Tim Peters - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica Marty Moran - Vocals, Guitar Jay Stanek - Vocals, Piano, Organ, Guitar Jason Taylor - Bass Mason Payne - Drums
Influences
Jayhawks, Son Volt, Bottle Rockets, Johnny Cash, Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, The Band, Josh Rouse, Samuel Fuller...other ones...all the other good ones.
Sounds Like
Jayhawks, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, The Band, Josh Rouse, Wilco, Bottle Rockets
The Otis Problem has developed compelling songs and a strong repertoire. The five-piece band delivers the complete package of straightforward songs, great harmonies, and a toe-tapping rhythm section. The real strength of The Otis Problem is the passion that the multi-instrumentalist members have for the music they're playing. The band’s sound reinvigorates the stagnant alt-country movement with indie-rock soundscapes and folk-rock sensibilities.
The Otis Problem fills a room with melodic rock performed by musicians with completely complementary skill-sets. Tim Peters' pitch-perfect voice and stellar rhythm guitar work fit together with Marty Moran's and Jay Stanek's scorching guitar and piano riffs. Backed by Jason Taylor's rock bottom bass grooves and the driving beat of Mason Payne's drums, Otis creates a sound that is reminiscent of The Band, the Jayhawks, and Uncle Tupelo.
The quintet recently finished recording its debut album. Places In Between, an 11-song collection showcasing the band's full range of sounds, was released in May 2007. The album shows a depth of feeling and emotion that elevates the band's influences from mere elements of style to a triumphant movement.
The band's songs run the gamut from pop to rock to folk to blues. Having performed around Chicago-land and Indianapolis at venues including Wise Fools Pub, Martyrs', Kinetic Playground, Beat Kitchen, Subterranean, Local’s Only, and various Illinois suburban clubs and festivals, The Otis Problem has established itself as a rock outfit that understands how to balance a set list with captivating originals and unique covers while never overlooking the importance of an engaging stage presence.
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The Otis Problem's very own Jay Stanek will be playing a special acoustic show at 3rd Coast Cafe & Wine Bar in Chicago this Friday, March 14. This show will feature songs from Jay's new album, 1140, mixed with a handful of covers and songs from both his bands, Big Sky Stringband and The Otis Problem. For much of the show, Jay will be accompanied on piano by Mark Lawrence.
Show Details: Date: Friday, March 14, 2008 Place: 3rd Coast Cafe & Wine Bar Address: 1260 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610 Time: 8:00 p.m.
The Otis Problem has made Places in Between available for purchase at http://cdbaby.com/cd/otisproblem - It's not too early for getting Christmas or Hanukka gifts for those hard to buy for relatives. Places in Between is a great stocking stuffer and the gift that keeps on giving. There are also first print show bills available for $ 6 - you can order those by contacting us through myspace. Last but not least, for the person who wants everything Otis, there are T-shirts and tank tops available at http://www.zazzle.com/jdtaylor/products.
And for FREE - There are some great new photos on the myspace page.
Tim, I'm trying to get weekend planned with Megan and Heather up there that will include coming to see you guys play on the 22nd. Hopefully see you then!
Really like the sound - always a treat to run into other booze-centric alt country singer/songwriters - band sounds really tight - hope to catch ya on the road sometime - and thanks for the add
Hey! Thanks for the add, I appreciate it! I listened to your tunes and I've got to say that you guys are really, really great!! I really like this music. I could listen to it for a long time! :) So rock on! It seems like you guys are really passionate... so that's awesome! Never stop rocking!!!
--MAL;
