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BeBuf·fa·lo [buhf-uh-loh] Rome [rohm]
Blending a rootsy feel reminiscent of the
1970’s west coast country rock scene with today’s modern country,
Buffalo Rome brings a vinyl vibe to the digital age…
With three individual, unique styles and tastes
for music, Michael Visconti, Kevin Douglas and Billy McCorvey bring
their life experiences and life stories together to create musical
magic.
Buffalo Rome is a “sound “… A sound that’s
holistic, wholly mature, yet fresh in nature…Buffalo Rome is a sound
that’s “lived in.”
Truly more than the sum of their parts, Buffalo
Rome is a perfect blend…Michael hits the high notes, is charismatic
and has a wacky sense of humor. Kevin, who is described as the
gentleman of the group, lends thought to rich and contemplative
lyrics. Bill is an “observer” with a cool edge who is rock-steady
on stage.
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Michael
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Nickname: Mike
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Birthplace: Washington, DC
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Astrological Sign: Libra
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Heritage: Italian-Scots-Irish-Cherokee
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Family: In the “middle” of 4 brothers
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First Gig: 7th Grade / The Greentree
Gang
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Early Musical Influence: Al Green / “Let’s
Stay Together”
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Musically Speaking: GuitarlBasslMandolinlPianolDrums
(self-taught)
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His Role In Buffalo Rome: High harmonies
lGuitar & MandolinlBand manager
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Writing Inspirations: PainlBeautylUnanswerable
questions
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Words to Live By: Everyone I meet is my
teacher; I just need to listen.
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Awards: Montana Addy Awards (1993)
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Favorite Western Movie: Tombstone
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Favorite Western Hero: Jeremiah Johnson
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Favorite Leading Lady: Milla Jovovich
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Women In General: In jeans, wearing sweet
perfume, diamonds & hiking boots!
MORE ON MICHAEL…
Michael is the owner of a 12-year old jingle
company, Big Sky Music. As owner of a sister company, Mini Media, he
produces ring tones and ring backs for AT&T and Sprint in the U.S
Michael has worked along side Elton John,
Michael Bolton, Paula Abdul, Mel Torme, Julian Lennon, Billy Ray
Cyrus, Jody Whatley and more. (He sang the jingle for Diet Coke with
Elton John and Paula Abdul. He sang high harmonies with Michael
Bolton on the commercial for AT&T.)
A singer/songwriter and producer, Michael wrote
and produced “The Distance” (a song Nancy Kerrigan skated to at the
September 11 Memorial Show held at Madison Square Garden). He’s
produced the music for a number of live skating performances and
television specials including "Stars On Ice" "Colors of Winter" and
"Romance On Ice.”
A professional actor for many years in New
York, Michael has appeared in theaters across the country. Some of
his roles included Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Chuck in
“Avenue X” and as Valentino in the film “That’s Adequate” starring
Bruce Willis and Robert Downey, Jr. He’s also performed in small
honky tonks, state fairs and arenas in the US, on the “Phil Donahue
Show,” the Grand Ole Opry and before an audience of 200,000 in
China.
What's the best word of advice you have been
given (about the business) from another peer that stuck with you?
»"What have you suffered to know?"
What's your best word of advice to share with a
new up'n coming artist?
»"What have you suffered to know?”
What do you personally bring to the group as a
musician, songwriter, etc. that compliments, strengthens or
rounds-out the sound of Buffalo Rome?
»I have varied past in theater, Pop and Country
which affords me a good sense of harmonies and arrangements. I’m
also the more social one in the group.
From your personal perspective, what do the
other members bring to the group as individuals?
»Kevin is sensitive, he has a “pretty” voice,
he’s well read and he’s a great writer. Bill has a great and
original sounding voice. His skills as a musician and songwriter are
solid.
Why the name “Buffalo Rome?”
»The name “speaks.” It’s evocative and clever
and the Buffalo is strong and emblematic.
Before even opening the new Buffalo Rome CD,
describe what the listener can expect to hear?
»Music that massages the soul.
If the group had a slogan or motto, what would
it be?
» “Wherever you go, Buffalo Rome.”
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Bill
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Nickname: Billy
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Birthplace: Montgomery, AL
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Astrological Sign: Cancer
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Heritage: Irish/Cherokee
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Family: Oldest of 3 Brothers (Brad, Bart
and Neil)
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First Gig: Played in the band Timberock
at 18 yrs. old.
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Early Musical Influence: Lynyrd Skynyrd /
”Sweet Home Alabama”
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Musically Speaking: GuitarlBasslBanjolHarmonica
(self-taught)
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His Role In Buffalo Rome: Vocals lGuitar,
Banjo & HarmonicalThe Oak Tree
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Writing Inspirations: Really good music.
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Words to Live By: “How’s your dog?”
