Album Notes

"Many bands claim to fuse classic sounds with new vibes, but few can pull it off as well as a Massachusetts band known as the Patiokings. Though the group has been together only since 2000, its product is tight and polished. The quartet's songs are a powerful dose of modern urban rhythm, artfully cut with the full, smooth and funky sounds of a bygone era. Its style has been held up to that of Jamiroquai and Medeski, Martin and Wood, but the Patiokings' original sound doesn't easily beg comparisons."
The Baltimore Sun - July 24, 2003

"Patiokings have the soulful, jazzy R&B thing down."
Washington Post - July 25, 2003

Patiokings' exodus from the state of Washington brought Kjell Ostlund (lead vocals, Rhodes electric piano, clavinet, sax and guitar) and Jesse Pollack (bass) to the east coast, where they joined with Sturgis Cunningham (drums) and Jon Moore (congas, percussion and backing vocals). Lead singer and lyricist Kjell Ostlund (pronounced "Chell") has carved out a unique vocal delivery over a compositional style that utilizes the percussive blend of drums, congas, bass and electric piano to new effect. While maintaining a distinct personal approach, the Patiokings' sound pays homage to such diverse influences as Cannonball Adderley, Stevie Wonder, the Beastie Boys, Medeski Martin & Wood and Otis Redding.

"Patiokings have the funk in their back pocket and produce it in bulk on Brand New Bag"
C.D. DiGuardia - Northeast Performer

"a tight, groove-laden package... Brand New Bag is an excellent album"
Josh Witkowski - The Noise