The Lava Brothers

About the Artist

This Chicago-based band of brothers lucked into the last name of Lava and the genes of grandfather Neal Hefti, a legendary composer who wrote for Count Basie and Frank Sinatra before penning the Batman and Odd Couple themes. Two of his most famous tunes, “Lil’ Darlin’” and “Cute,” were written for the band’s (late) mother when she was a child. As a result, the brothers grew up in a musical household where harmonizing was as routine as fighting over the front seat. Jesse and Josh played in a high school rock band together, but youngest brother Gabe, who then suffered from a single-digit age, was consistently denied in his efforts to participate. Gabe and his abilities eventually grew, of course, and as of 2007, the Lava brothers have finally become The Lava Brothers. The band’s songs are tender yet intelligent, combining vulnerable lyrics with intricate chords and arrangements. The result is “sophisticated and soulful pop” that “fans of Rufus Wainwright and Steely Dan will find plenty to swoon over” (TimeOut Chicago). The brothers’ chemistry is particularly evident during live shows, in which the band often improvises songs and segues on the spot. Before The Lava Brothers, Jesse was a political activist who founded a group for religious Democrats, Josh got a music composition degree from the Oberlin Conservatory, and Gabe gigged as a jazz guitarist.