A collision of the major influences of the last 100 years, never before has an artist blended the sounds of “modern music” like Aaron Newton. Jazz, Bossa Nova, Soul, R&B, Country, Bluegrass, Funk, Folk, Rock, classic and modern Pop: you will hear all of these genres seamlessly fused together in Aaron’s repertoire. Performed by Aaron and his group of veteran musicians, they comfortably navigate through his carefully crafted original compositions to create a sound that has to be experienced to define. With the release of the upcoming “…Where the Two Rivers Meet” EP another chapter in the book of Aaron’s path as a composer, performer, and band leader will be written, and he invites you to be part of the story.
Aaron grew up in a musically diverse environment. Both his parents had eclectic tastes and his early years were filled with the sounds of James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic, Motown, Randy Travis, Classical Symphonic music, bop era jazz, as well as the gospel that would be frequently listened to in their home. As he grew up, the influences from friends and acquaintances exposed him to the more modern sounds of top 40 radio including the Smashing Pumpkins, Counting Crows, and Boys II Men. This diverse set of influences would later manifest themselves in a sound that can only be described as his own.
Beginning lessons at 10 years of age, he vigorously studied the piano for several years, before switching to guitar at age 14. The praise he received while singing in the choir gave him confidence in his vocal abilities and the natural progression to songwriting came to fruition as he entered his sophomore year in high school.
After high school, Aaron left home to study journalism at the University of Kansas. While there, he was introduced to the sounds of 60’s pop and rock. Bands like the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and the Grateful Dead became huge influences as well as modern folk sounds including Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. During his time there, his focus on music became more acute and he eventually left KU, coming back to Wichita to hone his craft.
Shortly after returning home, Aaron began writing furiously and his sound began to take shape. Writing almost exclusively on acoustic guitar, his jazz influenced harmonic progressions combined with his soaring vocal melodies quickly set him apart from the average folk singer. He began sneaking into bars, open mic nights, playing outside coffee shops and taking advantage of any opportunity to have his music heard. It was during one of those open jams he met local bassist Derek Tucker and formed the band “Sad Panda”.
For 2 ½ years, Sad Panda played locally in Wichita, quickly gaining a following as an original voice drawing influences from folk, rock, funk, jazz, bluegrass, and the modern indie rock sound. They released two albums and remained very active in the scene until eventually obligations drew the members apart. After the band dissolved, Aaron went back to school for further formal training due to his rekindled love for traditional jazz. His songwriting never stopped, and he continued to play shows as a solo artist. After several years of school, he was asked to join Soul Rock/Hip-Hop group “The Outerboundary” and began playing piano and singing with them regularly. While playing with “the O.B.” as well as doing solo shows and keeping up with his school performances, he rekindled his relationship with ex-Sad Panda bassist Derek Tucker and started another ensemble to reinterpret some of the old Sad Panda material as well as his more recent compositions. With the addition of scene regular Tatsuya Hidano on drums and the incendiary keyboard work of New Yorker Jared Brickman, a whole new sound has developed… built solidly upon the foundation of Aaron’s creative and exploratory songwriting style.
Innovative harmonic concepts coupled with dancing melodies, the sound of the Aaron Newton Quartet is a beacon of originality in the Mid-West. As has happened before, they are quickly gaining a following and are coming close to releasing their first EP: “…Where the Two Rivers Meet”. Stylistically diverse, you will experience Aaron’s influences and inspirations culminating into a blend of genres that come together as never before.
