RAQ

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For the server, see Cobalt RaQ.

RAQ (rhymes with rack) is a psychedelic, progressive rock quartet from Burlington, VT.

The music

The power of RAQ's music is quite enigmatic and often paradoxical. One moment the band is firing off warp-speed progressive rock hooks with laser precision. Then suddenly the group is perusing the cosmos, floating gracefully through improvisational bliss. It is a sound that is both retro and futuristic to a generation of grassroots music fans. Glide Magazine says, "They've invented the concept of jambands even having an old school style to bring back in the first place." RAQ's compositions are grounded in solid song structures, but the music is malleable enough to go in an infinite number of directions in a live setting. This is what keeps the quartet's growing crowds coming back for more, as the audience is taken along on the musical journey. The sound is one that garners attention from new audiences, and euphoric release to those that embrace it.

The fans

RAQ has amassed a large and loyal following in a short amount of time, strictly on the basis of word of mouth and dazzling festival performances. In just its first national tour in 2002, the quartet played in front of thousands at many of North America's highest profile events including the Tennessee's Bonnaroo Music Festival, California's High Sierra Music Festival, Florida's Langerado Music Festival, New York's moe.down, Massachusett's Berkshire Mountain Music Festival, and Vermont's Garden of Eden festival. The band has also appeared at prestigious venues such as the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco and the Knitting Factory in New York City. RAQ completed their second nationwide tour where they ripped through Colorado performing in front of sold out crowds in Telluride, Denver and Breckenridge. The band continues to add venues in different areas of the country as the word spreads and the core fans--self-dubbed Raqaholics and Hyperfunkers--who attend numerous shows each tour are increasing in number.

Recognition

RAQ has been chosen as a 'New Groove of the Month' by Jambands.com, and nominated for a 'Jammy' Award in the category of 'Best New Band'. Relix Magazine recently featured the band in its Spotlight section, raving "RAQ has the ability to captivate an audience, dropping jaws with hyperkinetic improvisational splendor." The band was also highlighted by Relix as one of the top bands to look out for in the summer of 2005.

Discography

Shed Tech

Released: March 1, 2001 (debut album)

Artists

• Marc Scortino: Keyboards/Vocals
• Chris Michetti: Guitar/Vocals
• Greg Stukey: Drums
• Jay Burwick: Bass/Vocals

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