The Sam West Trio released their new E.P. "Steady" E.P. this Spring. Album available for retail in Carbondale @ PMAC Music, Plaza Records, Sound Core. STAY TUNED FOR iTUNES DOWLOADS!!! When singer/songwriter Sam West lays down smooth baselines with so much punch you’ll swear he’s plucking your spinal chord — and with the backing of versatile drummer Ron Coulter and the guitar histrionics Andy Novarra, the band can fill any sonic space, Motown love in a more intimate setting or tearing down the rowdiest bars around. The Sam West group draws its strength by fusing the intricacy and intellectualism of jazz with dance-inducing funk and balls-out rock. The secret is the thoughtful improvisation and experimentation driven forward by singalong choruses, catchy hooks and Novarra’s sizzling guitar riffs. “We’re a lyrically focused band,” explains frontman West, “but the lyrics are spawned by the groove. It gives the music a tension that keeps it interesting and changing all the time.”

Indeed West’s tunes, immediately identifiable by his signature style and powerful voice, range across broad spectrum of styles. West has been honing his skills for more than half his life in a slew of different roles, laying the foundation for rock and jazz bands with his bombastic bass, playing acoustic songwriter spotlight shows across the region and leading the hard-rocking Community Service, which Nightlife named the best new band in Carbondale in 2004. And for over a decade he’s been joined by lead guitarist Novarra, who also freelances and fronts his own jazz trio on the side. They are joined by the mighty Coulter, whose sharp, clean drums have graced several bands, including raggae band The Run Runners and faculty in the SIU Jazz Ensemble. The Sam West Trio doesn’t like to let their show get static. “We’re primarily a trio, but we love to incorporate guest players from bands we’ve played in together and separately,” West says. “And of course we’re always happy to expand.”