Buxton Cliff

Everything came together one warm summer night in 1996. Buxton Cliff first jammed against the glow of the large orange moon on the horizon. In that one fateful moment, three musical energies became one force of rhythm - a union named Buxton Cliff, for the spot they were standing on when it happened. Mario Costa, Jonathan Karas, and Louis Vitale knew they were meant to share a stage from the first time they performed together. Each of them brought unique styles that harmoniously blended to produce a sound largely unheard of in the mainstream. Their fusion of Rock, Reggae, Hip-Hop, African, and Caribbean music cannot be described in one word or commercial label. They bring forth a spirit of themselves that must be experienced to be fully understood.

These three artists had been good friends before they actually decided to form a band. Mario and Jonathan had been playing together as members of another group. Louis had also collaborated with Mario on previous projects. It seemed natural that they would all end up on the same team. Mario, whose influences include Bob Marley, Trey Anastasio, and David Gilmour, is the guitarist/vocalist of the group. His rhythmns and accents move in sync with the drum kit played by Jonathan. In every beat of the sticks, there is a little bit of Buddy Rich, Mitch Mitchell, and Ginger Baker in the mix. Jonathan and his drums communicate well and pulse with the slaps of Louis on his bass. His playing is an expression, integrating the tones of Cliff Burton, Les Claypool, Roger Waters, and Bill Laswell.

Together these three produce a flood of intense sounds, morphing styles, influences, and personal attitudes into a mountain of music as majestic as the place where it all began - Buxton Cliff.