CARRYING SOUL MUSIC UNDER A NEW LIGHT
Harry and the Hitmen serve up classic Motown and Soul with jovial professionalism. But don't let the "suits" fool you, the band comes from an improvised rock tradition, and has years of experimentation behind their tight arrangements. Unearthing nuggets from the golden years of Motown and Stax records, the group also writes original “New Soul Classics”®. Because all six members are multi-instrumentalists and avid improvisers, their concerts continue to evolve nightly. Perfectly suited for everything from stately weddings to far-out festivals, Harry and the Hitmen delivers a one-of-a-kind dance party wherever needed!
Harrison Murphy
drums
Jesse Toews
bass, vocals
Button
vocals
Scott Makson
vocals, keyboards, trumpet
Nick Gyorkos
vocals, guitar, bass trombone
Ryan Morgan
vocals, tambourine, trombone, harmonica, guitar, bass
Photography courtesy of Sarah Arnold
Poster Art by: Stacie Willoughby, Yasamin, Ariel Wang
Santa Cruz Weekly, 10/27/2010
The dapper dons in Harry and the Hitmen turn out psychedelic-inflected classic soul music with the verve and style of the greats. Unapologetic throwbacks, the members of the band unearth dusty Motown grooves and inject some interstellar jam-band flights of fancy. Harry and the Hitmen bring a bit of much-needed spectacle to Santa Cruz stages, employing their own lighting designer and engaging in heavily produced and choreographed sets. It’s a refreshing sight to see some local boys abandon the Santa Cruz tuxedo (hoodies and Converse) for something a bit more refined and classic.
Good Times, 12/29/2009
…pull off more than enough soul to make a skeptic do a double-take.
Santa Cruz Sentinel, 10/26/2012
Popular Santa Cruz band Harry and the Hitmen …. bringing along their psychedelic sound with West Coast roots. The group is known for their lighting design and choreographed shows, creating a show that promises to entertain.
Monterey County Weekly, 8/14/2010
Harry and the Hit Men combine Motown with some improv beats to create what some call Psychedelic Rock … with experimental grooves creating a sound that is all their own.
