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After Crowdfunding, Danbury Band Is Ready To Rock With New CD

DANBURY, Conn. -- A lot of local love -- and blood, sweat and tears -- have gone into this Saturday’s performance of Phoenix Tree.

Phoenix Tree; left to right: Hector O.K. Jimenez Dan O'Connor, Dave Bonan, Justin Virga and Mike Schwartz.

Phoenix Tree; left to right: Hector O.K. Jimenez Dan O'Connor, Dave Bonan, Justin Virga and Mike Schwartz.

Photo Credit: Jovian Art
New CD by Phoenix Tree.

New CD by Phoenix Tree.

Photo Credit: Submitted

The band recently debuted its new crowdfunded studio album and will unveil its songs at Billy Bean’s Pub in Danbury on Saturday, May 27 at 10 p.m.

The album was a year in the making, from concept to prep and crowdfunding (via Indiegogo) which included performing countless shows throughout the year. In total, $5,000 was raised. See earlier Daily Voice story HERE.

"We were really excited to help Phoenix Tree with their crowdfunding campaign," said Mike Kaltschnee, co-director of the Danbury Hackerspace (and Innovation Center). "Phoenix Tree was the first live performance we had at the space, and hundreds of people watched it online."

According to Percussion Player Dave Bonan, the group took a much-needed hiatus in the fall and winter to record, mix and master at Carriage House Studios in Stamford.

The band, which has been around for 11 years, is, according to Bonan, one of Danbury's oldest performing outfits. He credits the group's longevity to its musical evolution from a band that infused jams into songs to something that’s more improvisation-oriented.

In other words, he said, "We're a lot louder and experimental.

"We're also versatile in that not only are we a quintet for large venues, but we also perform as a quartet, trio and duo depending on the space.”

The group also believes in giving back and is donating 10 percent of all physical and online music sales to Danbury Arts in Action/Youth Advancement Through Music and Arts.

Phoenix Tree is comprised of Fishkill resident Dan O'Connor (guitar, vocals), Justin Virga (guitar, vocals, glockenspiel) originally from Bridgewater/Danbury, now living in Bantam, Bethel resident Hector O.K. Jimenez (bass, vocals), Mike Schwartz from New Fairfield (drums) and Danbury resident Bonan on percussion.

"Phoenix Tree has no one leader or ego,” added Bonan, which he thinks is key to their success. "We play to each other and to the audience and let the music build layers."

As of press time, the band’s digital album presence is available on CDbaby, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, YouTube, Google Play and Amazon.

Billy Bean’s Pub is at 80 White Street. For more information, visit www.phoenixtreemusic.com/heartwood.

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