The Monkees are an American rock and pop band originally active between 1966 and 1971, with reunion albums and tours in the decades that followed. Their original line-up consisted of the American actor/musicians Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork with English actor/singer Davy Jones. Monkey Love is a high energy party rock band formed in late 2010 and has literally been bursting onto the DFW music scene with a fury. The philosophy behind the group is simple. Talented guys with a huge variety of musical influences get together to play stuff that most other bands don’t play. Listen to Monkey Love Band on Jango Radio. Jango is personalized internet radio that helps you find new music based on what you already like. Unlimited listening, no commercial interruptions! Hot Monkey Love was founded by the late Frank LaRocka in 2003 as a tough Blues and R&B outfit to gig on the NYC blues scene. The band has released two CD’s to date: Primate Blues, and Speakin’ Evil (both on the BrotherMonk imprint). The Monks (as they are apt to be affectionately abbreviated) have since evolved into their current lineup. Whether it's in a local venue or playing your special event, Love Monkey is the band that brings the Party! What others are saying: 'When I walked into the office Monday morning, our staff was RAVING! Their sets were AWESOME! Sometimes I forgot they were doing covers. They sound THAT good! I would definitely recommend for a good time!
Monkey is a third wave ska band based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their musical influences include the Skatalites, Prince Buster, the Specials, and non-ska artists such as: Elvis Costello, David Byrne and Tito Puente. Monkey has released five albums, the first two as independent releases, the next three by Asian Man Records. Their debut album ¡Changito!, was listed as San Jose's Best Independent Release for 1998. They have toured the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and the United Kingdom, and have earned several nominations and awards, including winning the California Music Award (Bammie) in 1999.
The band has gone on to tour the world and has recorded several albums. Monkey's music can be heard on several compilations, as well as movie and video game soundtracks. La mina de oro.
![Love Love](https://img.youtube.com/vi/1lAlSp2lJq4/hqdefault.jpg)
History[edit]
Monkey was formed in the summer of 1995, by Curtis Meacham and Kevin Miller. In 1997 Monkey's first full-length release, ¡Changito!, was released. The lineup of the band changed numerous times after this, with Meacham and Miller remaining. In 1999, they won a Bay Area Music award, or Bammy. Their second self-released album, Station Wagon Living came out during the 'crash' of third wave ska. Co-founding member Miller left the band in 2001. Meacham, up until then lead singer and organ player, became the band's lead guitarist. Monkey were signed in 2004, and released their first label supported album, Cruel Tutelage on Asian Man Records. While touring Europe, they met up with Bad Manners in the U.K. They returned to the U.S. and toured as their backup band. In 2009, they released Lost at Sea. The album featured Kincaid Smith from Hepcat on trumpet, and the artwork was supplied by Parker Jacobs of Yo Gabba Gabba fame.
Current lineup[edit]
- Curtis Meacham: Vocals/Guitar
- Micah Turney: Drums
- Brian Lockrem: Trumpet
- Gabe Jimenez: Bass
Previous members (partial list)[edit]
- Aadith Srinivasan: Bass (2016-2017)
- Aaron Blanding: Trumpet (1995–1996)
- Adam Brioza: Guitar/Vocals (1995–2001)
- Allen Teboul: Drums (1995–1996)
- Bob Furber: Saxophone (1997–1998) (R.I.P.)
- Bob Wilms: Saxophone (1999–2000)
- Bobby Miller: Saxophone (1998–1999)
- Brandon DuVall: Saxophone (2015–2016)
- Dave Borton: Trombone (1996-1997)
- Dustin James: Tbone/Org/Vox
- Donelle Cory Rippon: Bass (2003–2006 & 2016)
- Jimmy Boom: Drums (1999–2001)
- Jordan Schwarz: Bass (2014-2016)
- Kevin Miller: Bass/Vocals (1995–2001)
- Michael Merrill: Trumpet (1997–1999)
- Nikki Arias: trombone/flute (1996–1997)
- Matt Kolb: Drums (1998–1999)
- Rudy Sermeno: Bass (2007-2014)
- Sherry Biondi: Euphonium (1996-1997)
- Todd Bryan: Bass (2001–2003)
Special Guests (Non-Members)[edit]
- John Roy of Unsteady appears on Station Wagon Living
- Kincaid Smith of Hepcat appears on Lost At Sea
- Michael Valladares of Critical Mass appears on ¡Changito! and Station Wagon Living
- Roland Alphonso of The Skatalites performs the Tenor Sax solo on 'Quemara' on the album ¡Changito!.
