big hooks connect with the spirit of Motown and the uptown sophistication of the 21st century retro soul and R&B revival scene.

That rich sound, along with their rigorous performing schedule and studio work, has been paying off. In 2018, the Big Takeover completed a successful 12-state tour. They were enthusiastically received by 10,000 at Omaha’s Jazz on the Green festival. They delivered an outrageously infectious and nuanced acoustic performance on the popular reggae-centric Sugarshack Sessions. Meanwhile, their current standalone single “Rainboots” has scored big with the discerning tastes at National Public Radio. The Big Takeover has appeared live in studio on several NPR stations, while “Rainboots” is in rotation on all of them.

“Led by the powerhouse, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, The Big Takeover's horn-powered global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul and Motown, and their own infectious brand of pop classicism.” — John Burdick

WHAT?

What? is a funk septet hailing out of the Hudson Valley of New York. Although commonly confused with the international sensation known as ‘The Who,’ What? has been pioneering their own path to success despite being put on second base by Russ Abbott in 1938. The band found their roots in 2016 when Ryan Perrone and Dan Steen met while studying at SUNY New Paltz. They developed and honed their early sound, rehearsing weekly in bassist Jeremiah Mahoney’s lakeside living room. Drawing influence from the serene landscape of the Catskills that inspired the likes of The Band and Donald Fagan, What? bridges the gap between R&B groove and improvisational jam. Compared to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lawrence, Phish and Snarky Puppy, What?’s eclectic taste in music lays the framework for a night that spans multiple genres. The New Paltz Oracle writes, “the band emphasizes spontaneity and staying boundless.” Rock & roll, jazz, hip-hop, and pop only scratch the surface of what the New York based band might bring at any given show. But what is for certain, is that they will keep the party going all night!

What? consists of Ryan Perrone on trombone, keyboard and lead vocals; Dan Steen on guitar; Jared Nelson on guitar, keyboards and percussion; Jeremiah Joseph Mahoney VI on bass; Alex Endres on drums; Russell Hartman on tenor and soprano saxophones; and Owen Moore on Baritone Saxophone.

With a growing following in the Hudson Valley, What? is known to bring high-energy, soulful grooves with their power-house horn trio each time they grace the stage. They have performed at notable venues throughout the area including Dutchess Stadium in Wappinger Falls, NY with Gideon King; Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, NY; The Colony in Woodstock, NY; The Falcon in Marlboro, NY; and live on Radio Woodstock. Their debut album, ‘Lavender Lounge’ is set to release on June 10th, 2022. They have a heavy catalog of originals and choice covers ready for the road, with a busy schedule ahead consisting of dates up and down the East Coast in support of their first release.