Yingmeng Yu

Smokestack, a band from Ann Arbor comprised of a bass and electric guitarist,
keyboardist and drummer, put on a fabulously upbeat show last Wednesday night
at Rubbles. Apparently they were one of Mount Pleasant’s best kept secrets
because the turnout was much smaller than their talent. Those who were lucky enough
to be at Rubbles were not too shy to dance, the music making it impossible to
stay seated and the dancing didn’t stop until the band did.
In an interview before the show, the Smokestack shared their dedication and confidence
in playing together as a career. Guitarist Chuck Newsome firmly believes that
“to make it as an artist takes heart and back-up plans aren’t realistic,
they are a cop-out. He went on to say that “this is what we want to do and
I believe we have the line-up and the commitment to make it work.”
They are in the process of recording their first full-length album in a studio
in Ann Arbor. Smokestack feels that this album is a major step in establishing
a name for themselves along with the numerous shows that they have put on in Lower
Michigan and Ohio. They all agreed that someone has to take chances in order to
pursue their dreams or else this would be a world without artists.
The band was opposed to putting a label on their sound. Keyboardist James Sibley
groaned when he said that “this is the hardest question to answer” and
bassist Thom McNeil jokingly said that they were “dance music for house wives
and hippies.” Drummer Brian Williams feels that labels put restrictions on
their versatility. Eventually the consensus was that their music could not fit
neatly into any category. They agreed that their grooves, the majority of which
they have written, cover a wide range of genres such as funk, Latin, jazz and
blue-grass. Smokestack’s incredible improvisational skills should not automatically
classify them as a typical jam band. Although their jam sessions are powerful,
their unique ability to transition and blend one style with another deserves recognition.

Let’s put it this way, they are smooth like Marvin Gaye and funky like Taj
MaHal, keeping everyone on their toes — literally! In fact, for the finale
when the crowd screamed for more, they were delightfully surprised with “Walk
Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles.
Smokestack hopes to make an appearance at Rubbles again some time this summer
and will definitely be back next fall, don’t miss them while they are still
in Michigan!

E-mail the author: Brandi KruseLIFE Et cetera Writer