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THE INFORMANTS "Blues Dance Party"
The Informants, like so many other bands, were formed after bassist "Mac" McMurray and singer Kerry Pastine bumped into each other at a nightclub in the fall of 2005. Discovering the singer’s band had just split up and knowing his own was about to, McMurray suggested they test the waters. He set about assembling a backing band of first-rate musicians, rounding out the rhythm section with pianist Mark Richardson, drummer Paul Christophersen, and guitarist Paul Shellooe. From the group’s first rehearsal it was obvious that top priority would be to capitalize on the dual sax attack of Kenny Plum and Jonny Love, and more importantly, its charismatic star-in-the-making’s searing vocals and exhilarating stage presence. Since debuting in January 2006, the Informants’ invigorating performances have become steeped in legend. After being named 2008’s “Best Bar Band,” Westword had this to say on the subject, “Plenty of musicians take umbrage if their group is called a bar band. Still, the finest acts with this label don't need open taps or drink specials to work their magic; their playing is intoxicating enough. Witness the Informants, which boasts killer brass, a driving rhythm section, a lead singer (Kerry Pastine) capable of starting any party, and songs such as "Stuck on You" (from the album Stiletto Angel) that sound just as good to a designated driver as the folks along for the ride.”
Using the vintage R&B, jump blues, soul, rockabilly, jazz and rock-n-roll music of the legendary juke joints as a greasy stock, Richardson began composing a spicy stew of rootsy, yet eclectic songs. The result is the critically acclaimed 2007 debut recording, Stiletto Angel. The recording has proven to be more than just an exercise in retro reinvention; as one critic put it, “not only are the Informants able to recreate a great vintage sound, at times they also manage to sprinkle in a little bit of modern music, creating something new and alive.” The album has since caught the ear of House of Blues Radio Hour host Dan Akroyd, who featured the title track as the Blues Breaker song of the week on the nationally-syndicated, award-winning program in February 2008. It has appeared on numerous “Best Of” lists including Westword’s “Best 2007 Denver Releases,” Strictly Blues radio’s “Top 50 of 2007,” and Real Blues magazine’s “Top 100 Releases,” debuting at #7 in March 2008.
The recent success of Stiletto Angel has elevated the Informants to the top of Denver’s “A” list bands, creating enviable opportunities and placing the band squarely in the center of recent A&R chatter. As word of radio airplay from around the world and superb reviews of Stiletto Angel continue to come in daily, the Informants show no signs of slowing. A full performance schedule is booked through summer 2008, the band having recently shared stages with Tab Benoit, Firefall, and the Railbenders; a licensing deal with Muzak was signed recently; and a television appearance is in the works. So when will the Informants rest? Not this year--or next. Touring opportunities are being explored for l 2009, and the band will enter the studio next winter to begin recording the follow-up to Stiletto Angel. They have recently begun performing enough new songs for a new full-length album, with even more new material waiting in the wings.