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Awards: ACM “New Group or Duo of The
Year”
BEEFNG UP BILL…
A former member of the Pirates of the
Mississippi, Billy has his own list of accolades. The group was ACM
“New Group or Duo of the Year.” (1990) He celebrated a number hits
with the group (writes or co-writes) including “Fighting For You,”
Rollin’ Home,” “Till I’m Holding You Again,” “A Street Man Named
Desire,” “Speak of the Devil” and the song that made Billy
McCorvey’s voice famous, “Feed Jake.” Billy’s friends in music
applaud his song craftsmanship; Montgomery Gentry recorded a Bill
McCorvey signature tune entitled “Lonely and Gone.” It was the duo’s
first Top 5 single.
Billy is no stranger to a stadium, arena,
amphitheater, club, honky tonk or songwriter’s listening room.
What's the best word of advice you have been
given (about the business) from another peer that stuck with you?
»"If you’re good enough, don’t give up. Your
day will come.”
What's your best word of advice to share with a
new up'n coming artist?
» “Believe in yourself and…listen.”
What do you personally bring to the group as a
musician, songwriter, etc. that compliments, strengthens or
rounds-out the sound of Buffalo Rome?
»A southern rock sound that mixes really well
with Michael and Kevin’s musical backgrounds to make what we do a
very unique blend.
From your personal perspective, what do the
other members bring to the group as individuals?
»Kevin’s a rocker, Michael’s a Pop-er.
Why the name “Buffalo Rome?”
»It’s a name that conjures up scenes from the
Old West.
Before even opening the new Buffalo Rome CD,
describe what the listener can expect to hear?
»Fun in a box!
If the group had a slogan or motto, what would
it be?
» “Where ever you go…Buffalo Rome.”
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Kevin
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Nickname: Kevin
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Birthplace: Lancaster, WI
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Astrological Sign: Aquarius
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Heritage: German/Irish
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Family: The oldest of three (Brother,
Kurt/Sister, Jena)
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First Gig: 7th Grade playing in the band
“Boss.)
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Early Musical Influence: Elvis Presley /
“Hound Dog”
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Musically Speaking: A self-taught guitar
player who can “fake-it” on banjo & bass
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His Role In Buffalo Rome: Middle
harmonieslGuitarlJungian Psychologist
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Writing Inspirations: Ordinary people
doing extraordinary things.
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Words to Live By: “Be still and know that
I am God.”
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Women In General: In jeans, wearing sweet
perfume and pearls.
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KEEN ON KEVIN…
As a member of the duo Douglas and Hawk, Kevin
initially made his mark landing a recording deal under the Mercury
Records imprint. (2002) In addition to the new endeavor with Buffalo
Rome, Kevin is working A-list studio vocalist. He is also currently
touring with national recording artist Rockie Lynne (Universal
South); Kevin has four cuts on Rockie’s self-titled debut album.
(“Super Country Cowboy,” “Big Time In A Small Town,” “Holding Back
The Ocean,” and “Down On Mexico.”)
Upon more than one occasion, Kevin has taken
the stage at the Grand Ole Opry; he’s played just about every honky
tonk in the country and at a variety of fairs and festivals. No
stranger to television, Kevin has been seen on “Good Morning
America,” GAC and CMT. …and with no gig being too small, he
performed at a Target Grand Opening event in the lingerie
department!
When it comes to songwriting credits, Kevin has
a couple of notches in his belt. Chad Brock recorded “Red, White and
Blue,” Matt Morris recorded “Watching Over You,” and Burrito Deluxe
recorded “When the Summer’s Over.”
What's the best word of advice you have been
given (about the business) from another peer that stuck with you?
»"Don’t follow the trends. Do what it is you do
best.”
What's your best word of advice to share with a
new up'n coming artist?
» “Don’t try to please everyone, find what you
do best and be the best you can be at it.”
What do you personally bring to the group as a
musician, songwriter, etc. that compliments, strengthens or
rounds-out the sound of Buffalo Rome?
»Great melodies, a mellow vibe and smooth
velvet tones.
From your personal perspective, what do the
other members bring to the group as individuals?
»Aside from his strong musical ability, Mike is
the left-brain of the band. He’s the “band mom” who helps us to
focus. We’d still be playing in the garage if it were not for Mike.
Bill is the sturdy, quiet, silent type. He’s consistent; a rock on
stage, he’s nearly perfect! Both of them show up when it matters
most.
Why the name “Buffalo Rome?”
»It’s rugged, wild and a symbol of freedom.
Besides, the “Eagles” was already taken!
Before even opening the new Buffalo Rome CD,
describe what the listener can expect to hear?
»It’s the California Country Rock scene of the
70s!
If the group had a slogan or motto, what would
it be?
» “We’re wide open, big sky music!” |