Vinyl Soup is the premiere Progressive-Jam band from Nashville, Tennessee. Their sound falls somewhere between 70’s British, Progressive Rock, Folk Rock, and the American Jam band sound of the 90’s to the present day. Their ethos includes an eclectic blend of influences ranging from Rock, Blues, Folk, and Jazz, to Caribbean and World sounds. Unlike many of the musically disposable jam bands on the current scene, there is a strong emphasis on deeply empathetic and memorable compositions...
Vinyl Soup is the premiere Progressive-Jam band from Nashville, Tennessee. Their sound falls somewhere between 70’s British, Progressive Rock, Folk Rock, and the American Jam band sound of the 90’s to the present day. Their ethos includes an eclectic blend of influences ranging from Rock, Blues, Folk, and Jazz, to Caribbean and World sounds. Unlike many of the musically disposable jam bands on the current scene, there is a strong emphasis on deeply empathetic and memorable compositions with an occasional knowing wink to the listener, lest things get too serious. As Lexington, Kentucky Newspaper North of Center points out in an article regarding a Vinyl Soup performance in October 2010, this is a songwriter’s Jam band. Fans of Vinyl Soup’s concert performances also cite the band's fearless extended improvisations and free-wheeling musicianship as unique strengths of their live shows.
Founding member, songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, Andrew Hooker grew up in West Point, Mississippi, hometown of blues legend Howlin' Wolf and 90's Alternative Rock band, Blind Melon. After earning a music degree in California, Hooker returned to the tradition-steeped musical environs of Nashville, Tennessee where he formed VINYL SOUP in 2003.
In December of 2003, VINYL SOUP released their debut album, entitled Chasing Yesterday. That release topped the Jazz Charts at internet music channel m3radio.com. The album also reached #19 on the Top 30 Charts, joining artists such as reggae legends as Toots and the Maytals. In February 2008, they released their follow up sophomore release, Brandon and Travis. It received national college radio play and press, garnering mentions for being ‘unfettered by genre’ with ‘virtuoso craft and playful lyrical style reminiscent of acts like Little Feat’ (Clarion Ledger, Jackson, MS). It was described as ‘complex and compelling’ by Oxford, Mississippi publication The Local Voice. It was received warmly by the Soup fan-base, due to its conceptual and exploratory nature. The album sold briskly, and went on to produce many epic live staples such as “Thoughts on a Page”, “Slipped Away”, “Shelter”, "Remember", and “Elijah I’ll Take a Ride”.
Vinyl Soup will be releasing a new album this year, entitled The Beacon Within, recorded by a lineup with a brand new rhythm section. The new line-up features New Orleans drummer Troy Jones, New York state native Tony Marvelli on bass, and now five year Vinyl Soup keyboard and vocalist veteran, Justin Smith, along with Andrew Hooker on guitar and vocals. The new line-up brings new and fresh sonic textures to the band with the use of Smith’s Moogs and Mellotrons, Hooker’s acoustic and lap steel guitar, and Marvelli’s fretless electric and stand up acoustic bass. Festival and theater dates are already being booked in what promises to be an exciting and a true breakout year for the group.
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