Band Bio
The Sarah Mac Band is made up of Sarah Mac, lead vocals, guitar, keyboard and any other instrument needed, Claire Swindell, bass and vocals, and Charlie Vanture, guitar and vocals. Each of them now call Tallahassee, Florida their home but happily travel the south sharing their love of music. Charlie is the ‘old guy’ with over 20 years on both Claire and Sarah Mac. His musical style was formed g...rowing up listening to the Beatles and the numerous blues and rock bands that permeated the old underground FM album stations that thrived in the late 60’s and 70’s. Sarah Mac and Claire grew up later where much of their musical styles were influenced by a variety of groups from the 80’s and 90’s. Their influences are peppered with a veritable cornucopia of people ranging from singer songwriters, pop bands and even the occasional 'anthemic' rock band.
Claire, Charlie and Sarah Mac joined together in early 2005 aspiring to create original music that blended these unique styles that each brought to the group. What emerged was the Sarah Mac Band; an engaging combination of blues, jazz, and acoustic rock that has been classified as both Americana and Alternative. The band simply describes the sound as 'jazzy, bluesy, rock with a healthy dose of soul'.
Sarah Mac's voice at times has the full power and grit of Janis Joplin, the sweet, soothing breathy tone of Feist or Edie Brickell, and the gut-wrenching raw tones of an old soul or gospel singer. Paired with Charlie's intricate, sultry guitar work and Claire's solid, intriguing bass lines, this trio will leave you wanting to hear more.
Over the past 6 years the band has built a growing fan base along with a considerable repertoire of original music, interspersed with fresh version of some cover songs, that span a broad range of musical styles. They have created a sound that has been variously compared to the styles of musicians like Sheryl Crow, Adele, Ingrid Michaelson and Joan Osborne. During this time the band has been playing numerous venues and clubs throughout the South and crafting a live show that brings a raw energy that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
The band has released 2 EPs, Countdown to Silence – 2006 and Open Fire – 2007, and two full length CDs, Awakening – 2008 and A Single Revolution – 2010, with favorable reviews and ever increasing sales. Their newest CD, A Single Revolution, was the culmination of an 18 month experiment of releasing a series of limited edition singles that was ultimately combined into one CD for general distribution and sale.
Instrumentation:
Sarah Mac - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Charlie - Guitar, Vocals
Claire - Bass, Vocals
What People Are Saying About The Sarah Mac Band
"Tallahassee-based Sarah Mac is a chick that can sing. She has the ability to change from the soulful grit of Janis Joplin to the sweet, breathy tone of Dido - and even inject some thunderous gospel." - Creative Loafing, Tampa.
"Tallahassee trio the Sarah Mac Band -- Sarah Mac on vocals, guitar and more; Charlie Vanture on lead guitar and Claire Swindell on bass -- are becoming familiar faces in Tampa Bay, thanks to regular performances at venues like the Hideaway Cafe in St. Petersburg and Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa. They're a welcome sight, as their laid-back, feel-good jam-pop -- think Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, or Melissa Ethridge on vacation -- has earned them spots opening for the likes of Shawn Colvin, Robert Randolph and the Lee Boys, among others."
- Jay Cridlin, St. Petersburg Times Soundcheck Blog
"Eclectic and ultra-catchy" - Paste Magazine
"A true Florida treasure.." - Tampa News Weekly
"This trio serves up an impossible to categorize, but easy to listen blend of styles that is refreshing and honest. The combination of exceptional vocal lines, intricate guitar work and funk-influenced bass lines converge into music that has to be heard to be believed."
-Mike McHargue, President, Pixel Records
"...(the) vocals of Sarah McElhaney go far beyond American-Idol worthy and contribute beautifully to the band's soothing, laid-back sound." -Kristen Ruggeri, Tallahassee Democrat
"Through the sultry vocals of (Sarah) Mac as well as the intricate guitar work by Vanture, Awakening definitely helps to awaken the senses. Yet, staying true to its non-pigeon hole ideals, the album seems to reflect the various stages of life." -FSView (FSU Newspaper)
"A stormer of an album. Awakening should be a definite purchase for those who appreciate truly original and heartfelt music." -The Feminist Review
"The Sarah Mac Band's version of Summertime deserves a mention on this list." -NPR.org, All Songs Considered, Best Cover Tune Ever
"Mirroring the vocal harmonies is the play between the guitar and bass, which sounds like a choreographed duel for the ears. The lyrics are written from the depths - where honesty resides." -Garret Bakalava, SLNN.com