So you’re never going to guess who we got to interview. No seriously, guess. You’re never going to get it. Oh, you read the title? The one right above? Damn. Then I guess you know that we interviewed The Blanks. But who are The Blanks you ask? Oh, just a little band from the hit comedy “Scrubs”. That’s right, the awkwardly hilarious lawyer Ted from the show has an acapella group that sings more than occasionally on the show. But what most of you may not know is that the band actually tours across the county singing songs from the show and beyond.
We were recently able to catch up with them in Boston to see what they are now up to and see where they are headed now that “Scrubs” has seen its final episode. If you are an avid “Scrubs” fan like myself, you would know that these guys are hilarious. The show has kick-started their touring career and allowed them to take their music to a level they never imagined before the hit comedy made its way into the hearts of the American people. If you get the chance, make sure you check these guys out in person. It’s a whole different kind of comedy show and they are the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. It’s also awesome to meet Ted in person after seeing him in hundreds of episodes. It was almost as awesome as the time I met Joey Gladstone. Almost.
Fans of the television show Scrubs will no doubt recognize The Blanks (aka Ted’s Band). Not a fan of Scrubs? What’s your problem? Really? Not a fan of Scrubs? Are you allergic to laughing? Anyway…I am not reviewing a hilarious side-splitting television show. I am however highlighting the hilarious, side-splitting and incredibly talented a cappella group that has made numerous guest appearances on said show over the years.
Sam Lloyd, Philip McNiven, George Miserlis and Paul F. Perry are musical machines that have joined together to make the mega-musical-machine known as the The Blanks. Individually they possess great musicality. But when they join together all heck breaks loose. Imagine singing Transformers. Strike that. Picture, Gobots. Yeah, Gobots! Wow, I bet my action figure* reference is just wooing the ladies. I guess what I am trying to say is that these guys are awesome-sauce.
I had the pleasure of working with The Blanks a year ago and then crossed paths with them again just a few months back. These guys are some of the nicest artists that I have ever met. They are humble, grounded, positive and just plain fun to be around. Their collective charm shines brightly when they perform on stage. They take their craft seriously and they make the job of entertaining people seem effortless.
Sam, Paul and George first came together as studious studying students at Syracuse University. Years later out in L.A., the trio welcomed Philip aboard, and that move completed their quartet. Meanwhile, Sam Lloyd landed the role of Ted Buckland, the lovably goofy lawyer on Scrubs. It just so happened that at a holiday wrap party for the show Sam brought his gang with him and they performed. One thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. And by history, I mean The Blanks became a part of a televised series that has then allowed them to travel the world spreading their music like a virus. Not a bad virus, mind you. A super good virus.
In 2004, The Blanks released Riding the Wave, a collection of both original and cover songs. You will even hear some contributions from fellow Scrubs cast members. The album is fun, quirky and entertaining. The collection is rich with comedic value, but don’t be fooled into believing that is all you are getting. Musically, the harmonies and arrangements are on point. What are my favorite tracks? Well, thank you for asking. I would recommend original songs “Happy Halloween” and “Commandos (Attack!)”. Their theme-song covers of “Underdog”, “Charles in Charge” and “Speed Racer” always crack me up. The sunny cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is not featured on Riding the Wave, but it can be picked up as a single.
We have fingers crossed that we will get some more of The Blanks in the final season of Scrubs. Catch ‘em on TV and make sure you experience their live show. You will not be disappointed.
*Action figures are NOT dolls
The Blanks with their version of the “Speed Racer” theme song as featured on “Scrubs”
The Blanks with their version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” as featured on “Scrubs”
The Blanks (assisted by an electronic pumpkin) with their original song “Happy Halloween”
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“Over the Rainbow” – Single
iTunes
Interested in ordering merchandise from The Blanks? Visit their web site!
If you enjoy a cappella music check out Naturally 7 and Straight No Chaser.
Needing more comedy? Give Flight of the Conchords a spin.
The holiday season has arrived! How do I know this? Well, every retail store has told me so. Candy corn is now 85% off and chocolate reindeer are staring me down and begging me to take them home. The holiday season gives us the opportunity to get hit over the head with tons of seasonal music. No matter your religious preference there is no doubt something that will be released for you. Commercialization has no limits. However, every year their are some gems that shine brightly amongst all of the coal and this year it is Straight No Chaser’s Christmas Cheers.
Straight No Chaser
Straight No Chaser is a ten-member a cappella group that originated as a student group out of Indiana University. Their story is one of those that can easily be called “too good to be true”. They formed on IU’s campus back in 1996 and when the members graduated in 1999, they went their separate ways. The university held a group reunion for them in 2006 and in preparation for that event, past performances were posted on-line. Straight No Chaser’s original take on “The 12 Days Of Christmas” was one of the posted videos and it became an instant viral hit. Millions of people saw that video. One of those people just so happened to be a record executive. Flash forward to today and the guys are with a major label and touring all over the place in support of their new holiday album Christmas Cheers.
Visit any college campus and you will find a handful of a cappela groups. Where Straight No Chaser stands out is the fact that they are really good. The guys have a great musical chemistry together and their individual personalities add that extra something that has taken them from a college act to a huge recording group. Their new holiday album is set to satisfy die hard fans and welcome new folks to the club.
I personally enjoy their renditions of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”. Their original tune “The Christmas Can-Can” featured in the video below is sure to be a hit this holiday season. Enjoy this album while you can because we will no doubt be preparing for Valentine’s Day in just a few weeks. Happy Holidays!
“The Christmas Can-Can” video was filmed in New York City as part of their PBS Special Live In New York: Holiday Edition.
Amazon Music
iTunes Music
lala Music
If you enjoy a cappella music check out Naturally 7!
Had it not been for a cappella music, I would have never found that ever elusive villain Carmen Sandiego. But don’t get it twisted. Naturally 7 is not an a cappella group. They consider themselves a vocal band. As a vocal band they are phenomenal. Crime detection just isn’t their thing.
Everything you hear on a Naturally 7 record is generated with the human voice. I kid you not. Guitars, saxophones, harmonicas, drum kits and event DJ turn tables are all created with seven sets of super-human vocal cords. On top of all of that sorcery is an amazing blend of harmonies and ranges. The guys are often mentioned in the same breath with the group Take 6 which is certainly a compliment. Where Naturally 7 stands alone is their mastery at mimicking instrumentation. This skill set adds depth to their performances and no doubt ensures that they are the life of any party.
I first crossed paths with the guys back in 2002 and again in 2006 when they performed at the venue I was running. I must say that the guys of Naturally 7 are true gentlemen. They were incredibly professional, fun loving and fan-friendly; not always the traits of touring musicians. Back in 2002, I found myself wondering why these guys had not exploded on the music scene, but I suppose with anything it just takes some time and patience. Well, the time has finally come for Naturally 7.
These New York City natives have spent the better half of the last decade burning up the charts in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland and Austria. Their cover of Phil Collin’s “In the Air Tonight” and their original track “Music is the Key” grew their fan base and global recognition. A recent international tour with Michael Bublé and appearances on the “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” has only strengthened their game. Keep an eye out for their new album Wall of Sound which will be coming to you soon. In the meantime, welcome their album What is It? into your home. I recommend you check out “Broken Wings”, “Music is the Key”, “More than Words” and “Get Ready”.
Check out the guys with their performance of “Wall of Sound” on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”.
Their live performance of “In the Air Tonight” on a Paris subway has become a web classic.
Amazon Music
iTunes Music
Naturally 7 with Michael Buble’
lala Music
