"Rock and roll will bring you down and kick you while you're on the ground"
By Michelle Tabatabai-ShahabEditor-in-Chief, The VOICE
Unity is a relationship of numerous parts and elements that work together to constitute a harmonious action and singular entity. Glendale's own seven piece band, Madd Dog Tannen (MDT), is the quintessential definition of what unity is all about.
The product that MDT brings to the stage is, without a doubt, an unparalleled group of musical talent. Though their sound is unique in its own right, they're best described to fall into genres such as ska, punk, and rock and roll.
The seven faces of MDT include Kevin Nation on lead guitar and vocals, Scott Rudd on guitar and back-up vocals, Shawn Willey on bass, Kyle Cross on drums, Morgan McMeen on trombone, Stefanie Angstadt on tenor saxophone, and Sarah Vernon on baritone saxophone.
What really makes MDT unique compared to other local bands is that, while Brian Willey and Kevin Nation write a majority of the songs, the entire band 'brings their lives worth of musical talent to the table, with seven different styles and somehow create a monster sound' that is described by MDT as 'unity through time travel.'
Performing together for years, MDT has had the luxury to play in tons of venues all over the valley, such as The Club House, Big Fish Pub and their personal favorite, O'Brien's Irish Pub. When you get the chance to see them play live, you'll fall in love with their entire set list, specifically the songs, "She don't need it", "ear mail", and "punk-a-chrit".
When you see MDT together, in any atmosphere, it's fairly obvious that the group has basically known each other since birth, though they swear there are a couple of 'stranglers they picked up along the way,' you'd never know it to be true.
The ultimate history of MDT began with four members that gradually grew to seven. They started out 'just hanging out and playing music and as the band grew, [they] evolved into a full-fledged, face-melting, seven member, musical army.' After seeing the band in their element, it's safe to conclude that they play music for themselves, for each other, for the people around them at the time and in the moment. They aren't fame searchers, essentially, 'It's all about good people keeping good people around and having fun playing music.'
Check out what MDT has to offer your playlist at myspace.com/madddogtannen. Should you find yourself at a MDT show on a Friday night, don't be shy, "just ask one of us about our music or one of our demos, don't worry, we don't bite."
Please send comments to michelle@gccvoice.com
