Formed in the spring of 2004, the Marantz Project, a seasoned six-piece collective of both live and studio musicians from the St. Catharines area have been performing their groove-based blend of techno-funk fusion for their large grassroots fan base. Often compared to bands such as the Greyboy Allstars, Galatic, and Medeski, Martin & Wood. Niagara News describes the Marantz Project sound as "basslines lace with a slick froove raising the mood of the music to high peaks nad bringing it back down to dreamy lows," adding, "each member of the band displays a unique talent and difference in style that blends into one beautifcully harmonized piece of music."
Individually vocalist Sarah Beatty offers catchy metropolitan melodies that appeal to the listeners sense of uptown taste and style. Beatty's diverse vocal skills are a reflection of her classical training as mezzo-soprano and her extensive experience both as performer and a songwriter. The rhythm section is comprised of drummer Danno O'Shea, a graduate of Humber College's jazz program, and bad mutha bassist Tom Nemes. Both O'Shea and Nemes provide a combination of infectious rhythms that originate from varying musical backgrounds of traditional blues/jazz, funk, and groovy rock. Inspired by his admiration of Daniel Lanois, guitarist Chris Crawford adds a refreshing pitch of musical elevation to the mix. Alto and baritone saxophonist Nelson Beattie's tasteful horn lines slither and slide through the music; certainly adding to the addictive quality of the Marantz Project's sound. And finally, keyboardist Craig Ritchie, also know as "The professor," completes the music by creating a blend of both organic instrumentation (Rhodes, Hammond B3, Piano) and synth harmonies; traditional groove with a modern twist.
With a four song live-off-the-studio-floor EP titled Daisia's Dilemma (2006), and their latest EP released Daisia's Return (2008), the Marantz Project continues to perform across central and southern Ontario. "The Marantz Project", writes Hotspots Niagara, "is literally a project for all [six] members, providing a new creative outlet for playing and writing music of their choosing", adding, "make sure to check out their innovated new sound" (2006). Pulse Niagara readers have voted the Marantz Project "Best Original Band In Niagara" two years in a row (2006-2007). Guitarist Chris Crawford has also received an honourable mention in the singer/songwriter category, right behind Juno winners Dalls Green and Ron Sexsmith (Pulse Niagara, 2007).
-Secondly, The Marantz has welcomed Nelson Beattie into the band. You may know Nelson from the FreeJazz Funk band the Funky Truth as well as several other acts around. But he can be seen most Fridays with the Marantz and whenever we're out on the road playing. If you haven't had a chance to see him play make sure you get out soon.
-Life Is So Easy
-What Do You Know?