District 97

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Okay, I'm not one for new music, but I saw District 97 a few weeks ago and was completely blown away at how good they were. While I'm sure there's a lot of hype because of the American Idol connection, rest assured it's not without reason - District 97 rocks. They were one of the most energetic bands I've seen in a long time, playing excellent prog rock! They're the real deal, and currently unsigned and looking for a label! 

Check it out: 

http://www.myspace.com/district97 

District 97 was initially formed in the Fall of 2006 by drummer Jonathan Schang, keyboardist Rob Clearfield, bassist Patrick Mulcahy and guitarist Sam Krahn. The foursome from Chicago honed a no-holds barred style of Liquid Tension Experiment-inspired Instrumental Rock before deciding the right vocalist was needed to complement their sound; enter 2007 American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist, Leslie Hunt. With a look, sound and stage presence comparable to a young Ann Wilson from Heart, Leslie's dynamic performances pushed the band into a new direction that forged a unique marriage between accessible, catchy vocal melodies and an adventurous instrumental prowess. After attending a show and being highly impressed, Katinka Kleijn, cellist extraordinaire from the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra, joined the band. She was followed shortly thereafter by one of Chicago's finest young guitarists, Jim Tashjian. With this new lineup of peerless musicianship in place, District 97 began wowing crowds and establishing a devoted fanbase through packed shows at legendary Chicago venues such as House of Blues, Schubas and Martyrs'. In November 2008, the band entered Chicago's In Vault Lab recording studio to begin work on what would become their debut effort, Hybrid Child. Working in tandem with two of Chicago's best engineers, Manny Sanchez and Chris Harden (Billy Corgan, Fallout Boy, Umphey's Mcgee etc.), the album balances a meticulous attention to detail and studio-craft with the visceral power of a rock band that is firing on all cylinders. 

Edited by djfake - March 01 2010 at 10:08

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djfake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: June 10 2008 Location: Chicago Status: Offline Points: 71	Topic: District 97 Posted: March 01 2010 at 10:06
	Okay, I'm not one for new music, but I saw District 97 a few weeks ago and was completely blown away at how good they were. While I'm sure there's a lot of hype because of the American Idol connection, rest assured it's not without reason - District 97 rocks. They were one of the most energetic bands I've seen in a long time, playing excellent prog rock! They're the real deal, and currently unsigned and looking for a label! Check it out: http://www.myspace.com/district97 District 97 was initially formed in the Fall of 2006 by drummer Jonathan Schang, keyboardist Rob Clearfield, bassist Patrick Mulcahy and guitarist Sam Krahn. The foursome from Chicago honed a no-holds barred style of Liquid Tension Experiment-inspired Instrumental Rock before deciding the right vocalist was needed to complement their sound; enter 2007 American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist, Leslie Hunt. With a look, sound and stage presence comparable to a young Ann Wilson from Heart, Leslie's dynamic performances pushed the band into a new direction that forged a unique marriage between accessible, catchy vocal melodies and an adventurous instrumental prowess. After attending a show and being highly impressed, Katinka Kleijn, cellist extraordinaire from the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra, joined the band. She was followed shortly thereafter by one of Chicago's finest young guitarists, Jim Tashjian. With this new lineup of peerless musicianship in place, District 97 began wowing crowds and establishing a devoted fanbase through packed shows at legendary Chicago venues such as House of Blues, Schubas and Martyrs'. In November 2008, the band entered Chicago's In Vault Lab recording studio to begin work on what would become their debut effort, Hybrid Child. Working in tandem with two of Chicago's best engineers, Manny Sanchez and Chris Harden (Billy Corgan, Fallout Boy, Umphey's Mcgee etc.), the album balances a meticulous attention to detail and studio-craft with the visceral power of a rock band that is firing on all cylinders. Edited by djfake - March 01 2010 at 10:08
	Author, "The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock" www.progressiverock.com

djfake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: June 10 2008 Location: Chicago Status: Offline Points: 71	Posted: May 11 2010 at 19:56
	Signed to LASER'S EDGE!!!
	Author, "The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock" www.progressiverock.com

Garion81 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: May 22 2004 Location: So Cal, USA Status: Offline Points: 4338	Posted: June 14 2010 at 16:59
	I see they just got added to the CalProg lineup this year and the few samples I have heard are pretty good. The CD comes out in September i think. Edited by Garion81 - June 14 2010 at 16:59
	"What are you going to do when that damn thing rusts?"

DamoXt7942 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum & Site Admin Group Avant/Cross/Neo/Post Teams Joined: October 15 2008 Location: Okayama, Japan Status: Offline Points: 17459	Posted: June 14 2010 at 18:00
	Fantastic sounds, featuring Leslie's graceful voices and Katinka's delightful (sometimes sharply pointed) cello ... their debut album will amaze us surely!


warrplayer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: June 18 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC Status: Offline Points: 111	Posted: June 22 2010 at 16:43
	Checked them out yesterday. sweet! If this is where modern music is headed, sign me up!