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Winter Park / Live Music: 59 Hope Road is the address of the dance floor

by Cyndi Palmer
Sky-Hi Daily News

In anticipation for its newest CD release, band 56 Hope Road is on a 21-date winter tour from Chicago to California. Along the way, they will visit the Bucket’s stage in Winter Park.

The band, said to be an acoustic funk sensation, is promoting its fourth full-length album release, “Law of Attraction.” The collection has been two years in the works and is the first album to feature the band’s new lineup, with Tim Reid, Jr., Casey Fitzpatrick and Anne and Matt Katzfey. Reid’s talents span vocals and keys, Fitzpatrick plays the saxophones and flute, Anne Katzfey blends in vocals, and Matt Katzfey plays percussion.

The album also features long-time collaborators and road companions Brian Wilke (pedal steel/electric guitar), Marcus Rezak (electric guitar), and founding member Steve Goveia (acoustic guitar/back-up vocals). Their album includes “beautifully captured ballads with string arrangements, and even a country/western vibe with first-rate pedal steel playing by Wilke.”



“So-So,” the first song on the album, “is a romping countryesque dissertation on a relationship gone sour and the self-depreciation that follows,” according to the band’s press material. Song “That’s What Love’s About” sends a message of love and peace to the world “in this tragic time of senseless war,” and Reid’s “Too Tall” is now a classic in live appearances as the closer at shows. It features drum programming that creates a crossover hip-hop groove combined with scat vocals. “Heart Attack” “confronts the possibilities of life after death and the reality of human mortality.”

As a result of the family-type bond the band members have, their music is said to have an unmistakable honesty and openness. “Uncanny, intuitive communication creates an easy interplay on stage, making even the most layered tunes sound effortless. They allow the joy of spontaneous creativity to color their song-based arrangements – neither losing their musical center, nor restricting its growth.”



The band’s name refers to the address of Bob Marley’s compound in Kingston, Jamaica. Although 56 Hope Road’s music is not reggae, the name pays homage to the positive influence that Marley’s message and music has on the world.

“Their shows are quite energetic, with an impeccable and very charismatic stage presence,” said Amanda Roller, publicist. “Audiences can leave a show with that positivity and knowing that they’ve experienced good music.”

Their music includes sounds reminiscent of G-Love and Special Sauce, Richie Havens, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Grateful Dead, Paul Simon and Gomez.

“We do all sorts of stuff nowadays,” including some Latin, reggae, and lots of folk, said Dave Hamilton (acoustic guitar/lead vocals). “The musicians are all stellar. Every one is a great musician and we have a ball playing.”

The band was named the No. 1 Road Warrior Band by JamBase.com and the HomeGrown Music Network and has gained national attention for its energetic performances and tour schedule. This is the seventh time 56 Hope Road has played at Buckets Saloon. They’ve been coming to the Winter Park area since 2005.

“They really enjoy going out to Colorado,” Roller said, “especially during the winter,” when the members can ski and snowboard.

Hamilton said the band likes playing at Buckets because it’s always a different mix of people, including lots of locals. “We hope they have a good time, time to relax, dance, and smile.”

“Law of Attraction,” which is preceded by live album “Once In Our Lives,” “Drop It All,” and “All Points Connect,” will be released in January. All the songs may be downloaded (for purchase) on the band’s MySpace page.


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