Buffalo Rome
March 23, 2010 (Tuesday) 7:30 pm
Blending a rootsy feel reminiscent of the 1970’s west coast country rock scene with today’s modern country, Buffalo Rome brings a vinyl vibe to the digital age. With three individual, unique styles and tastes for music, Michael Visconti, Kevin Douglas and Billy McCorvey bring their life experiences and life stories together to create musical magic. Buffalo Rome is “A sound that’s holistic, wholly mature, yet fresh in nature. Buffalo Rome is a sound that’s ‘lived in.’”
Truly more than the sum of their parts, Buffalo Rome is a perfect blend…Michael hits the high notes, is charismatic and has a wacky sense of humor. Kevin, who is described as the gentleman of the group, lends thought to rich and contemplative lyrics. Bill is an “observer” with a cool edge who is rock-steady on stage.
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Get to know the band!
Click on their name to read their bio!
Bill
Michael
Kevin
Bill
Nickname: BillyBirthplace: Montgomery, AL
Astrological Sign: Cancer
Heritage: Irish/Cherokee
Family: Oldest of 3 Brothers (Brad, Bart and Neil)
First Gig: Played in the band Timberock at 18 yrs. old.
Early Musical Influence: Lynyrd Skynyrd / ”Sweet Home Alabama”
Musically Speaking: Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Harmonica (self-taught)
His Role In Buffalo Rome: Vocals, Guitar, Banjo & Harmonica
The Oak Tree Writing Inspirations: Really good music.
Words to Live By: “How’s your dog?”
Awards: ACM “New Group or Duo of The Year”
BEEFING UP BILL…
A former member of the Pirates of the Mississippi, Billy has his own list of accolades. The group was ACM “New Group or Duo of the Year.” (1990) He celebrated a number hits with the group (writes or co-writes) including “Fighting For You,” Rollin’ Home,” “Till I’m Holding You Again,” “A Street Man Named Desire,” “Speak of the Devil” and the song that made Billy McCorvey’s voice famous, “Feed Jake.” Billy’s friends in music applaud his song craftsmanship; Montgomery Gentry recorded a Bill McCorvey signature tune entitled “Lonely and Gone.” It was the duo’s first Top 5 single.Billy is no stranger to a stadium, arena, amphitheater, club, honky-tonk or songwriter’s listening room.
What's the best word of advice you have been given (about the business) from another peer that stuck with you?
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"If you’re good enough, don’t give up. Your day will come."
What's your best word of advice to share with a new up'n coming artist?
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“Believe in yourself and…listen.”
What do you personally bring to the group as a musician, songwriter, etc. that compliments, strengthens or rounds-out the sound of Buffalo Rome?
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A southern rock sound that mixes really well with Michael and Kevin’s musical backgrounds to make what we do a very unique blend.
From your personal perspective, what do the other members bring to the group as individuals?
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Kevin’s a rocker, Michael’s a Pop-er.
Why the name “Buffalo Rome?”
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It’s a name that conjures up scenes from the Old West.
Before even opening the new Buffalo Rome CD, describe what the listener can expect to hear?
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Fun in a box!
If the group had a slogan or motto, what would it be?
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“Where ever you go…Buffalo Rome.”
Michael
Nickname: MikeBirthplace: Washington, DC
Astrological Sign: Libra
Heritage: Italian-Scots-Irish-Cherokee
Family: In the “middle” of 4 brothers
First Gig: 7th Grade / The Greentree Gang
Early Musical Influence: Al Green / “Let’s Stay Together”
Musically Speaking: Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Piano, Drums (self-taught)
His Role In Buffalo Rome: High harmonies, Guitar & Mandolin, Band manager
Writing Inspirations: Pain, Beauty, Unanswerable questions
Words to Live By: Everyone I meet is my teacher; I just need to listen.
Awards: Montana Addy Awards (1993)
Favorite Western Movie: Tombstone
Favorite Western Hero: Jeremiah Johnson
Favorite Leading Lady: Milla Jovovich
Women In General: In jeans, wearing sweet perfume, diamonds & hiking boots!
MORE ON MICHAEL…
Michael is the owner of a 12-year old jingle company, Big Sky Music. As owner of a sister company, Mini Media, he produces ring tones and ring backs for AT&T and Sprint in the U.S
Michael has worked along side Elton John, Michael Bolton, Paula Abdul, Mel Torme, Julian Lennon, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jody Whatley and more. (He sang the jingle for Diet Coke with Elton John and Paula Abdul. He sang high harmonies with Michael Bolton on the commercial for AT&T.)
