Multi-platinum alternative rock band THE VERVE PIPE—recognized worldwide for their radio hits “Photograph,” “Hero,” “Never Let You Down,” and their massive 1997 #1 single “The Freshmen” as well as the song “Colorful” as featured in the movie Rock Star—are heading out for a run of tour dates this September, which includes a stop locally in DENVER on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 at LEVITT PAVILION.
Last year (February 2017), THE VERVE PIPE—Brian Vander Ark (vocals, guitar), Lou Musa (lead guitar), Randy Sly (keyboards, backing vocals), Joel Ferguson (bass, backing vocals), Sam Briggs (drums, percussion), Channing Lee (backing vocals), Craig Griffith (harmonica, backing vocals)—released their latest studio album, Parachute, along with their first-ever live album, Villains – Live & Acoustic (featuring acoustic reimagining of their platinum-selling major label debut album Villains), recorded at The Ark in Ann Arbor, MI. With a new lineup and a renewed energy and focus, lead singer/principal songwriter/co-founder Brian Vander Ark and the band, known for their spectacular live performances, continue to deliver original music that is distinguished by innovative arrangements, soul-searching lyrics and layered vocals.
West Michigan music blog Local Spins praised Parachute saying, “It’s not just the lyrical power of ‘If I Could Make You Feel’ and ‘The Favorite Son’ on the band’s newest studio outing, ‘Parachute,’ but the nearly flawless delivery, arrangements and production of this New Millennium take on alt-rock. ‘If I Could Make You Feel’ in particular is a poignant epic with mature themes, filled with dynamic, prog-rock-enhanced swells and breathtaking vocals. Meanwhile, the Beatle-sque ‘The Fine Line’ oozes the sort of clever writing and harmonies that must have inspired all manner of fun and experimentation in the studio” (John Sinkevics, 3/31/17).
Of their live show, Cryptic Rock writer Katherine Szabo noted, “There are not many bands who can still keep the creative ball rolling for over 25 years, but The Verve Pipe refuse to be stopped…All in all, The Verve Pipe put on an amazing show full of surprises and old favorites, proving that their live performance is only getting better with time and experience” (1/22/18).
In addition to recording rock albums, THE VERVE PIPE expanded their repertoire in 2009 to include writing and recording A Family Album, their critically acclaimed introduction to the world of children’s music, as well as their 2013 follow-up family oriented release, Are We There Yet?. The Michigan-based group, which formed in 1992, perform both rock and kids shows throughout North America, including notable appearances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Lincoln Center, Hangout Music Festival, SummerStage in Central Park and many more.
