About PreachermannAt a time when the art of the live performance is losing ground to homemade internet videos, and neophyte music groups are being awarded record deals without ever having wooed a single live audience, New York City’s Preachermann testifies to the tried and true formulas for achieving lasting success in a ‘here today gone tomorrow’ culture: hard-work, talent, perseverance, charisma, and humility. His voice, lyrics and stage performance stand on soul-shoulders as varied as the Isley Brothers, Lenny Kravitz, Ritchie Havens, Bob Dylan, Al Greene, and James Brown, and yet all of these influences bow to his own remarkably deep and refined endowments.
What sets him apart from his peers is that his sultry brand of neo-soul is not only fresh, it is fearless; not merely sensuous, but conscious. And unlike so many modern soul artists whose work is weighed down with clichés, he has an uncanny knack for clever wordplay that bridges the serious side of life with the levity that makes it livable. The title track to his 2006 LP, Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk, is but one shining example of Preacher’s capacity to skillfully and seamlessly blend prophetic lore with ironic metaphor to make timeless music that crosses broad boundaries without selling itself out. Among those in the know, Preacher’s live performances – the sheer spiritual splendor of them – are among the few must-see underground gems in New York City. In addition to earning artist-in-residence status at the venerated downtown staple, the Bowery Poetry Club, Preachermann has thrown down in legendary venues like CBGB, The Knitting Factory and Joe's Pub, and in avant-garde art scenes such as the Kitchen, all to critical acclaim and ever-widening popular appeal. PREACHERMANN AND THE REVIVAL Ed Holley “Preachermann” - Lead Vocals Joe Paldino "Clean Papa Joe" - Guitar Benita Charles "Motown Mama" - Background Vocals Christi Gehrisch "Buckeyed Beauty" - Background Vocals Karl Watson "The Rock" - Saxophone, Violin Harris Punyon "Velvet Technician/Agent Charlie Chocolate” - Piano, background vocals Tom Pope "The Pope of Brooklyn" - Drums Pauly Paldino "Clean Baby Funk" - Bass Manny Montanez - Percussion |
THE REBIRTH OF THE PREACHERMANN AT WILLIAMSBURG MUSIC CENTER
Preachermann is back. Are you ready for church? New York, February 7, 2012: Preachermann and the Revival performed an official ‘comeback’ concert at Williamsburg Music Center, 384 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY, at 9:00 PM on Saturday March 24, 2012. After a two-year hiatus, the singer/songwriter is reclaiming his place in the New York music scene, wearing his signature robes and afro, and delivering a refreshing atomic soul sound with a passion matched by few outside the pulpit. For years, Preachermann and the Revival made the rounds of legendary New York venues like CBGB, The Knitting Factory, Joe's Pub, the Kitchen, and the Bowery Poetry Club, where the band enjoyed artist-in-residence status. The haunting melodies and deceptively simple lyrics on tracks like Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk and Familiar to Me resonate deeply with fans and convey the spirituality and humility that is the foundation of Preachermann’s work.Preachermann underwent major surgery on both knees in 2009 after a sports-related injury left him unable to walk or perform. “I've spent the last two years recovering from my injuries and watching the world go by. Each day waiting for the moment to resume my passion, my calling. Please join me and the revival at the Williamsburg Music Center for the rebirth of the Preachermann. I promise you a night of music and healing. Walk in with your burdens, and leave with a smile. ‘Are you ready for church?’ " |
