Colossal. Immense. Vast. These are words that best describe Jake Haldenwang. As lead guitarist and vocalist for namesake power-trio Halden Vang, Jake Haldenwang, a prodigy since he picked up his first guitar, compares favorably to artists like Jack White, Myles Kennedy and Steve Marriott.
Halden Vang offers an intriguing blend of alternative blues rock and guitar-based soul. Supporters of this band have every right to be enthusiastic. Diving headfirst into a sound that will appeal to new and classic rockers alike, most of the material from Halden Vang leaves their lead guitarist plenty of space to solo, but in saying that, it is important to note that this isn't a collective intent to solely showcase Haldenwang's instrumental virtuosity.
Stylistic detours abound, whether the band is performing it's signature blues-infused post-grunge rock or a power anthem. Bassist Jordan Mattacchione and drummer Andrew Marcadis serve as more than excellent complimentary pieces, helping to amp up the band's expressiveness. Haldenwang's vocals are functional, in the mold of Warren Haynes or Gregg Allman, for example. Still, thick sheets of guitar make up the meat and potatoes of Halden Vang. The sum is a sound that is adequately hard-edged and very pleasing to the ear.
Where Halden Vang excels is when the band steps outside the boundaries of form. For performers of similar age, it is often easy to stand firmly entrenched in standard convention when writing music. But in the instances where Haldenwang leans on his individual songwriting voice, bending blues, soul, and powerful rock into unique ways, the band reaches an apex of striking emotional honesty. It is rare that a musical personality becomes fully realized at such a young age. And still, with considerable room for growth, Halden Vang represents a future with limitless expanse, ever soaring with a sense of musical discovery.
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Halden Vang's Jivewired Bio: The stage chemistry of “Halden Vang” can only be described as intense, soulful and fiery, delivered with a style and flare that pushes the boundaries of music in this high powered rockin’ trio, formed and led by guitarist singer/songwriter, Jake Haldenwang. Being influenced by a diverse music landscape, Jake is a multi-genre ground breaking artist who delivers a blend of modern, vintage and alternative rock & roll with soul, pop, R&B, funk and blues. Jake’s stock in trade is his undeniable stage presence and his unique musicianship, who has cultivated a signature sound inspired by many different genres and influential artists, such as; Foo Fighters, Black Crowes, Myles Kennedy, Black Keys, Paramore, Jack White, Steve Marriott, Clapton, Hendrix, David Coverdale, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Rory Gallagher, SRV, Johnny Winter, John Mayer, Fleetwood Mac, Rival Sons, Little Big Town, Cage the Elephant, Stevie Wonder, Chris Cornell, Jeff Buckley, Albert Collins and Otis Redding.
Upon receiving his 1st music nomination, Jake was awarded 2011 "Rock Artist of the Year", at age 16 by the Queen City Music Awards and his power trio, “Halden Vang” received a nomination for 2011 Rock Group of the Year, by the Charlotte Music Awards. At 2013 years end, Jake saw his 2nd music nomination and was once again awarded Queen City’s 2013 “Rock Artist of the Year”. Having already established an impressive résumé, Jake has solidified himself and “Halden Vang” with notable show billing with music greats; Zach Myers of Shinedown, Warren Haynes, Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Drivin N’ Cryin, Steve Miller, Leon Russell, Elvin Bishop, Moreland & Arbuckle, Trombone Shorty, Tommy Castro, The Holmes Brothers, Tom Hambridge and Webb Wilder. He has also appeared as a guest guitarist with Umphreys McGee, Buddy Guy, Marshall Tucker, Chris Hicks, Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, Robin Rogers and Bryan Lee. He and his power trio “Halden Vang” have performed hundreds of dates at many well known clubs, theaters and festivals such as; Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, Live Nation’s TWC Amphitheatre, House of Blues, The Fillmore, Sarasota Blues Fest, SXSW, Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Fest, The Neighborhood, Visulite and Knight Theatre, The Chop Shop, The Double Door, Southland Ballroom, BB Kings, The Orange Peel, Asheville Music Hall, Don Gibson Theatre, 12th & Porter, The Rutledge, 3rd & Lindsley, Ground Zero and Webster Hall.
