Crucial

Crucial has been playing together since October 2003, and are now considered one of the top reggae acts in the Philadelphia region. The group has opened for several bands including the Wailers when they played Conduit in Trenton, NJ in November.

Crucial, which is comprised of lead singer and rhythm guitar player Samuel Gigliotti, bass player Alex Moschitti, drummer Ron Givens, and Mike Belasco on lead guitar, put on an impressive show at World Café Live, located at 3025 Walnut Street Saturday night. The band went on at 10 pm, but it was obvious even an hour before that there was great anticipation for Crucial to take the stage, and Downstairs Live was almost completely packed by 9:30.

The band played original reggae tunes, and by the second song the whole room was full of people dancing around and singing along. The band has gained a very loyal fan base in the area, which was obvious when looking around the room. The guys didn't play a bad song all night, and it was very apparent that they all have had a lot of experience with music.

Crucial has a typical reggae sound, with the lyrics one would expect from this type of music. The group played together very well, yet the uniqueness of each instrument could be easily distinguished.

Belasco's guitar solos were particularly impressive and gave the songs more electric sound than typically heard from reggae music. Every song was impressive and the band really played to the audience making it impossible for anyone not to dance around.

The venue, World Café Live, also enhanced the show. Crucial played downstairs, which was set up with an open space in front of the stage.

The space is small enough to feel close to the band, yet it is large enough for the audience to spread out. There is a bar in the back for drinks and food can be ordered from the World Café Live restaurant menu.

Also adding to the atmosphere was the Jamaican beer, Red Stripe, which was being served specially for the evening.
- The Triangle, Student newspaper of Drexel

Under a painted pink tropical sunset, with the sillouttees of palm trees, the guys of Crucial Reggae rocked the Cheese Burger in Paradise, in Langhorne, Pa., Saturday night.

In the packed restaurant, the rhythmic, chilled-out sounds of the band’s tune-up began at around 8:30 p.m., and they started jamming by 9:15 p.m. Unlike most bands, Crucial’s tune-up is almost a song in itself. The sounds of guitars, bass, drums and keyboard mixed effortlessly in the Buffet-esque restaurant.


As the band started playing, the wait-staff and patrons all began to dance as the lead singer Sam Gigliotti, who had to sit and play due to a knee injury, began to bellow out Marley-like vocals. Drummer Ron Givens’ beat-driven drumming, the deep riffs by bassist Alex Moschitti and the high-pitched croons of lead guitarist Mike Belasco’s electric guitar, along with the synthesized melodies from Eli Winderman on the keyboard made the restaurant seem like it was no longer in Pennsylvania but in the Caribbean.

This tropical oasis was the ideal location for this band from Morrisville, Pa., (just outside Philadelphia).

Crucial Reggae’s music is a mix of old-school Marley with modern influences. This mix makes the band’s appeal go the distance. Even those who aren’t into reggae can appreciate some aspects of the music, whether it be Given’s drums or Belasco’s guitar work.

When all is said and done, Crucial Reggae is a must-see.

-Seth Goldstein
Editor
- Hermes News

Amazing talent and a sincere passion for music has brought local band Crucial to the forefront of modern reggae music. Formed in 2004 by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Sam Gigliotti of Langhorne the band began with Yardley resident Ron Givens on drums and Alex Moschitti of Fairless Hills on bass. Crucial later made the band complete adding lead guitarist Mike Belasco and keyboardist Eli Winderman, both of whom hail from Yardley. Sam is a self-taught musician and 'relies solely on Jah for inspiration' which is evident in the group's upbeat songs of positivism, truth and love. Ron points out, "The message and rhythms that the band sends are those at the forefront of reggae; basically the love of life, the utmost importance of truth, and the pursuit of equal rights." Originally from San Diego, California, Ron Givens has been playing reggae for over a decade, and blends the musical traditions of jazz, rock, blues and funk to form a completely new approach to the reggae style, while keeping its integrity intact. "What I love so much about playing reggae music is the very thing that sets it apart from other types of music. Reggae is such a strong, groove-based music, but it also has earth and nature elements. On top of that, the message is so positive and bright and creates this undeniable vibration. There is nothing else like it. I love it!" Since the band's inception, after being immediately hailed as an up and coming reggae band, the guys have shared the stage with the Wailers, Maxi Priest, Third World, Israel Vibration, Luciano and other world famous reggae bands. The venues that have welcomed their positive vibes run the gamut from places like Philadelphia's World Cafe Live and the TLA, to Havana in New Hope and JB's in Morrisville. Ron says, "JB's was the first place we played. I love it there. We always have a huge showing of friends and fans, and it is always a good time." The band is excited to announce their much anticipated debut CD is due out on October 1st. No doubt their fierce following of fans is counting the days for both the JB's concert and the CD release. To get hooked on the reggae beats of Crucial and learn more about this talented local group, visit the web at either myspace.com/crucialreggae or crucialreggae.com. - Times Publishing Newspaper, Inc.