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Power Movement Project
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Power Movement ProjectBurning Away Negativity
2005-07-13
Article Written by: Benjamin Cameron
Holy wow, where's the genre? Reggae meets hip-hop meets rock meets funk meets all sorts of other goodies. This diversity is not to be mistaken as a lack of consistency, however…Power Movement Project pulls it all off with a DISTINCTIVE style that is all their own.
Photo by Kevin Maistros (pmp photographer)
Originally from Baltimore Maryland, Power Movement Project is known for delivering an intense, high energy set that few others can rival. They are a group of five musicians from different musical backgrounds who have come together with a common vision…to "set fire to negative influence throughout music…" and their inextinguishable trail of fire can be seen up and down their east coast tour of the United States as they continue to break down the walls of music genre conformity. At times they demonstrate a strong straight-forward feel such as in the song "Trial and Error", whereas at other times, their different musical backgrounds may meet a bit differently and manifest as a sort of quiet power. Power Movement Project's central theme of maintaining a positive attitude through tough times is one of the great things that stand out about this band. They get on stage and have a great time being themselves, no matter how small or how large the audience.
Guiding the majority of your initial perceptions about PMP is the always-energetic presence of front man Brooke Maynard (a.k.a. Blacksmith). Don't like rap? Don't shut yourself out to his talent; you'll miss out! For about the last twelve years, Blacksmith has been singing reggae, jazz, hip hop, r&b, and gospel, and his experience is evident. One of the things that make him a great front man is that he is capable of catching and internalizing the overall vibe of his surroundings, making the most out of any situation while on stage. He is able to use his voice as an instrument in many different situations; and when he says to hold your drink up and make some noise, you better do it.
Sometimes driving the band forward, sometimes laying back a bit and contributing serene, creative, and colorful melodies, guitarist Jeff Thompson certainly has a place within this band. His backup vocals and adaptable guitar skills do more than complete the overall genre smashing sound of the dynamic group of five, but in some situations, may also serve to bridge the gap between one player's style meeting another's-providing a smooth complimenting sound to quell any possible clash before it occurs. Jeff has known his craft for about twelve years. At the age of nine he was introduced to Suzuki piano-a unique piano style that emphasized playing by ear. Some of his influences are Pink Floyd, The Mars Volta, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and you can definitely feel his contribution to the music as pure energy…primal and instinctive.
Marc DeRusso's bass playing is full of life, spontaneity, refinement, and maturity. In the fourteen years that he's held a bass, he has developed a variety of techniques that are now employed to further perpetuate the progression of PMP; this is certainly a bass player with a presence of authority. Often taking a rhythmic approach, Marc's interpretation of the music coincides well with the contributions of the other musicians. A few of his influences are Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, and Jaco Pastorios.
Kurt Deninger has sat behind the drum kit for about ten years altogether, but he took a break back in 1995-2000 to explore some other avenues of life and expression. Now he's back in the scene, having re-emerged with vehemence, and is showing no signs of slowing down. His powerful chops and sharply executed, precise musicianship are, without question, helping PMP move ever closer to their goals. Sometimes more primal than anything, sometimes more refined, Kurt locks in tightly with the rest of the band. He has gained inspiration from such drummers as Stewart Copeland, John Blackwell Jr., Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, and ?est Love from "The Roots".
The many different musical moments created by this incredible group of artists are partly due, of course, to keyboardist Jeremiah Read. For the last six years he has worked with drum machines and various programming. Keyboards soon followed his hip-hop excursion, and his ambitious approach to the music's message brings forth an added dimension that further defines Power Movement Project. His chosen sounds are perfect. Whether his playing stands out or blends in, this guy manages to nail it with just what the music needs. Jeremiah has also been acquainted with drums for about ten years, and he first picked up a guitar about eleven years ago. A few of his influences are Nirvana, Outkast, and Smashing Pumpkins.
For the last five years, PMP has been a strong voice in music and media. They have released two full length CD's and have been listed as one of the top twelve on the Michael Anthony show. They have opened for many large national acts such as Bone Thugs & Harmony, Busta Rhymes, Fishbone, Jimmy's Chicken Shack, Chuck Brown, Eek-a-Mouse, Sister Carol, and SEV among others. They have been seen on such television as FOX sports (Mobile Skate park Series-54321), Pepsi's Project X (WB50), and MTV's college television network. See more at their official site, www.computethemadness.com.
Power Movement Project has already accomplished so much in a short amount of time, and just may reach their goal one day of a musician's paradise…to no longer have a day job and to live off your music…to write and perform as much as possible. I for one am rooting for them, along with plenty of others.
Without getting too personal or political, the band addresses many concerns of life's journey and encourages us to stay strong through trying times. Blacksmith's presence is strong and empathic-the sounds of the band with him are like the voices that cheer us on to overcome our obstacles.
Sometimes the music is lively and upbeat, sometimes a bit darker and bold, but it always remains true to the musician and the aspiring soul who wishes to see that someone else out there believes in something too…believes in the power of music. From well-orchestrated, pre-arranged songs to spontaneous improv, each member of PMP demonstrates an undisputable prowess of their craft; feeding off the vibes while listening and feeling intently what the music is saying. You can hear this same greatness on their CD's and if you happen to be outside of Volusia or Flagler County, check out www.myspace.com/pmp to see if they are soon to appear at a venue near you.
When I listen to their CD or catch them at a show, I know they are the real deal. Power Movement project has indeed "set fire to negative influence throughout music" and they are rising like the Phoenix from the ashes.
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