Jeff Manga and the BuzzHounds
Chicago, Illinois, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | INDIE
Music
Press
Jump into a night of rhythm and blues as BrauerHouse Live hosts a Viva La Rockabilly showcase this weekend, featuring performances by The Buzzhounds, 3 on the Tree, Jenny V. James and Mike Giannini for a 21+ show. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at BrauerHouse Live, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. General admission is $7; reserved seating is available. eventbrite.com. - Chicago Sound Check: NW Herald
Grab a drink and get ready to swing when The Buzzhounds hit the stage at Palatine’s Mac’s on Slade this weekend. The bluesy band — Jeff Manga, Marko Lira and Bob Miller — drops its fifth studio album, “Chicago Go Go,” Friday in time for the show, and if the recent single, “Lip Stick Smack,” is any indication, it’s going to be a lively one. Catch all the raucous, rockabilly energy at this weekend kickoff show. Mac’s on Slade, 117 W. Slade St., Palatine. (847) 907-9621 or macsonslade.com. 8:45 p.m. Friday. - Northwest Herald
Heavily influenced by such artists as Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Townes Van Zandt, and The Rolling Stones, The BuzzHounds meld alternative vocal stylings with Delta Blues and 70’s Outlaw Country to form their own brand of Americana and Rock n Roll.
The Buzzhounds have shared the stage with Les Paul, Buddy Guy, Chicago Blues Reunion, Susan Tedeschi, Magic Slim, Gov’t Mule, and many more. They have also performed on national TV + radio. Members of the band are Jeff Manga (Vocals, Guitars), Bob Miller (Bass), Marko Lira (Drums) and Jon Affinito (Guitar).
The BuzzHounds are a hardworking band, based out of Chicago’s northwest side. They have recorded three full-length records since signing a deal with Sixtone Records in late 2013; 2013’s Weapons of Mass Seduction, and 2015’s Live and Electrified. Just a week ago, the band released their brand new album, Dangerous Ride.
The title Track comes out of the gate galloping to a swingin’ four on the floor beat, peppered with a thick boogie blues bass line and a catchy turn around hook. “We wanted to write a song that made you feel like you do when you ride around in a classic convertible… like a ragtop ’59 Cadillac…and use that feeling as a metaphor to describe the ride as it compares to a beautiful woman”…dangerous.
Other tracks on the 33 min album are Cinderella Needs New Shoes, I Quit!, Say a Prayer (Damn Them Down River Blues), Rollin’, I’m on Fire, Stand Up and Fall Down, Give To Live, Save My Soul and Endless. Part of it already existed for years, part of it is entirely new. For example, the track I’m on Fire lives in a different version for quite a while now. -
Now here is a band that fans of many genres can enjoy.
The Buzz Hounds bring hints of Rock, Classic Rock and Alternative to the Chicago Blues Scene.
Heavily influenced by such artists as Zepplin, Jimmy Page, Hendix and VanHalen, the rock in The Buzz Hounds is mixed with later alternative influences in life such as Sound Garden, Pantera, Janes Addiction and more.
To put a label on The Buzz Hounds would be impossible as they bring you Dirty Rockin’ Blues with hints of an Alternative Soulful Sound.
The Buzz Hounds formed about two years ago while being in the right place at the right time. Meeting each other in a local scene, Jeff Manga (vocalist/guitar) talked with Eric Alvarez (bassist and former band member of Demented Ted, Acumen Nation and various other projects) and Shade Reed (drums and former member of Lucius Warbaby, Honey and other projects) about forming a band. Before you knew their name, The Buzz Hounds were performing at large venues such as Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe, Chicago Rock and Roll Marathon and on stage with the legendary Les Paul.
The combination of Shade Reed’s Rock solid back beat mixed with Eric’s unique heavy picking style is all Jeff needs to add his soulful melodic vocals to create this One of A Kind Chicago Rockin’ Trio.
The Buzz Hounds released their first album WEAPONS OF MASS SEDUCTION in January 2013. For more info, listen to the interview with Jeff Manga and Johnny (Fly) Affinito from ChiTownRocks.com below. - Chitown Rocks Magazine
Chicago has always been famous for the blues. Mix the Milwaukee rock scene in with three guys fueled to succeed and command a stage, well you now have THE BUZZHOUNDS.
I have had a two week communication line open with Jeff Manga, popular Chicago and Milwaukee music scene mogul, lead singer and guitarist for THE BUZZHOUNDS. The first contact with Jeff, began with a gift from itunes via email.
A digital copy of , Weapons of Mass Seduction , released January 18th, 2013 , by THE BUZZHOUNDS, all set for me to review. An itunes gift was a first from any and all artist I have reviewed. I thought the gesture was a tremendous addition to the Reverb Nation press kit.
The first song "Time and Money," was really full of an upbeat arrangement with lyrics easy to relate to and a sing along chorus. "Time Bomb," a popular live tune, super funky and free flowing. I listened to the entire CD at my first sitting because it was just that good.
