Since dropping its debut album last April, Hartley’s Encore has gained traction in the Capital District the band grows into its sound.
“I feel like we’re heading towards Hartley’s Encore 3.0,” said Luke Malamood, the band’s lead vocalist, keyboardist and co-founder.
Self-described as the “house band at your dance party for the apocalypse,” Hartley’s Encore is an energetic funk ensemble with a soulful horn section. Its sound is anchored by rock-solid songwriting flowing from Malamood (lead vocals, keyboards, Hammond organ and percussion) and co-founder Chris Oliver (lead guitar and backing vocals). The band also includes Jeff Nania on saxophones, Zach Lauzon on trombone Brad Monkell on bass, Erik Pravel and Mike Gilet on drums. On select dates, you may find Phil Chow on trumpet, Alex Gonzales on percussion and Josh Gordon on bass.
March is proving to be a busy month. The boys started this month by dropping a new single “Feels So Good on Spotify. It’s a different approach from last year. Instead of raising money to produce a CD, singles like this will be released in a piecemeal strategy, said Oliver.
It’s in the matter people choose to consume their music today. In a Billboard magazine article published last September, CD sales continue to decline. Industry experts fall short of calling for the death of the physical format. A harbinger of this movement can be seen in the automobile industry, where car manufacturers replace CD players with Apple Play or other streaming options. CDs are heading towards a select niche market.
“Feels So Good” was recorded and mixed by Alan Evans at Iron Wax Studios, somewhere between Amherst, Massachusettes and Brattleboro, Vermont. This first track, since the band’s self-titled release, reveals progression.
“It’s a whole freaking notch above our record,” said Malamood. “A complete song. The more you listen to that, the more that will be revealed. I promise. There’s a lot packed in there.” He added that the band was able to apply more of what they learned from recording the CD with Evans. “This time we really nailed ‘the sound.’ His mix is pretty epic,” he said.
Hartley’s Encore plays at Putnam Place on Friday, March 8 opening for Krewe Orleans at 8 p.m.
Krewe Orleans is a live big band Mardi Gras Experience. The mission of this band is to help keep the tradition of New Orleans Music alive and well. With a hand picked lineup, Krewe Orleans showcases some of the Northeast’s finest musicians that have including members of the Trey Anastasio Band, Pink Talking Fish, moe., Turkuaz, The Giant Country Horns and more.
Hartley’s Encore follows that show with its Brooklyn debut at the Knitting Factory on Saturday, March 16, and close out the month with a show at Savoy Taproom on Friday, March 29.
Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com.
Putnam Place is located at 63a Putnam St.
