You might be forgiven if you assumed Sol Nova was a Latin band. The core members, wanting to branch out from the reggae they’ve played most of their lives, didn’t want a name that gave away too much.
“We liked to have a name that kept them guessing,” says founder and bassist Aaron Webb.
He describes their sound as “funky rockin’ rootsy soul”—in other words, a whole lot of styles. The members come from reggae groups like Cornerstone and Killah Natives, as well as non-reggae bands Vincent’s Ear, and El Quarto Verde. There is a reggae vibe, and also a bit of funk, soul, jam band and Eastern European music.
Whatever the combination of influences, it all boils down to music that feels good to dance to.
“What we really try to do is harness the dance vibe, and bring rhythmic remedies to the people,” Webb says.
There is one member for whom Sol Nova is her first band ever. Much younger than the band veterans, Mariah Martel is actually a friend of guitarist Steve Belick’s daughter. But when the other band members heard her sing, they were completely taken with her voice and asked her to join.
“I’m hoping that she’s able to stay with us, because someone’s going to hear her voice and go, “Uh, why don’t you come with me.’ She’s got this really haunting voice,” Webb says.
INFO: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. Don Quixote’s, 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $10. 335-2800.
