"Their shows are defined by an organic, dance and melody driven curve that our crowds have responded to with continued patronage. I would recommend Vanilla Monk for your next event.”
- Peter Marzilli / Cuillo Centre For The Arts
Vanilla Monk formed in the Ft Lauderdale, FL area, in the Summer of 2006, when singer/songwriter Matt Farr paired up with longtime friend and fellow musician Craig Stevens to record an original album. Envisioning a dynamic, and versatile selection of music that would appeal to a broad audience, “Parallels” was released in the fall of 2007. September 21st, 2007 marked the official CD release party and first live performance of VM in Delray Beach, FL. The CD features guest vocals by Sparrow Records recording artist Audrey Assad. The full, six piece band, performed to a packed house at one of the areas most popular live music spots and was a huge success.
Vanilla Monk now consists of Matt Farr on keyboards and vocals, Craig Stevens on bass, Chris Condon on guitar, and Adam Piccoli on drums. Matt Farr has spent many years performing around the country with numerous acts on keyboards and vocals. His diverse roots in rock and jazz are a key component to the writing collaborative within the band. Stevens, who relocated to the South Florida area after playing music in Chicago for many years brings his jam based roots into the mix. Farr and Stevens combined to write the music from the band’s first album.
Since that time, Vanilla Monk has changed and takes on a whole new life with the addition of lead guitarist Chris Condon and drummer Adam Piccoli. Chris is a musician with disciplines in jazz, blues and rock who recently moved down to the South Florida area after playing many years in Jacksonville. Adam, whose energy and groove is contagious on stage, has been playing drums since age 5. He recently graduated with his degree in Jazz Drumset from the University of Miami. Adam and Chris have toured regionally and abroad with different up and coming recording artists and now bring their talents to VM. Even though the groups first CD took on more of a a down-tempo vibe (which blends Zero 7 type textures, with a little vintage 70's tone) there has been a re-birth with Chris and Adam, and a bluesy - rock induced treatment.
The band has made South Florida home, frequenting numerous venues in the downtown West Palm Beach, and Ft Lauderdale areas. In the summer of 2008 the band recorded a five track EP live at City Limits in Delray Beach, FL. The live CD showcases the four players in a powerful selection of originals and select covers. In addition the band has been playing for large city events in the downtown West Palm Beach area for hundreds of people. In the spring of 2008 VM was selected to perform at SunFest, Florida’s largest music festival, opening for national acts Hilary McRae and Fergie. In addition, the band was asked to perform in the Chicago area at The Raue Center for the Arts New Music Series on November 29th, 2008 which produced the bands Live at the Raue Center CD released in the first part of 2009.
The band is excited for what lies ahead, and welcomes everyone along for the ride. See you at the show!
View Vanilla Monk's EPK |
