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The Mystery Fellowship
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The Mystery FellowshipA Powerful Vision
2005-10-05
Article Written by: Benjamin Cameron
The Mystery Fellowship boldly broke through the conventional ways of the Daytona area with their "Breakout Block Party" - their first show in the area, which had a large overall turnout. At a recent interview with them, my perceptions were confirmed. Their music speaks for itself and is an extension of their personalities. With a love for their craft and true personal conviction in the power of music, The Mystery Fellowship's presence in the Daytona area is reassuring for music lovers and supporters. The Mystery Fellowship has come.
Although their current form first began to take shape in March of two thousand five, the idea behind The Mystery Fellowship was first conceived over ten years ago. Their current bass player, Sean Tillis, has been with them for only two months, but guitarist Michael Legere, drummer Andrew Shaw, and manager Chris Nichols have been acquainted for several years. Flowing in and out of each other's lives as they traversed the paths of their own personal journeys, they have once again re-united as a band that shall perhaps be their most heroic effort yet.
Combining elements of funk, blues, hip-hop, reggae, and of course - rock n' roll, The Mystery Fellowship is capable of meeting all of your musical wishes. By maintaining an absolute degree of honesty in their presentation, they will exceed the expectations of many. Overall, the message of The Mystery Fellowship manifests as a danceable, climactic blend of each musician's skillful contribution. Because there is never a rhetoric moment, the ensemble never stagnates and handles clever tempo and meter changes flawlessly. The Mystery Fellowship has something for everyone, and just to be sure, they sometimes have a "secret surprise" waiting to be unleashed at just the right moment. They are definitely here to give their all - and when you hear the screams and applause erupt from the crowded venue; when you catch them in action...you also, will know.
Manager Chris Nichols has had a key role in the fruition of The Mystery Fellowship since the beginning. After living in Costa Rica, he has returned to U.S. soil with the purpose of taking The Mystery Fellowship to the top. He has unwavering belief in the project at hand. As The Mystery Fellowship demonstrates that "the message supercedes the music," he believes they will succeed for the greater good. Though his focus is no longer on performing for himself, Chris has been a songwriter and guitarist for the last ten years. As a songwriter, he was motivated by his beliefs in how the world should be, in opposition to the "atrocities" of many of the world's difficulties. Chris can find inspiration in any style of music and any time period. "The Mystery Fellowship is a fusion of all different elements," states Chris. "In this way we hope to reconcile for a truer essence of music." He continues, "we encountered a lot of jazz when we were in Wilmington, North Carolina, and The Mystery Fellowship's approach to playing rock accentuates the expressive element of the art. There is an unspoken synergy among the band members that confirms we are doing the right thing."
On guitar and vocals is Michael Legere. You'll never hear a sour note; you'll hear a plethora of innovative approach to his soulful, expressive, rocket fueled improvisation. He has explored the way of the guitar for nine years, and finds inspiration from Phish, Pink Floyd, and too many others to name. With the understanding that music is more than sound and technical skill, Michael's vision for The Mystery Fellowship is to carry out a higher purpose than to simply perform. "It's one way to help with the betterment of society," says Mike as he explains his strategy. "Music is something everyone can grab onto, and it opens to mind to people we never meet, such as in different cultures and the different ways of life." Part of Michael's journey led him to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he studied music at Oral Roberts University and was first introduced to drummer Andrew Shaw. Michael played some drums himself in high school, and also took some time to learn about the piano. Seeing hip-hop in a philosophical light has led Mike to embrace many different ways to approach music, and the example of Bob Marley is another reminder of integrity behind the music. "We're here to give people something to believe in," declares Michael. "We're here to bring some integrity back to rock n' roll." The Mystery Fellowship is doing just that. Perhaps it is their phenomenal musicianship - or perhaps it is the phenomenal spaghetti that Michael's wife, Ryan, feeds them.
On drums and vocals, you'll hear Andrew Shaw. He's been making music all his life, having been brought up in a household of musicians. He is also currently with the band "Yummy"; however, his main focus is on The Mystery Fellowship. Andrew demonstrates an impressive combination of talent and skill with intricate ride patterns that are never intrusive to the overall groove. Singing and playing drums is difficult for most of us, Andrew, however, takes it to the next level. He'll carry a tune without watering down his technical style, and further embellishes his work with colorful and dramatic punctuation. Andrew's footwork and sound effects are great additions to The Mystery Fellowship. He is strongly influenced by the Seattle grunge scene. A few favorite drummers are Danny Carey, Neil Peart, Dave Watts, and Matt Cameron. Manager Chris Nichols boasts that Andrew's performance is perhaps the most soulful and powerful that he has ever witnessed. "Music is a universal language," says Andrew. "Music is what I understood the most growing up, and I aspire to help others find that same level of understanding." As a step towards this aspiration, Andrew has taken it upon himself to give free lessons to his neighbor's son. "The Mystery Fellowship has helped open my perceptions and broaden my vision. Just when some momentum forms, delays can occur. With resilience, belief, teamwork and perseverance, you'll get through to the other side. Our manager, Chris, is especially hard working. We want o be an example of the rewards of persistence, to bring people up." Inspiring words from a great drummer.
On bass and vocals is Sean Tillis. He grew up in the Daytona area and has only been with The Mystery Fellowship since July of two thousand five. At only seventeen years of age, he is widely known as "the kid", though the nickname is no indication of his musical skill. Sean's colorful bass work accentuates the music with thematic, expressive improvisation. He's been studying bass for about eight years, and vocals for about three years. "Music is a journey," says Sean. "It molds itself into something you can't control and transforms into a life of it's own." He is influenced by Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, and Earth Wind and Fire. He'll employ a variety of techniques and locks it down with a charging rush of energy - channeled into the creation of musical composition that keeps everyone in awe. "The Mystery Fellowship has helped open my ability to improv," elaborates Sean.
The Mystery Fellowship...three musicians who intertwine polyrhythmic expertise with multi-layer experimental cohesion. Often lively and upbeat, sometimes laid back and in the pocket. A unified endeavor is easily felt as the powerful ensemble fills the audience with conviction. An unfolding collage of story is told through musical representation as cataclysmic soloing is met with professional, full of life performance. Their lyrics are imbued with meaning and courage.
Don't miss The Mystery Fellowship. You can keep up to date on their shows by visiting their web site www.TheMysteryFellowship.com or just check out the events calendar right here on WhatsHappeningDaytona.com. The Mystery Fellowship has come, and they are boldly following their vision.
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