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THE BAND:
COUSINS OF THE WIZE is an 8 member collective hailing from Phoenix, AZ
Pie -Vocals
Jah Sonora - Vocals
Steven Faulkner - Fender Bass Guitar
Jeremy Decoster - Saxophone
Mark Kulvinskas - Drums
Robert Maywalt - Fender Guitars
Derek Langham - Keyboards
DJ Needles - Turntables
CONTACT:
www.cousinsofthewize.com
THE SOUND:
The appeal of the COTW sound grew from a willingness to incorporate each member's musical influences, as they collectively represent a comprehensive array of styles. By blending elements of hip-hop, alt-rock, psychedelic jazz, and reggae based grooves, fused w/ aggressive yet contemplative poetry and rhymes, Cousins of the Wize are able to dutifully exploit the essence of numerous musical forms. The COTW sound provides vivid musical imagery with layered chords and quirky sound effects, as they create a unique pocket of musical expression with a smattering of electronic accents, as well as a dose of hip-hop authenticity.
THE EXPERIENCE:
The stage has always been where the Cousins of the Wize truly come to life, it is their live stage shows that give COTW an opportunity to vent, inform and entertain. Cousins of the Wize larger than life shows incorporate elements of animation, tenacity and impromptu stage antics that will snag an audience's attention for an entire show, while often inspiring the crowd into a beer-drenched frenzy.
THE HISTORY:
Formed in 1998, COTW consists of two lead vocalists, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, saxophone and turntables. The Cousins originally were fronted by 3 vocalists, but in 2003 a tragic car crash claimed the life of one the original MCs, CPT (Cool Poetry Talker) a.k.a. Chris Pangrazi. COTW took a two year hiatus from music, and members went on to other musical endeavors (Trik Turner, Phunk Junkeez, Magnum P.I.e). Now a revamped and re-energized COTW are back and in the process of recording the follow-up to 1998's "A Brief Moment in Time's Pocket". The tentatively untitled disc is slated to feature some 15 songs, mixing live band tracks with a variety of programmed beats and electronic touches. The group is hoping to have the new album ready for release later this year.
THE HYPE!!
Cousins Of The Wize have played shows with:
Incubus, Cypress Hill, Run DMC, De La Soul, House Of Pain, Fishbone, Pharcyde, Phunk Junkeez, Z Trip and many more.
Voted 3 time winner of the New Times "Best of Phoenix" -Hip Hop
Now, check out what Herban Magazine & New Times L.A. once called, "the best unsigned band in the world". |
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Wize Cracks
Cousins of the Wize rises above inevitable club resistance to live hip-hop
BY ALLEN SLOAN TORPIE
Although Pie Gomez is too humble to admit it, his band was initially conceived--much in the tradition of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein--as the local MC's personal creation. Six months ago, this local lyrical mad scientist awoke from musical hibernation and pieced together seven musicians--each from unlikely and unrelated circumstances--to spawn a telltale experiment that's still unfolding.
That creation abruptly gained life as Cousins of the Wize--a band considered by some to be the Valley's premier live hip-hop act. Although Gomez is quick to point out the dizzying array of divergent backgrounds and influences that flavors the band's sound, it employs hip-hop as its main vehicle and steers it through some interesting and entertaining musical territory.
In a relatively short time, this Tempe-based newcomer has developed a solid local following and a well-deserved reputation for bringing down the house. It bends the rules of traditional music genres, attracting and entertaining people who wouldn't ordinarily share the same breathing space.
From phoenixnewtimes.com
Originally published by Phoenix New Times 1997-12-25
©2005 New Times, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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Location:
scottsdale AZ, usa
Cousins of the Wize Website
magnumpie@hotmail.com
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