A band influenced by Led Zeppelin , Guns N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, and The Black Keys, who put the audience first in a live performance, are sure to rock you.
We all know how a great bass player is imperative to the Chicago blues tradition, and Eric Alvarez does it with flare and style. Drummer, Shade Reed, excels with intense technique, and holds this band at a level one beat above the rest. Jeff Manga's natural vocal talent and Gibson guitar greatness make for a total surprise mash-up of rock and blues.
THE BUZZHOUNDS, are promoted by Chicago music publicist, Megan Lewandowski, represented by Chicago Music Management , and distributed by Six Records.
Like THE BUZZHOUNDS on Facebook
Buy Weapons of Mass Seduction on Amazon or download on itunes
Fan and check Milwaukee and Chicago show dates on Reverb Nation
See video for the live preview of what your going to get.
- Kellie Levans
Discography
www.Chi-tone.com
Our Full Discography is available online at Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify and other streaming formats.
Apple : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-buzzhounds/597662813
"Go Chicago Go"
"Cold Beer and Whiskey"
"Lip Stick Smack"
"We're all Buzzin"
"Dangerous Ride"
"It's Christmas Again... Kill me now !"
Photos
Bio
The BuzzHounds are a four piece old school rock and roll band from Chicago. They are seasoned musicians who have shared the stage with The Stray Cats, Les Paul, Big Sandy, Susan Tedeschi, Magic Slim, Buddy Guy, and many more. They have a throwback vibe and touch the genre's of rock, rockabilly, punk, alt-country, blues, and swing. The BuzzHounds often do covers of 50's and 60's standards, and rockabilly arrangements of pop hits from the 50's 60's 70's and 80's. They have also recorded 5 original records, and are signed to the Chi-tone Records recording label in Chicago.
The BuzzHounds have appeared at the Chicago Blues Festival, The Chicago Rock and Roll Marathon, the NXNW Music Festival, the Wakarusa Music Festival, Edison Park Fest, Naperville Ribfest, Iron Invasion, Torque-Fest, the Galena Music Festival, Taste of Chicago and more. They have played the Double Door, House of Blues, Hard Rock Live Chicago, Brauerhouse Live, the Metro, Reggies, Durty Nellies, The Wire, The Beat Kitchen, Liar’s Club, Martyrs, and many other fantastic venues in the Midwest and abroad.
The band’s live show is unique. They perform hits from the 50’s 60’s 70’s and 80’s with rearranged themes and rock and roll swing with a sax.
Their live set includes covers by Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Elvis, the Doors, the Stray Cats, Dick Dale, the Beach Boys to name a few. They also do original “throwback” arrangements of songs from the Beastie Boys, John Denver, Robert Palmer, Depeche Mode, Chris Isaac, ACDC, the Monkees, Van Halen, The Ventures, Lady Gaga and many others. Their show is a party, and the crowd will dance!
The BuzzHounds have also recorded 5 full length records since forming in 2012. 2013’s “Weapons of Mass Seduction”, 2015’s “Live and Electrified”, 2017’s “Hat Trick” 2018’s “Dangerous Ride”, and their latest “Go Chicago Go”
“Go Chicago Go” showcases a fun and lively side of the band. “These days, we want people to dance, and have a great time”, says Jeff Manga, the band’s front man and songwriter. “Our latest batch of songs has a throw back rockabilly vibe and a swing boogie beat that is easy to receive and very fun. The new songs are an absolute blast to play live, and this was by far the most fun we have ever had making a record.” With song titles like “Her Daddy Wants to Kill Me”, “We’re all Buzzin'”, “Chicago Go Go” , and “Cold Beer and Whiskey” to name a few, the BuzzHounds 5th studio record is a first class ticket to FunVille.
The BuzzHounds have appeared on national television and radio, being featured on Fox’s nationally syndicated “Mancow” television show hosted by Eric “Mancow” Muller in Chicago, twice. The band has been featured on 106.3 WRFZ New York, 103.9 WFXF Chicago, and 107.9 KFMW (Rock 108) Iowa, and have been showcased on iheart radio and the 365 radio network.
The BuzzHounds are: Jeff Manga (Guitars and Vocals) Marko Lira (Drums) and Bob Miller (Bass)The BuzzHounds are: Jeff Manga (Guitars and Vocals) Marko Lira (Drums) and Bob Miller (Bass)
Reviews:
“The BuzzHounds Boogie with New Release !” -The Northwest Herald.“Put on Your Dancin’ Shoes with the BuzzHounds!” – The Chicago Tribune.
“Go Chicago Go” is a Bonafide Chicago Anthem ! “- Chicago Sound Check
“The Buzz is all about the BuzzHounds….the New Record is Awesome… A Rockabilly Royale!” - Chicago Rocks Magazine.
“Licks and vocal gymnastics pinched from the greats” – Jeff Berkwits of The Illinois Entertainer.
“Carriers of the torch of a storied Chicago scene.” – Kellie Levans of the Milwaukee Examiner.
Band Members
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