Chester Bay (band)


Chester Bay is an American alternative rock band formed at The University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in 2005 with most original band members hailing from Rochester, MN. The band's music combines aspects of reggae, folk, ska, blues, and rock and roll. The band gained initial regional popularity through energetic live shows built upon technical music ability. The group has been compared to bands like Sublime, Dispatch, Blues Traveler, O.A.R., Spin Doctors, and Bob Marley.

History

Early Years (2005–2008)

Childhood friends Jake and Cory Bosben and Nick Pairolero had played music together since a young age growing up in Rochester, MN. The three spent their freshman years of university at different schools, but eventually joined Jake at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where he had met drummer Marcus Greely in 2004. Chester Bay was quickly formed in 2005, playing its first show in January 2005 at the Rochester Golf and Country Club. The band relocated to Minneapolis, MN in 2008.

Landshark, Rolling Stone and "Get Free" (2009–2011)

As the band finished up university and transitioned to a new city, Chester Bay won the Land Shark Lager National Battle of the Bands by entering demos recorded at the McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, MN and recording a live performance in Chicago. Shortly afterwards, Nick Pairolero announced his intention to leave the band and pursue a PhD in economics.
'Get Free'
While working at a music store in 2009, Marcus met guitarist Mike Salow, who would replace Pairolero as Chester Bay's lead guitarist. After their Land Shark win and with the addition of Salow, the band recorded its first full-length album at Spanish Castle Studios in Fridley, MN with Producer/Engineer Tony Hernandez. In March 2010, Chester Bay was featured in a one-page spread in Rolling Stone Magazine for winning the Land Shark Lager competition. The article previewed their upcoming album, 'Get Free' which was released on April 2, 2010 through ReapAndSew Entertainment. The album received positive reviews from both fans and critics. Rolling Stone called it "a bluesy blend of hook-laden tunes". The opening track "Prima Donna" was featured on the 2013 feature film "Catch of the Day" soundtrack.

"Changes with the Midwest Moon", Kickstarter, and Relix Magazine (2012–2013)

In February 2012 the band entered in Excelsior, MN to begin recording the follow up to "Get Free" with Producer/Engineer David Kellogg. The album was set for release in 2012.
During the end of 2012, the band ran into funding issues and was unable to complete the album. In March 2013 the band launched a successful Kickstarter campaign and raised over $6,000 to put toward the completion of the album. They released "Changes with the Midwest Moon" on April 12, 2013 at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, MN.
The album received positive feedback; a review on AfterHoursRadio.com called 'Changes with the Midwest Moon' the "one of the most perfect blends of rock/folk/ska these ears have heard." Relix Magazine expressed interest in using a song from the album for their Spring issue. In April 2013, "40 Hours" was selected for the magazine's 40th Anniversary CD Sampler that featured Up and Coming Artists from around the country.

"Chester Bay Live" (2014-Present)

Chester Bay recorded its first official live album on November 9, 2014. Two sets were recorded at Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues Club in Uptown Minneapolis, MN. 14 songs were selected to comprise the album which was released on May 6, 2014.

Discography

Current