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The Providers is a New York band that proves something special happens when
friends make music. People notice. (And, in this case,people dance too!)
From the first time we saw The Providers, we noticed two very important
things. First, there was obviously a great relationship between the members
of this outstanding Hudson Valley band...they were having fun. And secondly,
there was a great relationship between the members of the band and the
members of the audience...and so the audience was having fun too.
It's fair to say that The Providers are a rhythm&blues-based band. But it's also
fair to say that The Providers are a dance band. And a party band. And a
band that swings. From classic Chicago style blues, across a wide spectrum
of accessible music, to their own rich and inventive originals, The
Providers never fail to please.
The frontman, Mark Calkins, plays guitar and blues harp with the best of
them, but he's also a terrific songwriter. The band's debut/self-titled CD
makes this very clear. Vinny Armanino plays guitar, and has been playing with Mark for over 20 years, their long musical relationship has developed into something very special. Bobby Lee is the bass player, and has been playing with Mark and Vinny for 10 years. Doug Levey is the most recent addition to The Providers, playing drums for the band. Although he is a new Provider, Doug had played in New York City bands with Mark and Vinny in the 1980's. Unlike many bands today, these guys have
been around the block a time or two. For The Providers, it's all about the
music. Period. They have jobs, they have families, and they have
communities....all of which obviously mean a great
deal to them. But when it's time to hit the stage, this working-class band
steps right up and shows you their heart and soul. All of it. We used to
think that the primary objective of a great band was to make fans. The
Providers taught us that we were setting our sights too low. The objective
of this great band is to make friends.... "because it's always more fun to
party with friends!"
Song List
The Providers' song list is seemingly endless and can be adapted to your
event or club. Whether you want fast beat
dance tunes or slower, thoughtful soul searching blues,
The Providers can definitely deliver. A few highlights from the cover list
includes:
My Girl - Motown
Let's Stay Together - Soul
I'll Take You There - R & B
Born in Chicago - Traditional Blues
Mustang Sally - R & B
Midnight Hour - R & B
Take Me To The River - Soul
Chain Of Fools - Soul
Unchain My Heart- R & B
Streamline Woman - Blues
The Providers also write their own original tunes:
I'll Try
I Don't Know Her No More
Lolinda
Bang Out A Boogie
Mr. Ernie
Devil At The Wheel
Rumdiddle Daddy
Baby Talk
So Many Reasons
Heaven Knows
Over and Over
Bad Girl
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda
How Long
Murder
It's a Funny Thing
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