MP3 Remember Rome - FOLK: Folk Pop

Progressive acoustic - like an acoustic travelogue through the history of human experience.

16 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Folk Pop, FOLK: Modern Folk



Details:
Remember Rome:

"Shadows fall on fallen stones that once held up the sky... Being there I felt at home, they've fallen, so have I..." So begins the song "Forevertown," by Remember Rome, a progressive acoustic, Spirit-filled ensemble traveling the familiar path from Rome to Chicago, and back again. Like much of Remember Rome's music, the song "Forevertown" pays tribute to the Eternal City, its history, and its people. Together since 1995, the members of the band have played their music all over the world, coming together and bringing their collective experiences to the songs. They chose the name "Remember Rome" as a way to keep alive the spirit of the Empire that spawned western civilization, and the city that is, for these guys at least, the center of the world. The highlight of 1999 was traveling together to Rome itself to perform their music in the city that inspired it.

The music is called "progressive acoustic." The acoustic guitar is central, at times sounding like a percussion instrument, a kind of snare drum wanna-be; and at other times sparkling like the pull tab from an old aluminum can at the bottom of a clear mountain stream. Add to that creative vocal harmonies, a virtuoso violin, a rock-solid bass, and an everything-but-the kitchen-sink percussion octopus, and you have something that's more than the sum of the parts. The unique acoustic sound is the kind of music you listen to when you want to feel connected to the cause and effect of human history; when you want to travel through time without getting out from under your headphones; when you want to actually hear all six strings on the guitar and be moved by the power of the real acoustic instruments. It's like an acoustic travelogue through the history of human experience. Remember Rome is definitely not for those who like their music to go in one ear and out the other without stopping in between. This is music for people who think, and who want lyrics that mean something - who want some meat on the bones of rhythm. Remember Rome is no garage band - born in the university and raised on a healthy diet of graduate school, this group moves comfortably from the city pubs to the world of international academia. Founder and principle songwriter Jim Papandrea holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and other members of the group have earned advanced degrees as well.

History of the Band:

Remember Rome formed in 1995, after a summer studying in Rome, Italy. After a couple years of trial and error, founder Jim Papandrea's vision of an all acoustic ensemble realized by 1997. Self-Titled Debut CD released, 1998. By 1999, Remember Rome was opening for groups such as Chicago favorite "The Bad Examples," and national acts such as Larry Norman. Summer of 1999, Remember Rome invited to play in Rome, Italy. By the year 2000, Remember Rome found air time on radio and TV. February 2001, Remember Rome releases second CD, "La Bocca della Veritá." Coming soon... the third CD by Remember Rome...

Influences:

Imagine a kinder, gentler Violent Femmes - a more intelligible Dave Matthews... Imagine a more hopeful Cranberries - a less world-weary Chris Isaac... a more cosmopolitan Bo Deans - an Elvis Costello wearing rose colored glasses instead of red shoes... Imagine a group called "The Indigo Guys" Actually, Remember Rome's main influences are not really musical, ... but historical: The ancient pillars of human achievement - they seem eternal but they are eternally crumbling... and geographical: The paradox of Roman life - passion without urgency...

Testimonials:

Jim Papandrea's songwriting has been called, "inspired... innovative musical offerings" (Campus Extra) The songs exhibit, "skillful instrumentation... resolute individuality and sincere vision" (Minnesota Daily)
Remember Rome's music has been described as, "a unique... exotic folk-pop sound..." with, "enormous charm," "great energy," "amazingly touching lyrics," and "gorgeous vocals" (TAXI A&R Screeners)
A recent review of "La Bocca della Veritá" in the newsletter of the Chicago Songwriters' Collective:
"(Chicago Songwriters') Collective member Jim Papandrea's band Remember Rome has a 2001 release entitled "La Bocca della Verita" (The Mouth of Truth). This is a 14-song collection of mostly upbeat pop tunes accompanied by a little funkiness, a dash of jazz, some world music, and a ballad here & there. Papandrea's vocals are smooth & articulate. His lyrics are witty, sometimes humorous, coming from a place of confrontation & conviction, self-exploration & spirituality. He is backed by an awesome band which features a recurring violin & complimentary percussion."

Remember Rome... a little melody, a little harmony, a little philosophy. Ars Nova Productions/Space Boys Music (BMI)