joeRaciti

Spencer Cohen - percussion

Spence is the best drummer in NYC. When I first saw him play with my friend Andrew Gregory, I was enamored with his impeccable rhythm and unique ability to add color to music. He is the first drummer I've seen who actually plays the drums as if it were a melodic instrument instead of a percussive one. If that sounds impossible, you'll just have to see it to believe it. The latest member of the group thus far, Spence passes with flying colors my personal standard for collaboration: Be a better musician than I am, love music with a child-like joy, and be a kind, gentle human being. The humility he brings to the table is just a sweet bonus.

Sam Dingman - saxophones

Sam is disgustingly good at playing anything that vaguely resembles a saxopone and doubles as a nasty beat-boxer as well. When he isn't blowing everybody's minds on stage with the Pure Premium, he's acting in a variety of high-profile roles around NYC. For instance, if you look closely enough you can see his knee in the movie "Shortbus." All this while contributing to a popular comedy blog called Audience of Two. But perhaps Sam's most endearing quality is his genuine thoughtfulness. Once you get past the light-hearted way that Sam interfaces with the world, you quickly realize he is an immensely deep person who truly cares about other people.

Catherine Provenzano - vocals

To hear Catherine sing is to feel the sweet, pure tone of a wonderful person reach out and hold you. With a gentle vibrato that warms your heart and a dimpled grin that reminds us that life doesn't have to be serious all the time, Catherine takes something as simple as a melody and floods your soul with ice cream cake and super 8 camera footage. If she weren't singing such funny lyrics, you might be tempted to weep. Her voice is nothing short of healing and I am lucky to hear it as often as I do.

Joe Raciti - piano

Well, truth be told, I'm a total joker. I love life too much to not be laughing most of the time I and I'm helplessly addicted to the piano. I play music like most people eat; sloppily and daily. I like having fun and I want you to have fun with me. Nothing makes me happier than to make people laugh. You may have also noticed an afinity for art. What can I say, I like making things. What do you like?