Jake’s music career started from the moment he picked up a guitar, performing live shows at age 12 and by age 13 he was recognized as a prodigy guitarist chosen to represent Charlotte NC at International Blues Challenge, Youth Showcase. At age 15, Jake attended the 2011 Winter NAMM Show by artist invitation from Fender Guitars. And by age 17, Jake was adopted by Fender Guitars, Ernie Ball and Guitar Center into the exclusive “Brotherhood of The Guitar” founded and operated by famed rock photographer, Robert M Knight. In addition to performing as a power trio, Jake is an accomplished acoustic musician, who also performs as a solo acoustic artist, as well as being a multi-instrumentalist, playing both the bass guitar and drums. At age 15, he released his first studio CD “Tell the Truth”. And now being slated for a 2014 release, Halden Vang’s “How About Now” EP, mastered by Gene Paul, son of legendary Les Paul, will feature six of Jake’s new original songs. Halden Vang is packed with a fresh, authentic, contemporary sound with astounding live stage performances, whose compass is poised to guide them to the top.
Featured Album Release:How About Now (May 2014)
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Stream:Soundcloud
One Sentence Album Review: "Eclectic blues rock with amazing textures, virtuoso lead, stylistic detours and an incredible selection of songs."
-- Jivewired.com
"I was just listening to the new Halden Vang tracks and I have officially been BLOWN away! Wow! His vocals are amazing, his guitar is off the freakin' chain, and the rest of the band are sheer perfection."
-- Michael Buffalo Smith - Kudzoo Magazine
“Haldenwang just makes this all look easy. Whether an old soul or a young upstart, his roll-out as a breakout guitarist at the tender age of 11 was remarkable. Haldenwang has stacked up awards, showcases, guest spots and more that continue to enhance his career with credibility and charisma. Foundational influences of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman, fortified by contemporary classics Foo Fighters, Black Keys, Jack White and Kings of Leon mixed up the groove pushing Haldenwang along a wider highway of notoriety. Of course a heady list of guest spots have kept him hopping and bopping. This star-studded list includes Warren Haynes, Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Kevn' Kinney/Drivin' N Cryin', Steve Miller, Leon Russell, Elvin Bishop and so many more. Now at the Ripe old age of 18, Haldenwang is a seasoned veteran with a startling list of accomplishments to his credit plus an amazing rockin' future ahead of him.”
-- Debby Jet Jennings - Rock Hill Herald
Cool Halden Vang Link We Found:The Loudspeaker: Spotlight on Jake Haldenwang
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Halden Vang Media Links:Jivewired | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud
Article Sources: Steve Moore Photography, Debby Jet Jennings, Rock Hill Herald, Michael Buffalo Smith, Kudzoo Magazine, Reverbnation, Soundcloud![]()
Halden Vang offers an intriguing blend of alternative blues rock and guitar-based soul. Supporters of this band have every right to be enthusiastic. Diving headfirst into a sound that will appeal to new and classic rockers alike, most of the material from Halden Vang leaves their lead guitarist plenty of space to solo, but in saying that, it is important to note that this isn't a collective intent to solely showcase Haldenwang's instrumental virtuosity.
Stylistic detours abound, whether the band is performing it's signature blues-infused post-grunge rock or a power anthem. Bassist Jordan Mattacchione and drummer Andrew Marcadis serve as more than excellent complimentary pieces, helping to amp up the band's expressiveness. Haldenwang's vocals are functional, in the mold of Warren Haynes or Gregg Allman, for example. Still, thick sheets of guitar make up the meat and potatoes of Halden Vang. The sum is a sound that is adequately hard-edged and very pleasing to the ear.
Where Halden Vang excels is when the band steps outside the boundaries of form. For performers of similar age, it is often easy to stand firmly entrenched in standard convention when writing music. But in the instances where Haldenwang leans on his individual songwriting voice, bending blues, soul, and powerful rock into unique ways, the band reaches an apex of striking emotional honesty. It is rare that a musical personality becomes fully realized at such a young age. And still, with considerable room for growth, Halden Vang represents a future with limitless expanse, ever soaring with a sense of musical discovery.
Halden Vang's Jivewired Bio: The stage chemistry of “Halden Vang” can only be described as intense, soulful and fiery, delivered with a style and flare that pushes the boundaries of music in this high powered rockin’ trio, formed and led by guitarist singer/songwriter, Jake Haldenwang. Being influenced by a diverse music landscape, Jake is a multi-genre ground breaking artist who delivers a blend of modern, vintage and alternative rock & roll with soul, pop, R&B, funk and blues. Jake’s stock in trade is his undeniable stage presence and his unique musicianship, who has cultivated a signature sound inspired by many different genres and influential artists, such as; Foo Fighters, Black Crowes, Myles Kennedy, Black Keys, Paramore, Jack White, Steve Marriott, Clapton, Hendrix, David Coverdale, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Rory Gallagher, SRV, Johnny Winter, John Mayer, Fleetwood Mac, Rival Sons, Little Big Town, Cage the Elephant, Stevie Wonder, Chris Cornell, Jeff Buckley, Albert Collins and Otis Redding.
