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Band Fact Sheet: Night Beats

Born in Texas, groomed in Seattle

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Night Beats is rock, blues, soul, and R&B all rolled into one psychedelic-influenced mix. Danny Lee Blackwell takes inspiration from his Texas roots, as he started out playing in garages with his friends in Dallas. It's easy to hear the heavy influence from the psych-rock scene.

Submitted

Danny Lee Blackwell leads Night Beats in a psychedelic mix of rock, blues, soul and R&B.

Night Beats just released its latest album, "Myth of a Man," in January. This album takes a step away from previous efforts, not bringing its usual high energy sessions, but going for a more classic and mellow sounding project, as there's less of that early psychedelic feel throughout the 10 tracks. That's not to say the album isn't good, either. Night Beats has generally tried new things throughout their career. The range from the band's 2011 self-titled album to now is quite impressive. The shift might also come with the changes that have occurred with personnel in the band. "Myth of a Man" is definitely more heavy on the soul, and well, can there ever really be too much soul?

Get to know a little more about Night Beats with the Source's Band Fact Sheet.

Where they come from: Frontman Danny Lee Blackwell moved from Dallas to Seattle, Wash., to study comparative religion at the University of Washington. He named the project in honor of legend Sam Cooke's 1963 album "Night Beat." Originally joining Blackwell was his childhood friend James Traeger and then Tarek Wegner eventually signed on to play bass.

Members: Danny Lee Blackwell is the only permanent member. For touring he currently travels with a band consisting of Evan Snyder (drums), Sam Thornton (bass), Calvin Love (guitar) and Jaiq Styne (keys).

Songs to start with: "Right / Wrong," "One Thing," "Sunday Mourning, "Outta Mind" and "Puppet On a String."

For fans of: 13th Floor Elevators, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, The Black Keys, The Murlocs, Holy Wave.

Random Internet Dig Fact: Blackwell's favorite western movie is "Giant" starring James Dean. The film was released in 1956 and won the Academy Award for Best Director.

Social Handles:

Facebook @thenightbeats.u.s

Twitter @thenightbeats

Instagram @thenightbeats

Night Beats, Calvin Love and Patrimony
Fri., March 22. 9pm
Volcanic Theatre Pub
70 SW Century Dr., Bend
bendticket.com
$12/adv.

About The Author

Isaac Biehl

Isaac is living proof that "Iowa Nice" is actually a thing. A journalism graduate from Iowa State University, he regularly writes about music, the outdoors and the arts/culture scene. Isaac loves the Trail Blazers, backpacking and a good IPA. He plans to one day win Survivor. Your move, Jeff Probst...

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