RAQ

Infobox musical artist
Name = RAQ


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Origin = Burlington, Vermont, USA
Genre = Rock, Psychedelic rock, Progressive rock
Years_active = 2001–Present
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Current_members = Jay Burwick Chris Michetti Todd Stoops Greg Stukey
Past_members = Marc Scortino
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RAQ (rāk) is a psychedelic, progressive rock quartet from Burlington, VT. Formed in 2000 with original keyboard player Marc Scortino, Raq released their first studio effort "Shed Tech" a year later. In 2002 Scortino left the band and was replaced by Todd Stoops. Along with Chris Michetti (Guitar), Jay Burwick (Bass) and Greg Stukey (Drums) the band would released their sophomore album "Carbohydrates Are The Enemy" later in the year and embark on their first national tour. The quartet has played Tennessee's Bonnaroo Music Festival, California's High Sierra Music Festival, Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival, Florida's Langerado Music Festival, New York's moe.down, Massachusett's Berkshire Mountain Music Festival, and Massachusetts Garden of Eden Festival Fact|date=May 2007. In 2006 Harmonized Records signed RAQ and helped release their third studio album "Ton These".

Music

Glide Magazine says, "They've invented the concept of jambands even having an old school style to bring back in the first place." [cite news |first=Eric |last=Ward |title=RAQ: In The Mouth Of The Lion |url=http://www.glidemagazine.com/articles93.html |work= |publisher=Glide Publishing LLC |date=2004-02-14 |accessdate=2006-11-21 ]

Touring

In its first national tour in 2002, the quartet played in front of thousands at many of North America's musical festivals including Tennessee's Bonnaroo Music Festival, California's High Sierra Music Festival, Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival, Florida's Langerado Music Festival, New York's moe.down, Massachusett's Berkshire Mountain Music Festival, and Vermont's Garden of Eden Festival Fact|date=May 2007. The band has also appeared at venues such as the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco and the Knitting Factory in New York City. RAQ completed a tour of Colorado performing in front of sold out crowds in Telluride, Denver and Breckenridge Fact|date=May 2007.

Recognition

RAQ was 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 featured the band in its Spotlight section, saying "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

hed Tech

Released: March 1, 2001 (debut album - currently out of print)

Artists
*Marc Scortino: Keyboards/Vocals
*Chris Michetti: Guitar/Vocals
*Greg Stukey: drums
*Jay Burwick: Bass/Vocals

References

External links

*Visit the official [http://www.raqmusic.com/ RAQ website] .
*Visit the on-line fansite [http://www.hyperfunkalicious.net/ Hyperfunkalicious.net] .
*Live concert recordings of RAQ are available for free download and stream from [http://www.archive.org/audio/etreelisting-browse.php?collection=etree&cat=Raq Internet Archive]
*Home Grown Music: [http://www.homegrownmusic.net/cdreviews.shtml#1156969776 Ton These CD review]
*Glide Magazine: [http://www.glidemagazine.com/articles157.html March 2005 feature]
*Glide Magazine: [http://www.glidemagazine.com/articles93.html February 2004 feature]
*KyndMusic : [http://www.kyndmusic.com/2006/05/29/nice-raq/ May 2006 Review]
*KyndMusic : [http://www.kyndmusic.com/2006/10/29/raqs-metaphorical-spice-rack/ October 2006 Interview]