Press


Your band freaking rocks! Joe Strummer.
"A rocking big band out of Baltimore and DC, the Players can hit all the styles and are a must-see live!" - AP Magazine (Alternative Press). August, 2003.

Since 1999, this 8-piece band has established itself as a force in the Baltimore-DC region, by successfully combining Jamaican Ska and Reggae to create a new sound. The Players Band has performed over 350 shows, sharing the stage with legends such as Grammy Award Winning Toots and the Maytals, The B-52's, The Mighty-Mighty Bosstones, Joe Strummer, The English Beat, Citizen Cope, The Toasters, and The Pietasters to name a few, appearing at such venues as the 9:30 Club, MCI Center, Knitting Factory, Trocadero Theatre, Chance Theater, Bottle & Cork, Recher Theatre, 8x10, and Artscape.

Discography
The Players Instrumental (2001)
The Players Hate the Game (2003)
The Players Half-Time (2005)


Brothers play for homeless

A pair of Catonsville-bred musicians will rock the Lurman stage Sept. 29 in a concert benefiting the town's homeless shelter.

Andy and Dan Schneider and their rock-reggae-ska band, The Players, are scheduled to perform free Sept. 29 to benefit the nonprofit Lazarus Caucus, which supports Baltimore County's cold-weather shelter at the Spring Grove Hospital Center.

The musicians invite everyone to bring a chair or blanket for seating at the outdoor Lurman Woodland Theatre, some refreshments and, if possible, cash or checks for donating to the cause.

Produced by Catonsville booster Tom Schneider, who is Andy and Dan's father, the two-hour show opens at 6 p.m. in the open-air theater at Bloomsbury Avenue and Hilltop Road.

It's a rare opportunity, at any price, says Andy Schneider, 28, band manager and drummer, whose primary job is in business development at Legg Mason Capital Management.

Since getting together in 1999, the eight-piece band has performed at such top-notch venues as the 9:30 Club in Washington and has shared billing with the B-52s, The Toasters, English Beat and Third Eye Blind.

In addition to rock and reggae, which most people recognize, The Players specializes in ska, a fast Jamaican beat that predates the slower reggae.

Think calypso, with a touch of jazz and rhythm-and- blues and a lot of brass.

However ska is described, people of all ages - including small children - typically come away loving it, Schneider promises.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," said Gloria Powell, treasurer for Lazarus Caucus, commenting on the benefit show. "I'm looking forward to hearing them play."

Incorporated two years ago, the Catonsville-based nonprofit took its name from the biblical character brought back to life by Jesus.

Its goal is to resurrect the homeless by helping them get jobs and re-enter productive society.

Baltimore County contracts with the nonprofit Community Assistance Network to operate the county's west-side shelter from mid-November to mid-April.

With a capacity of about 75, the overnight shelter on the grounds at Spring Grove provides sleeping cots, dinner and breakfast for men, women and children.

Lazarus contributes by coordinating hot meals from local churches and collecting food, toiletries, clothes and other donations.

Although The Players usually charges anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 a gig, the elder Schneider knew his sons would jump at a chance to benefit their hometown.

"We were all for it," Andy Schneider said, noting that he and his brother attended Hillcrest Elementary and Catonsville Middle schools before graduating from Mount St. