|
Skeleton Crew® Bio Archive
|
|
pre-historic...dig!
|
|
The celebrated author, H.G. Wells once wrote: “The past is but a beginning of a beginning.” In pre-historic...dig!, the debut album by Intersound International recording artists, Skeleton Crew, Mr. Wells’ profundity becomes embodied in a musical testimonial that’s just that; original songs of far-reaching lyrical and musical depth, vivid panoramic imagery, and an arrangement strewn with the subtle haunting of a familiar friend.
“Most writers would tell you, if they’re honest with themselves, that you can’t help but be influenced by all those who have come before you,” said lead vocalist Bill Pilipchuk, who along with Scott Christy, Dan Hess, Chris Badynee and Greg Tyler make up the band Skeleton Crew. “And we’re no exception. Thus the title pre-historic...dig! It’s our allusion to the band’s pre-history; a compilation of what got us to this point in time; what makes up this collective group of writers and performers, and the influences we proudly lay on the table.”
Pre-historic...dig!, and its “power acoustic”-based sound bars any formal labeling and transcends musical typecasting. Songs such as: “callalili,” “in sympathy,” “kiss the world goodbye,” and “everything a man can bring” flirt with the band’s pop sensibilities. The country-tinged ballad “we ought to know better” takes a nod from Nashville, while “trumpeting soul” – aided by legendary trumpeter Johnny Trudell (Sinatra, Streisand, Motown) – pays homage to Louis Armstrong and New Orleans’ jazz. The ballad “sentimental” and the album’s epic finale “lost my way” round off the band’s eclectic leanings. “Our whole idea from the beginning, insofar as song writing was concerned, was to have no idea in mind,” said guitarist Scott Christy. “If the song was good, regardless of style, lyrical content or instrumentation, we’d try it. We really have to please ourselves first and write from the heart – if you don’t, the listener invariably will see right through you.”
The late great Detroit Free Press feature writer Bob Talbert noted in a past column that: “pre-historic...dig! is one of the best albums I’ve heard in years. The group’s terrific harmony and brilliant musicianship on original songs bring to mind both the Eagles and The Beatles.” No surprise since Skeleton Crew’s inclusion of John Lennon’s “I’am The Walrus” may have contributed in the comparison to the later. “Bill was of the opinion that Lennon sang the tune in the third person,” said keyboardist Dan Hess. “He thought, and we all agreed, that it might be interesting to interpret the song from the walrus’ point-of-view. From the sound of Bill’s performance, you can almost hear the walrus channeling through Bill’s vocal cords!”
Nationally recognized music writer and recording artist in his own right, Stewart Francke (Detroit News, CD Review, The Boston Phoenix, Minneapolis City Pages, Detroit Metro Times), writes: “pre-historic...dig! is arguably the best rock-related album to come from Detroit talent since Stranger In Town. It’s certainly the most melodically sophisticated and emotionally comprehensive statement in recent memory.” Francke goes on to say that: “Like other most capable pop miniaturists (Jimmy Webb, Roy Orbison, Paul McCartney), Skeleton Crew writes songs rich in both romantic possibility and quotidian detail.”
This not-so-stereotypical Detroit band has enjoyed a wealth of accolades bestowed on them by their hometown in recent years. 1995 culminated with the band garnering top honors at The Motor City Music Awards as “Band of The Year” and pre-historic...dig! was named “Best Pop/Rock Record.” “We’re looking to carry-over, on a worldwide scale, the success we’ve had in Detroit,” said drummer Greg Tyler.
Dick Bozzi, former president of A & R for the now defunct Intersound International says of the band that: “It amazes me that a band of this caliber hasn’t been signed to a label sooner. Their audience drawing power is a melting pot of old and young people; and people of different cultural backgrounds that include every possible musical taste currently popular in today’s music.”
As performers, Skeleton Crew has opened shows for such diverse acts as: The Rembrandts, the Smithereens, Robert Palmer, Todd Rundgren, Tesla, Kenny Loggins, Foreigner and Eddie Money. Venues have ranged from 2000 seaters, to the outdoor Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, Tiger Stadium in Detroit and The Palace of Auburn Hills arena. “The band’s done pretty well playing in these situations,” said bassist Chris Badynee. “It’s a challenge to get up there and ‘deliver the goods,’ as we like to say, and win the crowd over with songs that have yet to become radio staples.”
###
|
|
|
-
Skeleton Crew® Milestones
1998 Released extended single "under the watersign...nikki's song." The extended single featured the 8-minute epic "under the watersign," which marked the first appearance of electric guitar on a Skeleton Crew recording, along with a radio edit, instrumental and acoustic versions. The song was also a commission by Pam Aguirre, daughter of the late Detroit Tigers pitcher, Hank Aguirre, for her daughter Nikki in honor of her eighteenth birthday and graduation.
1996 Nominee for Motor City Music Awards:
– “Outstanding National Album ‘pre-historic...dig!’”
– “Outstanding National Single ‘callalili’”
– “Outstanding Rock/Pop Group”
1995 “Outstanding Local Pop/Rock Group,” Motor City Music Awards.
1995 “Outstanding Local Pop/Rock Recording: pre-historic...dig!” Motor City Music Awards.
1995 Detroit Live Music Awards (3): “Best Detroit Rock Band,” “Best Recording-pre-historic... dig!” and “Best Keyboard Player-Dan Hess.”
1993 “Outstanding Local Pop/Rock Group,” Motor City Music Awards
1993 Star Search semi-finalists. Famous for their “Four Star” performance in beating the all-girl group “Girl Tyme,” which later became world famous “Destiny’s Child!” The band can be seen regularly on MTV and VH-1 whenever they do a retrospective on Destiny’s Child…look out for the scary looking band of bad boys!
Recorded secret demo with famed John Lennon (“Imagine”) and Bruce Springsteen (“Born to Run”) engineer, Roy Cicala.
Detroit area performances include: Smithereens/The Ritz, Rembrandts/Saint Andrew’s Hall, Robert Palmer/Pine Knob, Foreigner/Pine Knob, Kenny Loggins/Pine Knob, Eddie Money/Palace of Auburn Hills, Tesla/The Ritz
Recorded first album entitled “pre-historic...dig!” produced by Gary Spaniola, whose credits include: Ready For The World’s second album and a song for the Beverly Hills 2 Soundtrack album.
Signed recording contract with Intersound International and re-released “pre-historic...dig!” nationally as first enhanced CD (video capabilities) from a Michigan artist. Album has recieved airplay all across the country and the Virgin Islands.
-
Skeleton Crew® is a registered trademark owned by Skeleton Crew Music.
©MMIII Skeleton Crew/Skeleton Crew Music/Lip Service Communications, Inc.
Unauthorized reproduction prohibited by law. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|