VKB Band: Vicki Kristina Barcelona

VKB Band, also known as Vicki Kristina Barcelona, is a New York City based trio comprised of Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Kirsten Thien, three deeply distinctive musicians, all acclaimed performing singer-songwriters with a wealth of collective experience. Together, they merge their individual brands of magic, bedazzling audiences with their unexpected yet always respectful renditions of the songs of Tom Waits. VKB’s mesmerizing alchemy comes alive in a blend of glorious three-part harmony and carefully crafted musical arrangements. The group utilizes a most unusual sonic palette, including percussion from all corners of the globe, an array of squeezeboxes, and a collection of melodic acoustic guitars and banjo, throwing in the occasional bell and whistle for an added element of surprise. Without compromising the ugly beauty of Waits’ characters and scenarios, his melodies and settings are restated in a feminine light, softer and sweeter perhaps, but nonetheless impactful.

Amanda Homi is what is known in show business as a triple threat; keeping the pulse of the music – whether she’s playing drums, percussion, harmonium or strings – all the while delivering a mind-bending blend of virtuosic vocalizing and charming theatricality. Rachelle Garniez is a multi-instrumentalist and musical colorist, her voice and fearless approach to utilizing sounds channel emotions ranging from the delicate to the crude, touching on pathos, irony and rage, all the while maintaining a sense of mischief throughout the show. Kirsten Thien’s authentic sound draws from the depths of old-school American soul and the driving power of blues, gospel and rock-n-roll. Her clear and powerful voice stands out in its power and honesty. Her confidence and integrity firmly grounds the group’s sound in the rich traditions of American Roots music. VKB’s concerts have the added attraction of featuring one original song from each member of the group, performed solo. This serves to introduce and highlight their widely diverse origins and influences, making their collaboration all the more impressive and meaningful.

The three are intrepid treasure-seekers, plumbing the depths of the Waits catalog, exploring the shipwrecked universe of his story-songs, from the savage to the sentimental.

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