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The MELtones: High Energy Convergence of Passion, Power, Youth & Experience
By Robert E. Martin In many ways creating music is much like a chef creating a 5-star recipe: if you’re looking to sink your teeth into something memorable, the secret is all in the ingredients. One can always follow the cookbook but the tastiest quality that creates a memorable concoction is more often than not born from inspiration – as much a product of practice as it is experience; and ultimately the most satisfying surprise to those that give birth to the creation. Such is the case of The MELtones – a relatively new musical outfit that on the surface may appear as nothing more than an R&B cover band; but in actuality have managed to create a richly satisfying smorgasbord borne from intrepid creativity that both re-invents and explores traditionally familiar cover songs with an energy and de-construction that leaves one with the sting of a revitalized slap on the cheek – as if one were actually hearing a song like Mustang Sally or Message in a Bottle for the very first time. And that is where artistry enters the picture. The Rolling Stones Keith Richards once said that it wasn’t until he was able to play Chuck Berry riffs in his sleep that he was able to actually make original use of the rhythms, which is an important thought to keep in mind when considering The MELtones. Comprised of veteran musicians Chris Mohn on guitar & vocals (most recently of Voodoo Lounge) and a powerful rhythm section consisting of the inimitable 12welve (formerly long time drummer for Count ‘n Change) the most recent addition to The MELtones comes in the form of the legendary Mark Miller (arguably one of the finest musicians to ever surface in the tri-cities, and formerly a member of such storied groups as Sharrie Williams & the Wiseguys, The Jitters, The Larry McCray Band. The Matt Besey Band, Poke and The Flies.) Fronting this trio of musical powerhouses is the one and only Mel Curry – at 26, the youngest member of the band – who serves as front-woman, vocalist, and creative spark for the sound of The MELtones by virtue of her wide powerful command of vocal dynamics, intonation, and coloration. Although she has worked her vocal magic in the backline with such luminaries as Noel Howland, The MELtones represent the first time that she has been able to exercise her voice full throttled front-and-center on the stage, and the excitement this engenders, within both the growing crowds of fans and the band itself, is palpable. “This is the first time I’ve been able to really get out there, because in the past I’ve always been standing in everybody’s shadow, so it really feels awesome,” reflects Mel. “Until now I’ve always felt pushed in the background, so the fact that I can sing front and center with my head up and stand with these amazing musicians is totally thrilling to me.” For this life-altering opportunity Mel credits none other than Chris Mohn. “He called me on Christmas Eve a year ago and said ‘We’re doing a band, and there’s only one B@9tch per band, and you’re it!” laughs Mel. As to what prompted Chris to make this move, he sites a need for something different. “Voodoo Lounge was not taking off fast enough for me and it took a long time to put together. We simply weren’t gigging enough, so I called Mel with this idea of putting together a fresh R&B band with her at the helm, and when the topic came to finding a drummer to approach, we both said 12welve at the same time.” “I was getting tired of the routine and looking for some invigoration,” explains 12welve. “Mainly, I was looking for a change of direction and something to inspire me, so when I got the call from Chris & Mel, I jumped on this opportunity. In a lot of ways I feel it’s the perfect outfit.” Although The MELtones started gestating a year ago, they’ve only performed together for about four months. “We went through four bass players before we got the one we wanted,” smiles Chris. And though he’s been out of the mainstream and retired out of the scene for awhile, Mark Miller has definitely lost none of his passion for performance, and says mainly he’s been incubating and waiting for the opportunities this band presents to surface. “I’ve wanted to be in a band with Mel every since I worked with her four years ago,” explains Miller. “The first time I performed with her I wanted to work with her. She has too much power and would see her on-stage and say to myself that I would love to write songs for her. Just to see her, as a main focal point is a kick. And I’ve also always wanted to write with 12welve, so this presents the perfect opportunity. I always saw her doing her own thing and wanted to get in on it.” Since the addition of Miller, the sound of The MELtones has formed into a combustible and tightly woven springboard for Chris to let his fingers fly over the fret board of his guitar in stunning accents that punctuate and lay a bedrock for Mel’s vocals to find, forge, and explore the contours of whatever song the group seeks to tackle. This alone is refreshing, but what about this burgeoning talent that is Mel Curry? How did she get to this point of training and shaping her incredible voice? “I’ve been singing as long as I can remember,” she reflects. “When I was really young, almost an infant and too young to remember, I was always singing. This is something that I’ve always felt. In a lot of ways my singing is both the source and inspiration for my passion.” “Passion is the key,” confirms 12welve. “We all feel strongly about what we are doing and passion is something you can’t rehearse.” Miller feels similar about the potential of the band. “A lot of the musical roads that bands travel I’ve been down, but unless you feel excited about something what’s the point? With Mel’s talent and her power there’s a lot of fresh terrain to explore. I can’t wait to get into the studio and we are already starting to write originals. We’ve got a handful of original songs that we’ve been working on and I’m excited. I believe we’re really onto something that is going to build.” The group collectively is committed to rehearsal and performance. With regular gigs at Grand Central on State Street, and a performance schedule lined with varied special events such as the recent Women’s Expo and the upcoming Turkey Testicle Festival in Essexville, the excitement for the band is infectious; and as the sound tightens and builds, so do the crowds starting to actively follow and seek them out. The potency of such accomplishments is not to be underestimated, especially in an age when economics and industrial implosion has trimmed the number of clubs and venues that routinely feature live musical performances. “The scene has definitely become challenging,” agrees Chris, “which is why we’re more determined than ever to succeed at what we do – playing music that we enjoy and doing it in a way that brings something fresh to the floor for people to listen and dance to.” 12welve has a similar take. “Passion is what keeps it going. As a veteran groovemaster that emerged on the scene during the glory days of the B.A.D. Band, which garnered a couple of hits, that group later signed with Motown in 1990 and was shelved due to A&R downsizing. My cousin is Stevie Wonder, whom I currently have pending work with, but what I’m jazzed the most about is the feel with this group. It’s all about good timing and a forging a drive with the music. For more information on The MELtones check out their myspace page at www.myspace.com/TheMELtones; and for booking info, call Chris at 989-332-1459.
The MELtones (left to right) Chris Mohn, Mel Curry, Mark Miller and 12welve
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