Gothic Theatre
Moutain of Venus
The recording of LIVE VOLUME I marked the next step in the evolution for Mountain Of Venus, a quintet whose sound is at once timeless, yet thoroughly of the moment. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter of 1999, Mountain Of Venus is a complete musical experience delivering a peerless combination of intelligent, radio-friendly songwriting, sparkling vocal harmonies and mind-boggling instrumental virtuosity that cannot help but capture the hearts, minds and ears of discriminating listeners everywhere.
Mountain Of Venus is co-fronted by lead singer Tanya Shylock and singer/song-writer/guitarist Jody Cohen. Their well-developed sense of vocal dynamics is rarely seen in a band at this stage of their career. The overall sound is built upon the solid foundation of bassist Dave Gesualdo on six-string bass and Mike Garrett on drums (replacing departing drummer Eric Berry). The ensemble is further completed by the far-reaching, ever-present leads of guitarist Michael Pascale.
Perhaps the key to MOV’s particular magic is that its music seems so familiar, even as it explores some of the more esoteric precincts of the contemporary realm. ‘That,’ says lead singer Tanya Shylock, ‘can be explained by each members’ collective influences.’ Influences which happen to encompass a wide variety of classic templates, from the Allman Brothers Band and the Grateful Dead, to Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and other legendary Motown artists of that era. ‘These are really only jumping-off points really,’ contemplates Tanya, a New Orleans native whose shimmering, versatile vocals set the pace for Mountain Of Venus.
