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, well produced, 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 at Dada in Delray Beach, FL. 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.
The original band was made up of the six talented musicians that recorded the album. Local drumming talent Matt Crowning was the first to help solidify the music on drums, both in the studio and performing with the band on a regular basis. Guitarists Rich Friedman and Vic Russo laid tasteful guitar elements on the songs for the recording. Nashville based singer/songwriter Audrey Assad played a key role in helping to produce, arrange, co-write, and record the albums vocal parts.
Since the early days of the band the live version of 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 currently graduated with his degree in jazz drumset from the University of Miami. Adam and Chris have worked together for many years on different projects and now bring their talents to VM. Audrey Assad continues to perform with the band. Her presence on the record and on stage is one of the more powerful elements of Vanilla Monk. Audrey, as an accomplished pianist, vocalist, and songwriter contributes melodic lead parts, rich harmonies, and unforgettable warmth.
The band has made South Florida home, frequenting numerous venues in the area such as City Limits, Dada, Cuillo Center, and more. In the spring of 2008 VM was selected to perform at SunFest, the areas largest music festival, sharing the stage with numerous national acts. In addition, the band was asked to perform in the Chicago area at The Crystal Lake Jazz Festival on November 31st, 2008.
With much potential on the horizon,Vanilla Monk is developing the unique character the group was hoping for. Departing from the norm, and bringing a new sound, a new vibe, that reaches out to a wide variety of music fans.
View Vanilla Monk's EPK |
