Unity the Band

Unity the Band at Pi Nightclub in Green Bay, Wisconsin

By TJ
December 2, 2008
It takes a great band to rattle me, to put me on an edge so that I'm comparing it to the best of every band that I know. I most certainly was not expecting to see such a great band at Green Bay's upscale nightclub Pi, a club known for great house music and Jazz/electronic artists. Unity the Band was amazing tonight, Pi was packed and the nightlife was full of energy! Unity will transport you instantly to the Caribbean with one note. The sound is big, roots and rub-a-dub Jamaican style reggae. Unity plays mostly original songs with a few essential covers from Bob Marley and the Wailers. Pita's vitality on stage is staggering and is lavish with positive vibrations, his vocal styles range from melodic roots to deep dub/dancehall style rap/chants, singing songs of dance, peace, unity and Jah Rastafari. Pita shares the stage with seven incredibly talented musicians that interweave sounds and rhythms to create a unique blend of Reggae, Ska, and R & B. Backing Pita on vocals is Christina Williams playing keys and organ, Alana the Fabulous on the djembe, shakers and tambourine, Saxophone, and wind master Steve Johnson lays down the soulful and ska flavor to Dan Waters upbeat rhythm guitar and lead. It was Ryan Gleason's lead guitar that contributed to my original rattled feeling on why this band was so extraordinary. When Ryan takes a solo, the style/tone is vibrant, out of this world and original. As the club and the band heated up, it boiled over when Ryan started to challenge Dan Waters to dueling guitar solo's. Dan more than answered the call on guitar and these two started pushing the envelope. Steve Scott Jr. (drums), Chunk (congas/percussion), and Track T Burton (bass) are the back bone of this band. Steve's drums are crisp. Track T's bass plays in a nice and warm pocket feel. Chunk's rhythmic congas/hand, drums, and percussion bring out the original tribal roots aspect of reggae. The hand drum is to reggae as the dirt is to earth. Pi nightclub was brimming the entire night and the band sounded great through the house sound system. In between sets I had moment a to get some insight from Pita on Unity and the news is, in February 2009 Unity the Band will be going into the Studio to create their third CD. I cannot wait for that album to be cut! Unity the Band plays regularly in Green Bay and their home Appleton, and I highly recommend checking them out! They will be back at Pi nightclub on Dec. 18th . Unity the Band, Roots - Rock - Reggae!

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