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Dec 17th, 2008 marked a turning point in Sweet Spot’s history. Armed with a new line up and a few choice instrumental tunes, the band was preparing to take the stage at New Orleans legendary Tipitinas’. This was the bands first club gig in a long time. What happened that evening was a new beginning for the band. With an old friend and one of New Orleans finest guitarists, Todd Duke (John Boutte’s guitarist), inserted into the line up, the band launched into their original song “McGriff’s Riff”. From the funky soul sounds that ensued, the band knew that they had found something special. By focusing on the classic groovy B3 organ combo sound of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, the band had found fertile common ground.
From that night, Sweet Spot began to catch fire. Several new songs were composed, soul classics from the likes of Donny Hathaway and Herbie Hancock were added, and the band become tighter, the sets more inspired. Lead by Jason Sellers (saxophones) and back by Evan Ehrhardt (keys) and Andreas Argenti (drums) they became one cohesive unit of tasty soul jazz. This was only slightly surprising as the four members had been friends for years but had never actually played as a group before. The spring followed with a weekly Friday night gig. In April the band released its third CD, Inside The Compound, which received glowing reviews. Todd Duke received the 2009 New Orleans Jazz All-Star Award from New Orleans Magazine. Even more originals were added and developed. By September the band had caught the attention of Where Y’at Magazine and was featured in the magazines “Ones to Watch” column. Along with launching its website, www.sweetspotneworleans.com (which has received hits as far away as China), Sweet Spot began a series of Wednesday night gigs at Le Bon Temps Roule in September and October. With this constant activity the band’s sound has evolved in to the total soul jazz package. The “soul” part being the ear catching melodies and deep grooves of the rhythm section coupled with the “jazz” of inspired hard blowing solos that would make the masters smile. The typical Sweet Spot set showcases its originals, like the undisputed hit “Little Ms Sunshine”, to creative covers of such great artists as the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, and the Meters. Sweet Spot has drawn comparisons to Galactic, Papa Gros Funk and Good Enough For Good Times. Sweet Spot has plans to begin recording a new CD this spring for fall release. Live Sweet Spot tackles groovy originals and classic soul jazz covers with total disregard for their own personal safety! Always entertaining, often unexpected, the band is guaranteed to find your sweet spot, musically speaking of course! For booking info please contact
Jason Sellers
504-250-6461
hittingthesweetspot@hotmail.com
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