Stratus
One by one they got to the gig, it was cold, but they were enthusiastic, it was damp, but about to get hot as Hell in the joint...
Who am talking about, none other than Charleston's own Stratus.
About to launch to the ionsphere of funk, and soul , Joloyd, the Bolland brothers, Cynthia Taylor, Michael "Stoney" Burks, Dugan Carter, and David Loyd were gonna take us on the thrill ride of life y'all.
I have the great pleasure and honor to say that I'm a former member of this band who after 35 years are still going strong. Truth is, I owe them more than they ever gave me, because they started me on my path in music in the truest sense.
I first met Stanley in 1971when I arrived at West Virginia State College (now university...). He was the guitarist for another band, and he was as funky as one could possibly imagine. Stan, left that group and along with brother Lamont started this band.
Stratus has lived on to entertain us all these years, and those of us who were around in the "old days" know that when they hit the stage the funk hits the fan.
On a Sunday afternoon at the library, the members of Stratus held court and blew away the audience with their music. At one point there was an older gentleman sitting in the row in front row looking as though he just wasn't enjoying it at first, but slowly as I glanced at him he was smiling from ear to ear, and bobbing his head to the beat. A true sign of the power of Stratus' music and musicianship...They just make believers out of everyone.
I simply admire their tenacity, even in today's world Stratus proves the point that if you just let it be, the music will take you where it needs you to go.In an era of completely canned and worthless music you can still find a treasure hidden in the clouds. As the Bolland Boys father put it years ago...look up and what do you see? Clouds, not just any clouds, Stratus clouds they're the ones that are big and bountiful and life giving.When they rain down you feel that deep in your soul. When Stratus the band plays it's that same feeling.
So stand under it and get wet with the funk, you'll be glad you did.
You can catch Stratus everywhere, just check your local listings.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Who am talking about, none other than Charleston's own Stratus.
About to launch to the ionsphere of funk, and soul , Joloyd, the Bolland brothers, Cynthia Taylor, Michael "Stoney" Burks, Dugan Carter, and David Loyd were gonna take us on the thrill ride of life y'all.
I have the great pleasure and honor to say that I'm a former member of this band who after 35 years are still going strong. Truth is, I owe them more than they ever gave me, because they started me on my path in music in the truest sense.
I first met Stanley in 1971when I arrived at West Virginia State College (now university...). He was the guitarist for another band, and he was as funky as one could possibly imagine. Stan, left that group and along with brother Lamont started this band.
Stratus has lived on to entertain us all these years, and those of us who were around in the "old days" know that when they hit the stage the funk hits the fan.
On a Sunday afternoon at the library, the members of Stratus held court and blew away the audience with their music. At one point there was an older gentleman sitting in the row in front row looking as though he just wasn't enjoying it at first, but slowly as I glanced at him he was smiling from ear to ear, and bobbing his head to the beat. A true sign of the power of Stratus' music and musicianship...They just make believers out of everyone.
I simply admire their tenacity, even in today's world Stratus proves the point that if you just let it be, the music will take you where it needs you to go.In an era of completely canned and worthless music you can still find a treasure hidden in the clouds. As the Bolland Boys father put it years ago...look up and what do you see? Clouds, not just any clouds, Stratus clouds they're the ones that are big and bountiful and life giving.When they rain down you feel that deep in your soul. When Stratus the band plays it's that same feeling.
So stand under it and get wet with the funk, you'll be glad you did.
You can catch Stratus everywhere, just check your local listings.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
posted by Charlie Tee at 7:26 PM
1 comments
