Check Out O22 Featured in Graffitt Magazine's ARTIST SPOTLIGHT series:

http://www.grafwv.com/page/content.detail/id/500287.html?nav=5017

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT OPTION 22:




"I first heard Option 22 unamplified, the core trio sitting around on the
floor at a Charleston, W.Va., art opening, playing djembes and guitars. I
knew right then this was a special group of musicians and people -- jacked
directly into a world beat cosmic vibe that was as inviting as it was
transporting. But to say that a band has a trippy vibe may suggest airy,
sloppy musicianship that goes on and on, dependent on loops and the same
three chords. Nothing could be further from the case with Option 22. This is
a band of stellar musicians who phase in and out, seamlessly, between
jamband music, newgrass, world beat, funk and rock.

I daresay you'll find no tastier guitar licks and chords than from Albert
Perrone, who plays an amplified, modified classical guitar that goes places
classical guitars just don't normally go. Robert Blankenship on guitars,
banjo, sami-san and assorted toys (and now and again the didgeridoo) can be
both subtle and dreamy, then ferocious and propulsive. Briddy Morris on
percussion and Clayton Blankenship on bass round out the backing
instrumentation, with an in-the-pocket groove that helps the band achieve
escape velocity.

Rising up out of the center of this collective are the ululatting vocals and
passionate singing and wordmsithing of Lori McKinney. Armed with a rotating
cast of hand drums (she also womans a full drumkit with aplomb), you just
can't ignore Option 22 songs as they unfold, blossom then break through into
a transcendent place. You might just find yourself dancing when you never
intended to, out there in front of the stage. I charted this happening (then
it happened to me) at the band's appearance at the 2008 Culturefest, held on
a mountaintop in the lovely outback of West Virginia near Pipestem. You'll
want to be there next year and see for yourself, if you love music that
moves you.

The lyrics match the vibe, too, in the best tradition of that musical sage
who also gets your booty moving, George Clinton: "Free your mind and your
ass will follow." These are difficult times. Option 22 will lift you up --
and not just booty-shaking-wise. From that higher place, you'll have a more
refreshing and better perspective on things and the things that matter."

-- Douglas Imbrogno, Charleston Gazette online entertainment editor

www.thegazz.com

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"Option 22 combines tribal rhythms with world-inspired guitar work and socially conscious, distinctly poetic lyrics for a genre-blurring evening of great music."

-Chris McLaughlin, Programs Director, Tamarack Arts Center

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"This music is spirited and unforgettable. Time and time again their melodies flow like water over an audience exciting people to move. Their array of colors swirl in a hypnotic wave, with thoughtful lyrics that speak of life and growing in peace. You will leave with a smile - it is euphoric therapy."

-Dr. Tim Mainland, fine arts chairman, Concord University


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"The vibrations of Option 22 are far more influential on these times of revolution and necessity of freedom than any other band travelling the circuit of sound, now. Their song writing redefines creativity as a whole, allowing for improvisation for dancers, painters, singers, and drummers to take advantage and create their own art as they listen. If you seek the support against coherced world, this sound will inspire you; breaking your chains, setting you free."

-Kathleen Coffee,  singer / songwriter


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