Upon receiving his 1st music nomination, Jake was awarded 2011 "Rock Artist of the Year", at age 16 by the Queen City Music Awards and his power trio, “Halden Vang” received a nomination for 2011 Rock Group of the Year, by the Charlotte Music Awards. At 2013 years end, Jake saw his 2nd music nomination and was once again awarded Queen City’s 2013 “Rock Artist of the Year”. Having already established an impressive résumé, Jake has solidified himself and “Halden Vang” with notable show billing with music greats; Zach Myers of Shinedown, Warren Haynes, Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Drivin N’ Cryin, Steve Miller, Leon Russell, Elvin Bishop, Moreland & Arbuckle, Trombone Shorty, Tommy Castro, The Holmes Brothers, Tom Hambridge and Webb Wilder. He has also appeared as a guest guitarist with Umphreys McGee, Buddy Guy, Marshall Tucker, Chris Hicks, Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, Robin Rogers and Bryan Lee. He and his power trio “Halden Vang” have performed hundreds of dates at many well known clubs, theaters and festivals such as; Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, Live Nation’s TWC Amphitheatre, House of Blues, The Fillmore, Sarasota Blues Fest, SXSW, Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Fest, The Neighborhood, Visulite and Knight Theatre, The Chop Shop, The Double Door, Southland Ballroom, BB Kings, The Orange Peel, Asheville Music Hall, Don Gibson Theatre, 12th & Porter, The Rutledge, 3rd & Lindsley, Ground Zero and Webster Hall.
Jake’s music career started from the moment he picked up a guitar, performing live shows at age 12 and by age 13 he was recognized as a prodigy guitarist chosen to represent Charlotte NC at International Blues Challenge, Youth Showcase. At age 15, Jake attended the 2011 Winter NAMM Show by artist invitation from Fender Guitars. And by age 17, Jake was adopted by Fender Guitars, Ernie Ball and Guitar Center into the exclusive “Brotherhood of The Guitar” founded and operated by famed rock photographer, Robert M Knight. In addition to performing as a power trio, Jake is an accomplished acoustic musician, who also performs as a solo acoustic artist, as well as being a multi-instrumentalist, playing both the bass guitar and drums. At age 15, he released his first studio CD “Tell the Truth”. And now being slated for a 2014 release, Halden Vang’s “How About Now” EP, mastered by Gene Paul, son of legendary Les Paul, will feature six of Jake’s new original songs. Halden Vang is packed with a fresh, authentic, contemporary sound with astounding live stage performances, whose compass is poised to guide them to the top.
Very cool crowd from our show at the House of Blues #HouseofBlues#HaldenVangpic.twitter.com/cR47WkyRUA
— Jake Haldenwang (@JakeHaldenwang) July 7, 2014Featured Album Release:How About Now (May 2014)
Stream:Soundcloud
One Sentence Album Review: "Eclectic blues rock with amazing textures, virtuoso lead, stylistic detours and an incredible selection of songs."
-- Jivewired.com
"I was just listening to the new Halden Vang tracks and I have officially been BLOWN away! Wow! His vocals are amazing, his guitar is off the freakin' chain, and the rest of the band are sheer perfection."
-- Michael Buffalo Smith - Kudzoo Magazine
“Haldenwang just makes this all look easy. Whether an old soul or a young upstart, his roll-out as a breakout guitarist at the tender age of 11 was remarkable. Haldenwang has stacked up awards, showcases, guest spots and more that continue to enhance his career with credibility and charisma. Foundational influences of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman, fortified by contemporary classics Foo Fighters, Black Keys, Jack White and Kings of Leon mixed up the groove pushing Haldenwang along a wider highway of notoriety. Of course a heady list of guest spots have kept him hopping and bopping. This star-studded list includes Warren Haynes, Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Kevn' Kinney/Drivin' N Cryin', Steve Miller, Leon Russell, Elvin Bishop and so many more. Now at the Ripe old age of 18, Haldenwang is a seasoned veteran with a startling list of accomplishments to his credit plus an amazing rockin' future ahead of him.”
-- Debby Jet Jennings - Rock Hill Herald
Cool Halden Vang Link We Found:The Loudspeaker: Spotlight on Jake Haldenwang
Halden Vang Media Links:Jivewired | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud
Article Sources: Steve Moore Photography, Debby Jet Jennings, Rock Hill Herald, Michael Buffalo Smith, Kudzoo Magazine, Reverbnation, Soundcloud