SARATOGA SPRINGS— Taking cues from all of their influences – including funk, jazz, reggae and rock – Banooba is the latest hybrid to successfully incorporate all of these elements into their own signature sound. Having been compared to a range of bands, including Sublime, The Allman Brothers, Blind Melon, Incubus, Steely Dan and Average White Band, people’s description of their music varies depending on whom you ask.
Guitarist Kevin Torres notes Banooba’s crossover appeal, stating: “We just write the tunes and let them go whatever direction they want to go in. They’re all rock tunes with hints of these genres in them.”
They return to Putnam Den this Saturday, February 22 for a free show which has been designated the official after-party for the Saratoga Beer Summit.
Over the years, Banooba has become known for their high-energy live performance that is guaranteed to keep you moving all night long. No matter what type of music you are into, you are going to have a good time at a Banooba show.
Banooba’s debut album, Banooba’s Travels, represents both the apex and beginning of a greater adventure than they could have ever predicted. At the time of its release, it was the culmination of a long road led by their founding member Kevin Kershko, Banooba’s original lead guitarist.
In 2005, the band came to a screeching halt due to the untimely passing of Kershko. His death was a shock to his band mates and many figured that it was also the end of Banooba. “I was personally about to hang up my guitar, quit music, and move to Hawaii,” says Torres. But the band agreed to play a Kershko memorial performance with long-time friend Dave Mackie sitting in on guitar. They immediately recognized that even without their musical brother and founder, Banooba’s heart lived on.
Banooba came back strong and quickly began to gain popularity. They continued to tour clubs and colleges around the Northeast as well as the US Virgin Islands and Costa Rica. Next, Banooba embarked on their first Midwest tour, after which they headed across the pond to the UK for a 20-date tour of England, Scotland and Wales. Upon their return, Banooba immediately reentered the studio.
In their sophomore effort, the members of Banooba have pushed themselves to explore the many forms their music can take. Nomads and Bellowing Rooms depicts a more mature band that has strengthened its signature sound and expanded its musical range.
Now armed with a new singer, this never-say-die band’s travels haven’t always been smooth, but Banooba’s spirit is stronger than ever and on the rise again.
