performs The Black Stone Affair
During this time, the Whatitdo Archive Group also began what is often hailed as a vital turning point in Reno music history; by hosting their famous “WhatitdoWednesday” residency at a local venue. These packed performances drew the attention of not only live music-goers, but also the most accomplished jazz musicians in the area, often joining them on stage. Eventually, these shows stumbled into the arena of obscure performance art, where the band would facetiously distribute written and multiple choice tests during their performance for the audience to participate in.
After their residency came to a bittersweet end, the Whatitdo Archive Group refocused their attention on the wonderful world of 1970’s soul-jazz, where they wrote and recorded what would be their follow up 7” release, Crocker Way / Steve’s Romp. This limited edition 45RPM became a hot ticket item for UK record collectors who had been previous fans of WAG’s older lo-fi work. Crocker Way was also a featured track on BBC Radio 6. Shortly after producing Crocker Way / Steve’s Romp, the group again started production on their crown jewel of a record, a concept album that had been tossed around for several years beforehand but never executed. As band member Mark Sexton explains “We wanted to create an album that encompassed everything we love and admire about old Italian soundtrack scores, and bring that energy back into the spotlight”. The group spent 9 months of research, digging through their personal collections of dusty LP’s scrutinizing the work of Piccioni, Torossi, Roubaix, Alessandroni and of course Morricone, recording, mixing and working with over 24 skilled musicians. The Whatitdo Archive Group finally completed what would be their finest work to date, The Black Stone Affair. Recorded entirely in Korostinsky’s home studio, this record is a labor of love, dedication, appreciation and respect for the golden age of Italian Soundtrack and Library music.
WHATITDO ARCHIVE GROUP:
Aaron Chiazza (Drums, Percussion)
Mark Sexton (Electric guitar, Percussion)
Christopher Sexton (B3 Organ, Rhoades, Mellotron, Harpsichord)
Alexander Korostinsky (Bass, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Percussion)
ORCHESTRA/MUSICIANS: Ryan Taylor (Electric Piano), Daniel Schuveiller (Electric Guitar), Miguel Jimenez (Percussion), Lucas Arizu (Flute, Vox), Benjamin Caiazza (Trumpet), Ian Skinner (Trumpet), Eric Johnson (Sax), Joel Stevens (Sax), John Bennum (Trombone), Emily Pratte (Violin), Ellen Flanagan (Violin), Laura Cooper (Vox), Therese Curatolo (Vox), Darcy Kathleen (Vox), Alessandro Alessandroni Jr (Whistle), Joshua Scott (Harmonica), Zack Teran (Upright Bass), Sean Alexander (Vibraphone), Bijou Bell (Vibraphone), TJ Roe (Percussion).