Discography[edit]
RELEASE | DESCRIPTION | TRACK LISTING |
---|---|---|
¡Changito! (1998) Deluxe Entertainment This debut album from Monkey was recorded in 1997 at Studio J21 in San Jose, CA. It features 14 Ska and Reggae tracks, and a bonus hidden track (Working Man). The album won a California Music Award (BAMMIE) in 1998, and it features a performance by the late Skatalites saxophonist, Rolando Alphonso OD. Artwork by Kevin Miller | 1. Bed of Fire 2. Quemara 3. Bomb 4. Skamba 5. Calle de Amor 6. $30 Suit 7. Bachelor 8. Degobah 9. Rude Forever 10. Tommy No A GoGo 11. The Mummy!12. Soul Breakdown 13. Cha-Cha Ska 14. No Color, No Power | |
Station Wagon Living (2002) Deluxe Entertainment The follow up to Monkey's first full length release was recorded at Studio B in Campbell, CA. It features 11 tracks that expand on the Ska and Reggae vibe, by adding elements of Swing, Rockabilly and Gospel styles. The album was released in 2002 on the Deluxe Entertainment label. It features guest work from John Roy (Unsteady), Micheal Valladarez (Critical Mass) and a guitar solo from George Glover (The Irradicats). Artwork by Curtis Meacham | 1. The Get Go 2. Dance of the Sexy 3. 15th St. Ghetto Song 4. ¿Rito? 5. Tapwater 6. Satellite 7. Pride & the Animal 8. Wax Lips & Pixie Stix 9. She's My Girl 10. Sound System 11. Bryan Ryan | |
Cruel Tutelage (2005) Lets vegas casino. Asian Man Records Monkey's third full-length release was recorded in several living rooms, garages and even a poolside hut. This lo-fi masterpiece has the soul of a band that was hitting its prime in a trying time for all independent artists. Artwork by Curtis Meacham | 1. Summertime Sun 2. Shanty Party 3. You Don't Know 4. Unity Dub 5. Trailer Park Love 6. Cruel Tutelage 7. Attraction 8. Simple Satisfaction 9. Would you Wanna? 10. Voice of America | |
Lost at Sea (2008) Asian Man Records This is the fourth full-length album from the classic Bay Area Ska band Monkey. It was recorded over a month-long session at Rockwell Sounds studio in Atascadero, CA by Engineer Brian Wallace. The album features guest performances from Kincaid Smith (Hepcat). Artwork by Parker Jacobs | 1. Lost at Sea 2. My Own Time 3. Train Wreck 4. In Demand 5. Danska 6. This Life 7. Walking on Coals 8. Hot Lunch 9. Chemical Nation 10. Scallywag | |
Bananarchy (2015) Asian Man Records The fifth Monkey album was recorded in San Jose, CA, and it comes barreling out of the gate with a much stronger and peppier Ska sound. Artwork by Parker Jacobs | 1. You're becoming a Jerk.. (and no one likes you anymore) 2. Blind Faith 3. The Epic 4. The Curse 5. Can of Worms 6. Bicycle Song 7. Bad Neighbor 8. Caffeine 9. Lazy Boy 10. Johnny | |
Intermittent Waves (of unusual size and force) (2018) Squid Hat Records The sixth Monkey album was recorded in San Jose, CA, and it features a full historic look at all the reggae and ska styles, as well as guest performances from Dr. Ring Ding and Kincaid Smith (Hepcat). Artwork by Parker Jacobs | 1. Intermittent Waves 2. Hitchin' a Ride 3. Sugartown 4. Still Gonna Be.. 5. Glass Bottom Boat 6. Rude Vibration 7. Bossa 8. Lover's War 9. Bowling with Mr. G 9. Bassinet 10. Lazy Boy |
Awards and nominations[edit]
- 1997 Wammie Nomination, SF Weekly
- 1998 Wammie nomination, S.F. Weekly
- 1998 Bammie nomination (Bay Area Music Award)
- 1999 California Music (formerly Bammie) Award Winner for 'Outstanding Ska Artist'
External links[edit]
References[edit]
Monkey Love Band Dallas
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Monkey_(band)&oldid=1001787233'
We get asked a lot..what is Love Monkey?
'If PT Barnum had a child with Robin Williams, using DNA from every musical act that has ever lived (Barry Manilow to Rage Against the Machine) that abomination would be Love Monkey!'
We promise to keep you guessing!
With the most eclectic song list around, we come out to make you dance and nod your head...no matter what style of music you jam to. From the Beatles, Hendrix, Gap Band, Prince, Johnny Cash, Earth Wind and Fire, Rage Against the Machine, Cage the Elephant, Jet, Bruno Mars.....
Ask anyone who has seen one of our shows...we come to play! The energy is high, the music is good, and the breaks are few and short. We party on stage and provide an atmosphere for you to join the fun.
Whether it's in a local venue or playing your special event, Love Monkey is the band that brings the Party!
Love Monkey Jacksonville
What others are saying:
'When I walked into the office Monday morning, our staff was RAVING! Their sets were AWESOME! Sometimes I forgot they were doing covers. they sound THAT good! I would definitely recommend for a good time! Very professional, easy to work with and SO MUCH FUN!' Kelsey - Nemours Foundation
'Everyone raved- from the staff, to the bartenders,..everyone! I had notes waiting for me, asking me to bring you guys back.' Cathy- Booking/Ragtime
'I want to thank you guys again. My sis was so stoked about everything! I do believe you have some bragging rights. Again, thank you so much. You guys r great, and I will see you next time.' Jacky- Private Party