BACKSTAGE PASS ARTICLE OCTOBER 1997
THIRTY DAYS
It’s pretty cool when someone tells you to check out a band and it’s a pleasurable experience. Know what I mean? So I checked out Thirty Days at Thurston’s and walked into a packed house of all sorts hanging out, rocking to four kats jammin’ away with a singer whose phenomenal vocal range sends out a chill. After a bunch of groovin, hard rockin originals how about a twist? A few of Thirty Days tunes done acoustic with some fiddle playing by none other than the singer. Wow, there is a lot of talent on this stage tonight! Thirty Days regroups with “1000 Miles Away”, their tune that may begin with the band’s softer aspects but watch out for full throttle as they kick it in. With a tune such as this, a perfect example of this band’s talent is no doubt in everyone’s face!
Thirty Days consists of four northsider’s who have been together for two and a half years. The awesome talents of Calvin Ramseyer vocals and guitar, Anthony Rubino on lead guitar, Matt Taormina behind the drums and Preston Clark on bass. They have jammed at clubs, The House Of Blues, Double Door, Thurstons, Martyrs, Dome Room, Midwest colleges and a cool gig on MTV Spin Music Showcase. Calvin, the band’s vocalist, describes Thirty Days as a modern rock band. They tip their hats to some of the bands before them. “We hail Hendrix, and Lynard Skynard, but definitely are not an alternative or grunge band. We may be uncool in “the scene” but our music is true, it comes out nice and when others come into the vibe it’s cool.” Calvin has a gift to sing and if you check out Thirty Days I am sure you will agree. Growing up the son of a minister he says he grew up guided and had a great upbringing. Listening to classical music such as Bach and Mozart you can hear the affect it has had in his singing. He was very active in the church choir and at four years old began playing the violin which he incorporates into the shows. There is a unique style of Calvin’s that you will hear.
Thirty Days basically hooked up while in college and has been going strong ever since. “We all grew a few blocks from each other, we’re kinda like brothers. We have only gigged in the city for one and a half years now and dig it. We have been climbing ever since!” Some of Calvin’s influences are Steve Marriot, Robert Plant, Lenny Kravitz, and Bowie. He says, “Bowie’s great and when I get freaky that is from him.”
Calvin and Preston do a lot of Thirty Days writing but it is becoming a collaborated effort. With their song writing improving they hope to make a name for themselves, get a following, do a tour and make records. Calvin enjoys writing especially music that has a meaning and gets people into the groove. As for he and Preston, he feels that they have been growing together, side by side. “we come from two different worlds but when we come together it’s very cool.”
Anthony, the band’s lead guitarist is entertaining. Be it electric or acoustic. He and Calvin perform great together. Anthony’s influences are Eric Clapton, Thin Lizzy, Allman Brothers, and Santana. He enjoys everything from the Stones to Motorhead. This is apparent throughout his playing, you go from one extreme to the next. Anthony says, “Thirty Days is where I’m at and if I’m gonna do anything it’s gonna be with these guys.” A dream gig for him? How about a tour with Page and Plant.
Obviously you have Calvin and Anthony up front but there is some outstanding drumming and bass playing going on. Rightfully so, Matt is sweating away on drums, and Preston is groovin’ on his bass. I could tell right away that these two are not your average players. It’s these two that are carrying the Thirty Days vibe through.
Preston feels that if his bass playing and Matt’s drumming are strong they can provide sort of a safety net, or a vibe for each member to go on with their music and take a chance while they jam. He ads, “I get worried at the gigs when no one messes up, if the bands trippin’ on each other it can become a magic moment.” Every member of Thirty Days supports and compliments one another throughout their music. Influences, as Preston puts it as “The Big 3.” You have Entwistle, John Paul Jones and Paul McCartney. “If you can study these three Kats your on your way! They cover the spectrum of rock bass from the heaviest to melodic. A bass player’s dream.” His hat goes off to old school and big riffs, those who came out in the 70’s. We even had a mutual liking to ... does anyone remember Alex Kane of Life Sex and Death fame?
Behind the drums you will find Matt playing the hardest I’ve yet to see. Without a doubt enjoying every minute of it! Influenced by John Bonham, Steve Perkins, Jane’s Addiction, Keith Moon and old school stuff which he finds amazing. “When I can sit back and listen, enjoying this stuff is the best.” Matt knows this is the gig for him. “I would give up a million dollars to play with these guys.” He is very proud of the strong rhythm section he and Preston provide. “Our music is blues based with modern overtones. We did not model ourselves to anyone, we fall into a groove with our songs and rock it out!”
Wanna catch a show with extraordinary talent and rockin originals? Thirty Days is the band that’ll get your grooves goin’! Their upcoming shows include October 8th at the House Of Blues with Jason Bonham and October 25th at the Metro with Loudmouth, and Triple Fast Action. For more information Email em’ at mccallmg@ameritech.net, or mail them at P.O. Box 31464, Chicago IL 60631.
