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The Seventy Sevens.Michael Roe, Mark Harmon and Bruce Spencer; guitarist, bassist, drummer. The power jazz trio playing it all from gritty blues rock-n-roll to soaring, jangly pop. The Seventy Sevens. What started out in the early 80's as an informal band has gone through several incarnations and evolved into what many reviewers call, "the most formidable artistic talents in the business." Since the Sevens’ debut, Ping Pong Over the Abyss, the band has released eleven additional critically acclaimed albums on several labels, including Island, Myrrh and the Sevens’ own Fools of the World. In recent years, a box set of the first three releases was re-issued and a live "best-of" album was recorded and produced for the Fools of the World label. And the Sevens continue to release new studio offerings, including the edgy Tom Tom Blues and the polished, progressive EP. Their latest studio effort, the summery, layered pop rock of A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows is to be released by Fools of the World and distributed by Diamante on April 4, 2001. The 77s have toured extensively in the last few years and 2001 will again see the Sevens on the road and at most of the major summer festivals. Details are always available at 77s.com.What do the reviews say about recent releases? TLeM critic, Bob Melvin, said, "As Sevens albums go, Tom Tom Blues is decidedly -- well -- different. Musically, the record is consistently edgier than anything Roe and company have ever done. The album takes a lot of risks, with bizarre sounds and styles, and a heavy dose of experimenting...which gives Roe an outlet for his ever-present need to solo...very intriguing stuff. Harmon has been let loose. The long time bass player absolutely shines on Tom Tom Blues, enough to take your attention from Roe for a while. That in itself is quite an accomplishment... Okay, here’s the bottom line: it gels...[t]his one is definitely a keeper." The Sevens’ prior release, Drowning with Land in Sight, has been called "brilliant" and Rolling Stone magazine gave the self-titled Island release four stars and a glowing review. EP, the 77's independent, August, 1999, release is what Youthworker editor Dave Urbanski calls, "what’s arguably their best-ever recording" from "one of the best-ever rock bands." "The sounds on EP are varied, at once soothing and exciting...striking and powerful...These songs are keepers." HM Magazine and Band Doppler Radio agree; "this is arguably the best thing this great band has done..." A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows is described by front man and founder Michael Roe as a cross between the soulful pop of his second solo release, The Boat Ashore, and the scorching rock for which the Sevens became famous. The band manages to strike a balance between the raucous and the sensitive that recalls some of their earlier albums, (77s, Ping Pong Over The Abyss and All Fall Down). Perhaps the most pop-oriented 77s project to date, A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows will no doubt be a favorite listen throughout Spring and Summer 2001. And weaving underneath all of that sun and fun madness are the usual 77s lyrics, brimming with the kind of spiritual angst, conflict, challenge and resolve that have made the 77s the heroes of modern rock for over 16 years. The 77s are: Mike Roe: guitar, vocals Mark Harmon: Bass, Guitar, Vocals Bruce Spencer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals |