#todd stoops

[gratefulfrog]

[gratefulfrog]

[krispyweiss]

Song Review: Electric Beethoven - “The Ninth”

Electric Beethoven likes it funky.

And funky is how the Reed Mathias-led quartet delivers its interpretation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on “The Ninth.”

This a is dance-hall delight full of hip-hop beats, punchy organ fills and jazzy guitar licks that spirals outward for four dizzying minutes. It collapses only when the “Ode to Joy” theme kicks in and the final 60 seconds devolves into something resembling a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas recording.

And the track suffers for this deflating coda.

Weaker than “The Fifth” and much stronger than “For Elise,” “The Ninth” is the third recent single from the band - bassist Mathias, keyboardist Todd Stoops, drummer Jay Ramer and guitarist Clay Welch - and seems to indicate a full LP in the not-too-distant future.

Grade card: Electric Beethoven - “The Ninth” - B

4/10/19

[krispyweiss]

Song Review: Electric Beethoven - “For Elise”

With an Americanized title and a synthy, dance-floor arrangement, Electric Beethoven’s “For Elise” is enough to make one hope Ludwig von B. is still deaf in the afterlife.

Bassist Reed Mathis doubles on keys, along with regular keyboardist Todd Stoops; a drum machine occupies Jay Ramer; and guitarist Clay Welch is left with little to do on this buzzy riff on what was a solo-piano piece called “Für Elise.”

While L. v. Beethoven’s timeless melody pops up among the din of the five-minute track, E. Beethoven’s take is more cruel joke than loving tribute.

At their best, Electric Beethoven make irresistible paeans like “The Fifth” and Maps We Found in the Ground. At their worst, well, this is it.

Grade card: Electric Beethoven - “For Elise” - D-

3/13/19

[brotherlyloveproductions]

Good Morning Friends - The past four days have put a lot into perspective for many of us. I have been meditating on what I can do to help the situation, and when I woke this morning I realized that I'm in a pretty lucky position - this Saturday night, my band is hosting a Toys For Tots drive at Toad's Place in New Haven. It soothes my heart in a way, to be able to give to children in light of the events of last Friday. And I feel like I NEED this. I NEED this show to spark my spirit back to life after this, and hopefully some of yours. I am blessed to be able to give my energy back to the universe, and every single note I play this Saturday is dedicated to the children who lost their lives, and the adult heros who gave up their own to try and save them. So come join us. Bring a toy for a child that needs it. Shake off the gloom, if only for one night. And we can spread some love, and be together. Love and Light for you, my friends, today and always...

Todd Stoops, keyboard supergenius of Kung Fu

We're honored to count this man as a client and a friend. If you're in the CT area this Saturday, come together with friends, family and music lovers and shake off the gloom, if only for one night, as Kung Fu hosts their annual Toys for Tots Christmas show w/ Break Science and Grammy winner Bill Evans in New Haven. Music heals. Spread peace and Brotherly Love this holiday season and everyday.  Click here for more info on fb

[epic-movement-blog]

Interview with Bang Bang - Todd Stoops (Kung Fu/RAQ) and Scotty Zwang (Sonic Spank)

by Alyssa Pizzonia

Last Thursday at Stella Blues in New Haven, Bang Bang played as a part of GEG’s Thursday night Connected series. I got to have a quick conversation with Todd Stoops and Scotty Zwang about the band, their plans for the summer, and what’s in store for their appearance at the Tipper Sound Experience.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!