Biography

The summer of 2011 is one Scott Baker & The Universal Expressions is soon not to forget. Opening for classic rock legends Styx, soul/blues diva Bettye LaVette, blues rock legend Popa Chubby, and blues/rocker Shane Dwight over the course of June and July highlighted a memorable live performance schedule for SBUE.

Together now for over six years, SBUE (out of Bay City, MI) remain passionate and explorative about their music. Building history as architects of eclecticism upon releasing their sophomore effort Details & Desire in January of 2011, SBUE cover all the bases when it comes to styles and class. Whether it is classic, eclectic or acoustic/electric, the band has made its name by writing quality songs first and foremost. One should look no further than the cuts on Details & Desire from the psychedelia of 'Last Goodbye', the straight rock of 'Statues' (the first single), the Americana of 'Gettin' There', or the home spun album closer 'Friends', the band does not rely on a single style, but have created a melting pot of its own sound.

'Statues' has been played on NPR as well as WHNN 96.1 FM, which have picked up the band and Baker himself for many morning show spots, further charging the band's fan base along with the exciting live show. Three varied set lists over three nights with Chubby, LaVette, and Styx alone (blues, soul/acoustic, and rock), showed the band could pull off something for everyone.

"I wanted to focus on songwriting for this release, first and foremost" said front man Scott Baker. "We worked hard to focus on the rhythm section groove and make the best out of each song. Lyrically I hope to always hit it out of the park."

'Then/Now' takes the band into new directions rhythmically, while 'So Aglow' boasts a 6/8 jam section in the middle of the rocker. Exploring the electric sides and acoustic tones of the band has helped shape the sounds into a songwriter's top-shelf; a little bit of everything and it's all the good stuff. The rest of the CD continues to bring rock and acoustic craft in many forms--'Compass' is the group's first instrumental as well.

Comprised of Timmy Scott on drums, Pete Socha on bass, Eric Janetsky on guitars/vocals/harp and Baker on vocals/guitar, the group has played everywhere around the state of Michigan over the past half-decade. The twin guitar tandom of Baker and Janetsky has helped catapult the band into the ranks of twin-guitar team greats; These two bring the goods to the table every show. They have also shared the bill with legendary musicians as well as having headlined festivals. A little luck and a leap of courage has helped this group moving forward.

Releasing their debut CD Between Seasons in November of 2007, the music was a foray into singer/songwriter rock with a classic rock penchant. Throw in modern day jam-rock chops and agile, witty, personal lyrics, Baker's songs run the gamut in every aspect. Songs were featured on NPR in Michigan as well as Z93.3 WKQZ. Chance Meeting featured former Norah Jones guitarist Adam Levy along with the band, giving a high watermark to the recording.

In a complete concert evening, The Universal Expressions handpick favorite cover songs reaching back over 30 years to as close as just the past few years, for inspirational and majestic versions of favorite songs and one-hit wonders. Artists covered include Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, Neil Young, George Harrison, The Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Phish, Pink Floyd, The Band, among many others.

Acts the band has shared the stage with over the years includes CCR, Larry McCray, The Steepwater Band, Frank Bang, Blackberry Smoke, Dick Wagner, and Too Slim and the Taildraggers (among many more). For more band highlights, see the Fact Sheet.

Notable Quotes

"A melted blend of Rock, Blues and Jazz (that made) up a cool fondue of soulful blues sound. These guys are very easy on the ears and you can't help but to tap your feet and bob your head...the band's playing cohesion was masterful. These guys were very tight. You have to check these cats out, they're that good and they're right in your own back yard."

- Jim from whataboutjim.net

"The music sounded good. I'd pay good money to go and see this band again. I liked the music."

- Ms. Troutfly, Myspace.com


	Biography The summer of 2011 is one Scott Baker & The Universal Expressions is soon not to forget. Opening for classic rock legends Styx, soul/blues diva Bettye LaVette, blues rock legend Popa Chubby, and blues/rocker Shane Dwight over the course of June and July highlighted a memorable live performance schedule for SBUE. Together now for over six years, SBUE (out of Bay City, MI) remain passionate and explorative about their music. Building history as architects of eclecticism upon releasing their sophomore effort Details & Desire in January of 2011, SBUE cover all the bases when it comes to styles and class. Whether it is classic, eclectic or acoustic/electric, the band has made its name by writing quality songs first and foremost. One should look no further than the cuts on Details & Desire from the psychedelia of 'Last Goodbye', the straight rock of 'Statues' (the first single), the Americana of 'Gettin' There', or the home spun album closer 'Friends', the band does not rely on a single style, but have created a melting pot of its own sound. 'Statues' has been played on NPR as well as WHNN 96.1 FM, which have picked up the band and Baker himself for many morning show spots, further charging the band's fan base along with the exciting live show. Three varied set lists over three nights with Chubby, LaVette, and Styx alone (blues, soul/acoustic, and rock), showed the band could pull off something for everyone. "I wanted to focus on songwriting for this release, first and foremost" said front man Scott Baker. "We worked hard to focus on the rhythm section groove and make the best out of each song. Lyrically I hope to always hit it out of the park." 'Then/Now' takes the band into new directions rhythmically, while 'So Aglow' boasts a 6/8 jam section in the middle of the rocker. Exploring the electric sides and acoustic tones of the band has helped shape the sounds into a songwriter's top-shelf; a little bit of everything and it's all the good stuff. The rest of the CD continues to bring rock and acoustic craft in many forms--'Compass' is the group's first instrumental as well. Comprised of Timmy Scott on drums, Pete Socha on bass, Eric Janetsky on guitars/vocals/harp and Baker on vocals/guitar, the group has played everywhere around the state of Michigan over the past half-decade. The twin guitar tandom of Baker and Janetsky has helped catapult the band into the ranks of twin-guitar team greats; These two bring the goods to the table every show. They have also shared the bill with legendary musicians as well as having headlined festivals. A little luck and a leap of courage has helped this group moving forward. Releasing their debut CD Between Seasons in November of 2007, the music was a foray into singer/songwriter rock with a classic rock penchant. Throw in modern day jam-rock chops and agile, witty, personal lyrics, Baker's songs run the gamut in every aspect. Songs were featured on NPR in Michigan as well as Z93.3 WKQZ. Chance Meeting featured former Norah Jones guitarist Adam Levy along with the band, giving a high watermark to the recording. In a complete concert evening, The Universal Expressions handpick favorite cover songs reaching back over 30 years to as close as just the past few years, for inspirational and majestic versions of favorite songs and one-hit wonders. Artists covered include Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, Neil Young, George Harrison, The Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Phish, Pink Floyd, The Band, among many others. Acts the band has shared the stage with over the years includes CCR, Larry McCray, The Steepwater Band, Frank Bang, Blackberry Smoke, Dick Wagner, and Too Slim and the Taildraggers (among many more). For more band highlights, see the Fact Sheet. Notable Quotes "A melted blend of Rock, Blues and Jazz (that made) up a cool fondue of soulful blues sound. These guys are very easy on the ears and you can't help but to tap your feet and bob your head...the band's playing cohesion was masterful. These guys were very tight. You have to check these cats out, they're that good and they're right in your own back yard." - Jim from whataboutjim.net "The music sounded good. I'd pay good money to go and see this band again. I liked the music." - Ms. Troutfly, Myspace.com