The Undisputed Heavyweights
with guest
Paula Valstein

Show Description

"The Undisputed Heavyweights show really is a thing of its own. It's a Vaudevillian acoustic/rock/blues show, or something. Casey's stage persona is equal parts James Brown, Elvis Presley, and Bono. He struts, he preens, his gestures wildly. Heck, the guy wears sunglasses on stage and gets away with it. But then comes the surprise, etched in cursive on the head of a pin. Listen closely, and the songs are beautifully heartfelt, and wrenching." - MTVNews.com

Casey Shea, Jeff Jacobson and Wes Verhoeve are the core of The Undisputed Heavyweights; a Lower East Side band described as "Frank Sinatra meets The Doors in a way only Stevie Wonder could dream of", (am New York). Such acclaim for undiscovered musicians might elicit incredulity among the un-indoctrinated until one's first Heavyweight experience, but their sound is melodic, memorable, and completely original. Lead singer Shea has a stunning, soulful voice that works wonders in all octaves. While each song is uniquely different, together the melodies build an unexpectedly cohesive set. The virtue of a true live show is if, in the end, it is memorable. Behind the insults and the Amens is sophisticated songwriting and clever arrangements. And whether you remember Casey Shea's sunglasses, the Roll Your Windows Down sing-a-long or the pop sensibility of Lartigue, it doesn't really matter, as there's something for everyone.

Powerful soulful rock featuring Paula's hypnotizing voice delivering her uniquely rich songwriting. Fused with the band's subtle grooves, the listener is thrown into a state of timeless euphoria. The electrifying energy seduces us all to be motionally involved like our most intimate stories would. ".....Twisty, clever melodies drive the dramatic pop tunes of local singer-songwriter Paula Valstein." - Time Out New York 7/20-26, 2006