According to Dan Silver (keyboards) RIFF is "on a mission to break the sound barriers that exist between Jazz, Rock, and Funk by crashing elements of all three into a genre-bending Fusion," performing their take on music by Jeff Beck, John Scofield, The Meters, Billy Cobham, and others.
The band includes some of Pennsylvania’s most talented instrumentalists, sharing a musical fearlessness and tackling songs that demand both high-level virtuosity and "an uncompromising kick-ass groove."
RIFF's 2021 line-up includes:
Jeff Gibble - a Central PA guitar legend and highly sought after guitar teacher that has helped develop the area’s next generation of talents. Jeff’s musical vocabulary speaks to Jazz, Rock, Prog, Blues, Funk, and everything in between. In 2019, Jeff brought State College Rock Camp to Moonstock, and later this season (2021) he'll return with The Jeff Gibble Group.
Daniel Silver - a former Berklee student that returned from a long musical hiatus specifically for this unique band opportunity. Dan digs deep into a broad sonic palette that colors the band’s sound in interesting and unexpected ways.
Rob Bonsell - whose drumming provides the massive pocket that propels the groove forward with an extraordinary energy. Rob is also a member of Black Cat Moan, a popular regional original blues rock band.
Alex Mijangos - A PSU music major that is on his way to becoming a force in jazz bass. Not content to simply anchor the groove, Alex brings a thoughtful and creative approach to soloing that redefines the role of bass in a band.
Although RIFF is fairly new to the local music scene, they have quickly gained a reputation as a band to see for those that enjoy musical virtuosity and a trip outside the safe zone of traditional cover bands.
Shows at Zeno’s, Pine Grove Hall, Webster’s, and others have helped hone RIFF into a musical force that continues to grow and gather momentum.
Here is a link to a video from a live show at Pine Grove Hall (October 31, 2020)
Here's another live RIFF from at Zeno’s on Feb 8th, 2020 - "Go Go"
Link to the RIFF facebook page
Link to the RIFF Youtube site
This will be a special night!
