Biography
Biography
Massachusetts - tribute to the Bee Gees
Massachusetts is a cover band formed in Liege, Belgium in 2006
In Germany, Massachusetts shared a stage with ROCK GROUP LEGENDS like: TEN YEARS AFTER - SPENCER DAVIS GROUP - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD - THE SWEET - SHOCKING BLUE - ARTHUR BROWN on two consecutive nights .
In France, the band played at the GRAND DÔME DE PARIS before several thousand people. The French public rated Massachusetts and GRAIG ADAMS AND THE HIGHER DIMENSION OF PRAISE (N.Y.) as the two BEST GROUPS of the festival, ahead of American country music stars like: COWBOY CRUSH - BUDDY JEWEL - DAVID BALL - ELISABETH COOK.
In HOLLAND, they were cheered by the 3000 people attending the "SUMMERNIGHTFEVER FESTIVAL" in 2006. An official FANCLUB was created following a concert in DEN HELDER, a port city in the north-west of Holland.
Today, BEE GEES FANS from all over the world exchange MP3 samples recorded by Massachusetts.
In BELGIUM, Massachusetts received triumphant acclaim from an audience of 3000 people at the "FIESTA CITY FESTIVAL" in VERVIERS.
When, at the end of the evening, Massachusetts closed the festival at the legendary "SPIRIT OF 66", a delirious crowd rushed in early and left latecomers to wait in long queues on the pavement.
The band, having become very popular in the east of Belgium, assembled an audience of 3000 people at the "VIBRATIONS FESTIVAL" in MALMEDY. Only a week later, 7000 people applauded and acclaimed them at the "SPA TRIBUTE FESTIVAL".
Since the disappearance of Maurice Gibb the Bee Gees occupy forever one of the most significant places in the Pantheon of historic pop music legends. Massachusetts pay a vibrating homage to them in a show of almost two hours. Enjoying an international reputation and having been recognized by the official European fan clubs, the group communicates the true Bee Gees feeling!
Their remarkable vocal precision and their great sensitivity make the public shiver. They reproduce the most beautiful songs of the immense repertory of the Gibb brothers, thus offering an exceptional document of their timeless writing. The great melodies succeed one another, involving the spectator in spite of himself in a flash-back "flower power" atmosphere.
From their very first success during the sixties: " New York mining disaster 1941" to " This is where I came in ", theirllast album signed some 40 years later, the "Bee Gees tribute" presents itself as a succession of nostalgic and enchanting scenes!
And then there is the disco period! The universal dance will make even the most inhibited person jump with joy and happiness! With their charming presence on stage, Massachusetts naturally communicates its passion for the music of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.
The show
In fiery, but sober decorations, an imposing light show and video screens give the impulse to the strong musical images that follow one another.
Composition of the group :
Michel Azais: vocals and guitar
Marc Bouille : vocals
Raphaël Laforgia : guitar and background vocalss
Benoît Poncin : bass guitar and background vocals
Thierry Vingre : keyboard
Raphaël Pire : Drums
Michel Azais : vocals and guitar
This belgian singer/painter, has already produced several albums in French, the quality of which has not escaped the appreciating ear of the connoisseur. His last CD album, « Mon Lundi d'Ostende », has crossed the European frontiers and caught the attention of the Canadian (Quebec) public. Michel is a big fan of the Bee Gees since his childhood and is the leader and founder of the group.
Marc Bouille : vocals
As a singer, Marc has been a member of several disco/funk groups. His vocal capacities are widely known. As a falsetto specialist, he has a perfect control of Barry Gibb's disco period head voice.
guitar and background vocals
Raphaël is a recognized guitarist, with a passion for the acoustic guitar ("finger picking"). He has his own musical project and as a professional musician he accompanies singer/songwriters. Raphaël represents the discrete and precise voice which completes the harmony that is so caracteristic for the sound of the brothers Gibb.
Benoit Poncin : bass guitar and background vocals
Benoit has been a bass guitarist for over ten years.He has accompanied various artists and pop-rock groups,on stage and in the studio. He also participates in projects which are dear to him. Benoît is a very sensitive artist, who has a greatly developped feeling for band work.
Thierry Vingre : keyboard
The Bee Gees' songs are often supported by soft and harmonic keyboards. This role devolves on Thierry, who is as discrete and efficient as the songs require. He is a real "Motown" fan but also likes international pop music and the Bee Gees. He has been playing the keyboard from the age of 5.
Raphael Pire : Drums
Raphael Pire, has developed himself during the past few years as an effectual drummer, within the Luikse surroundings. He has an American "groove" style of drumming. He has been influenced by singers such as, Sheryl Crow, and John Fogerty, and The Ben Taylor Band. Through his father, (Massachusetts band leader Michel Azaïs), he has been surrounded by the Bee Gees music since childhood.
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