Band Biography
Showcasing a combination of passionate energy and alternative rock, PHOENIX BLOCK is a band consisting of four unique individuals that create a memorable sound, touching listeners globally. Phoenix Block was created through the collaboration of lead vocalist Andrew Jaffe and guitarist Steve Schoeffler. Growing up in South Jersey, the longtime friends began developing their intricate songwriting skills at the age of seven. Influenced by music ranging from the Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, The Eagles, Peter Frampton to The Cars, The Police and U2, Phoenix Block has developed a unique sound.

By their teens, Jaffe and Schoeffler, had become proficient at guitar and piano while the craft of songwriting became their true passion. For years the two played in bands, notably Stretch Vinyl and Son of You, in the clubs of New York’s Greenwich Village, as well as in the northeast college circuit. Jaffe and Schoeffler learned to play live while honing their songwriting skills on these testing grounds.

Bassist Tony Catania, born in Sicily, Italy, enjoyed studying classical guitar, flute and piano at the Music Conservatory Vincenzo Bellini but found himself gravitating towards the bass. He enjoyed America’s punk influence during the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the electronic sound in Europe. He achieved great success as a writer and producer for Scatman John’s hit record and has worked with many prominent music artists including Lenny Kravitz and Lionel Ritchie. Catania met Jaffe and Schoeffler through a mutual friend and the three began to collaborate and experiment with a style that blended a pop/punk influence with a unique European techno sound. They felt they were on to something great, but knew they were missing an important component in the rhythm section.

That’s when a chance meeting with drummer Darrell Nutt occurred in a local club in Fort Myers, FL. Jaffe and Catania were out to hear some of the local musicians and were floored by an electrifying performance by Nutt. They were immediately captivated by this high energy, tactition of the drums. Nutt, who began playing at the age of four, impressively had his first professional recording session at age 14. He has performed and recorded with many respected artists ranging from AC/DC to Steely Dan. From their first practice session, the members of Phoenix Block could tell that they had an undeniable chemistry.

Through their memorable music and unforgettable lyrics, one can truly sense the desire and passion that drives this band and fuels the energy encompassed by their groundbreaking new debut full-length album, Chemtrails. Produced and mixed by Tony Catania and Mastered by George Marino of Sterling Sound, the album was recorded at Orange Glow Studios in South Florida.

The Future Calling (2009)
In the midst of a national radio campaign, and coming off of a smoking performance at the 2009 South By Southwest Music Festival, Phoenix Block is looking forward to building even more momentum in the second half of 2009. With licensing opportunities on the horizon for their lead single “Future Calling” and a live concert DVD release shot at The Sway Lounge in Naples, Phoenix Block is excited to close out 2009 with a bang.

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