GUIDANCE BAND
KEITH BATLIN - GUITAR / VOCALS
RYAN BRANDVOLD - BASS / BACKUP VOCALS
BRANDON HUTSON - TRUMBONE / TRUMPET / MELODICA
MINDY MCPEEK - VOCALS
AMOS ZOLLO - DRUMS
MAURICE MCCONNELL - PIANO / ORGAN / BACKUP VOCALS
Through deep roots rythms, light hearted melodies and uplifting lyrics demanding unity, we chant down the wicked in these tough esoteric times. While aiming to capture the true spirit of roots reggae, we strive to approach songwriting with a unique and open minded view. Our passion has always been for many different types of music and it has become evident in the way we have developed as musicians.
The name Guidance Band came simply. Music has always been and continues to be a strong source of guidance in each of our upbringings. Jamming together is one of the strongest binding forces in our close family. It only seemed natural that becuase sharing music together is how we've received guidance, that we call this group Guidance Band.
Guidance Band was formed by longtime friends Keith Batlin (guitar/lead vocals), Ryan Brandvold (bass) and Brian Kusko (Drums). Keith and Ryan started jamming together in Hawaii in high school. After meeting Brian at Musicians Institute in L.A. California they moved north together to San fransisco to pursue a long time musical project (Freesound). Later the three moved back to Hawaii where they now live. They were soon joined by Brandon Hutson (Trombone/Trumpet) who moved to Hawaii from Oregon after fulfilling a successful music career in Portland with the former Uprite Dub Orchestra. In 2010 Mindy Mcpeek joined the group providing a powerful female lead vocal and smooth backing harmonies. In 2011 drummer Amos Zollo came in to replace Brian providing a commanding dedication that can be felt at every performance. Also, in 2011 Maurice Mcconell joined to fill a long awaited gap on the keys bringing in a world class sound that takes live shows to new heights.
2011 marks a catalyst in Guidance Bands development. With the addition of new members and their 2011 summer tour to the continental U.S. being a huge success, plans for the spring and summer of 2012 are quickly coming together.
2012 will also see the highly anticipated release of the Guidance Band debut album "The Trinity," featuring the love and support of legendary special guest performances by, Half Pint, Pato Banton, Winston Jarrett and Sister Micky. "The Trinity" is already generating buzz throughout the national and international music industry. (U.S. and international official release set for Jan.2012)
Reggae musics way of making sure that nobody is unjustly treated and Guidance Band's commitment to that mission is what has kept us performing through thick and thin. That mission is also what has kept our loyal fans coming back to see us again and again. Whether it brings you to one of our shows or keeps you singing along to your favorite songs at home, a special thank you to "you," you make it all possible. More Love! More Light! We sing of equality. We sing of praise. Our mission is to keep the spirit of Zion alive here in the hearts of the people so that we may all forward together to the promised land. One Love - GUIDANCE BAND
