Classic rock has proven its eternal drive will live on through the new millenium.
With Santana's triumphant return to the Grammy awards and the induction of such guitar
greats as Eric Clapton into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, new generations are learning
to cherish the heart and soul of music. At the same time, up-and-comers are pumping out
equally appealing rhythms on the local scene. Mojohand, a New Jersey based group, has
developed a style in-sync with the timeless trend of music at its best.
When WDHA (105.5) labeled the group a "really cool bluesy rock n' roll band", they were
making a serious understatement. Mojohand packs a wallop from the first second right
down to the last guitar reverberation. Hendrix, Def Leopard, Van Halen, and classic
Aerosmith are all parallel to the sounds of Mojohand. Their lyrics are original, and
the raw emotion put into each song reflects the feeling of a live show. We are left
in a stranglehold of desperation, fear, and yearning as the band takes its audience
on a journey through the universal struggle of mankind, in a way only music can touch us. Just who are these music masters that possess the "mojo" of song? Central to Mojohand are brothers Jeff and Mike Serdins, reminiscent of the twosome Stevie Ray and Jimmy Lee Vaughan. Jeff has been a guitar prodigy since age four, easily surpassing his idol and teacher, Mike. Mike's switch to bass guitar proved an excellent compliment to the electrifying solos emanating from Jeff's own instrument. Steve Mikes, a long time friend of the brothers, adds to the mix with a taste as varied as his own guitar collection. His bluesy edge adds a smoother tone to the blistering performance. With KC Tyler pounding out incredible technical feats on the drums and adding a stage presence that rivals the guitar, only one element remains. Charles Calello contributes lead vocals with such harmony, you could label his mouth as the band's fourth guitar. He persists with a solid array of bone-tingling highs and lows that bring the spirit of the lyrics to life.
A sampling of Mojohand's songs show these guys are by no means a passing tribute to
the rock n' roll greats. Drawing from the personal struggles of songwriters "JT" Serdins
and "Sir Hand" Calello, each song has an intensity that strikes deep within the
audience's soul. "King's Men" sets Mojohand's feet on the ground with eerily potent
rhythms. The guitar's moan, the drums aggressive answer, and vocals that pierce with
each word blend in an incredible work that lingers with a spooky familiarity. "Help Me
Find A Way" presents itself with a contrasting mellow tone. Its message of persistence
and pain is drawn from the life experiences of Jeff Serdins, who overcame physically
crippling obstacles to continue his life as a gifted artist and athlete. The harmony
of voices puts the audience in an immediate trance, only to be awoken by the solid
guitar accompaniments mirroring the lyrics. "Slave to Love" and "Turn to Stone" create
equally amazing images that we not only appreciate but feel deep within ourselves.
You'll willingly surrender to Mojohand's spirit, finding your foot tapping and head
nodding along with the blood-and-sweat-drenched music.
Don't Bite the Hand, the group's CD-collection of featured songs takes us on a journey
through reality twinged with pain and frustration. Mojohand shows us a solid foundation
of rock and blues that exceeds the perimeters of a cover band of the greats. Their music
reflects deep-rooted talent and a power that can be felt in each song. In answering the
clever title, Don't Bite the Hand, Mojohand does just the opposite: sinking its teeth
into everyone who hears their music, and never releasing its grip.
