Led by guitarist/vocalist Vincent Hayes, and packing one of the tightest rhythm sections in Michigan, The Vincent Hayes Project is a high-energy, experimental blues band on the rise. In addition to being veterans of the Michigan Blues Festival circuit, the band has become one of John Sinclair’s backing bands of “Blues Scholars” on his recent tours of Michigan in 2007. In both 2006 and 2007 they traveled to Memphis, TN as one of 130 semi-finalists in the world in the Annual International Blues Challenge on Beale Street, which is sponsored by The Blues Foundation. They have been invited to open for a growing list of national headliners such as The Steve Miller Band, Joe Bonamassa, Frank Bang’s Secret Stash and more. Additionally, Vincent’s solo disk, “Things Just Got Worse”, and the band’s 5 song EP, “2.09” have been featured weekly on WGVU 88.5 FM & 95.3 FM for the past seven years. The VHP is currently working with Glen Brown Productions (Chuck Berry, Larry McCray, Kid Rock, Sista Otis, Eminem, Root Doctor) and preparing material for their debut CD of original material, slated for release in early 2008.
What makes this group unique is its raw power coupled with subtle dynamics and versatility. The VHP is founded on the Blues, but still manages to find the blues within other musical genres, drawing inspiration from a wide array of backgrounds in funk, reggae, soul, jazz, gospel, rock, Motown, and American folk, as all of these genres essentially trace their lineage to the Blues. The goal is to make good music-whatever that may be.
“From one chord change to another, anything with passion and vision moves Vincent Hayes as he leads his two other band members through the corridors of his creative spirit. The Vincent Hayes Project is a pared down three-piece mercurial blues band, churning with the raw grit of the blues yet nimble enough to follow the most feral of Hayes’ spontaneous improvisations. For those who have had their fill of raucous blues shuffles, the Vincent Hayes Project brings their own personal blend of blues; a culmination of Hayes’ eclectic tastes, expressively cranked out from fierce guitar licks. Combine that with a veteran bassist (Dave "The Butcher" Alves, who Hayes describes as "indispensable") and a guru of groove on drums (Donny Hugley) and you’ve got an explosive blues experience waiting to be lit.”
-Jonas Greenberg, Lansing City Pulse
Videos:http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=VHProject
More info about the International Blues Challenge:
http://www.blues.org/ibc/index.php4.