A singer/songwriter and producer, Michael wrote and produced “The Distance” (a song Nancy Kerrigan skated to at the September 11 Memorial Show held at Madison Square Garden). He’s produced the music for a number of live skating performances and television specials including "Stars On Ice" "Colors of Winter" and "Romance On Ice.”
A professional actor for many years in New York, Michael has appeared in theaters across the country. Some of his roles included Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Chuck in “Avenue X” and as Valentino in the film “That’s Adequate” starring Bruce Willis and Robert Downey, Jr. He’s also performed in small honky-tonks, state fairs and arenas in the US, on the “Phil Donahue Show,” the Grand Ole Opry and before an audience of 200,000 in China.
What's the best word of advice you have been given (about the business) from another peer that stuck with you?
- What have you suffered to know?"
What's your best word of advice to share with a new up'n coming artist?
- "What have you suffered to know?”
What do you personally bring to the group as a musician, songwriter, etc. that compliments, strengthens or rounds-out the sound of Buffalo Rome?
- I have varied past in theater, Pop and Country which affords me a good sense of harmonies and arrangements. I’m also the more social one in the group.
From your personal perspective, what do the other members bring to the group as individuals?
- Kevin is sensitive, he has a “pretty” voice, he’s well read and he’s a great writer. Bill has a great and original sounding voice. His skills as a musician and songwriter are solid.
Why the name “Buffalo Rome?”
- The name “speaks.” It’s evocative and clever and the Buffalo is strong and emblematic.
Before even opening the new Buffalo Rome CD, describe what the listener can expect to hear?
- Music that massages the soul.
If the group had a slogan or motto, what would it be?
- “Wherever you go, Buffalo Rome.”
Kevin
Nickname: KevinBirthplace: Lancaster, WI
Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Heritage: German/Irish
Family: The oldest of three (Brother, Kurt/Sister, Jena)
First Gig: 7th Grade playing in the band “Boss.)
Early Musical Influence: Elvis Presley / “Hound Dog”
Musically Speaking: A self-taught guitar player who can “fake-it” on banjo & bass
His Role In Buffalo Rome: Middle harmonies, Guitar, Jungian Psychologist
Writing Inspirations: Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Words to Live By: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Women In General: In jeans, wearing sweet perfume and pearls.
KEEN ON KEVIN…
As a member of the duo Douglas and Hawk, Kevin initially made his mark landing a recording deal under the Mercury Records imprint. (2002) In addition to the new endeavor with Buffalo Rome, Kevin is working A-list studio vocalist. He is also currently touring with national recording artist Rockie Lynne (Universal South); Kevin has four cuts on Rockie’s self-titled debut album. (“Super Country Cowboy,” “Big Time In A Small Town,” “Holding Back The Ocean,” and “Down On Mexico.”)
Upon more than one occasion, Kevin has taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry; he’s played just about every honky tonk in the country and at a variety of fairs and festivals. No stranger to television, Kevin has been seen on “Good Morning America,” GAC and CMT. …and with no gig being too small, he performed at a Target Grand Opening event in the lingerie department!
When it comes to songwriting credits, Kevin has a couple of notches in his belt. Chad Brock recorded “Red, White and Blue,” Matt Morris recorded “Watching Over You,” and Burrito Deluxe recorded “When the Summer’s Over.”
What's the best word of advice you have been given (about the business) from another peer that stuck with you?
- "Don’t follow the trends. Do what it is you do best.”
What's your best word of advice to share with a new up'n coming artist?
- “Don’t try to please everyone, find what you do best and be the best you can be at it.”
What do you personally bring to the group as a musician, songwriter, etc. that compliments, strengthens or rounds-out the sound of Buffalo Rome?
- Great melodies, a mellow vibe and smooth velvet tones.
From your personal perspective, what do the other members bring to the group as individuals?
- Aside from his strong musical ability, Mike is the left-brain of the band. He’s the “band mom” who helps us to focus. We’d still be playing in the garage if it were not for Mike. Bill is the sturdy, quiet, silent type. He’s consistent; a rock on stage, he’s nearly perfect! Both of them show up when it matters most.
Why the name “Buffalo Rome?”
- It’s rugged, wild and a symbol of freedom. Besides, the “Eagles” was already taken!
Before even opening the new Buffalo Rome CD, describe what the listener can expect to hear?
- It’s the California Country Rock scene of the 70s!
If the group had a slogan or motto, what would it be?
- “We’re wide open, big sky music!”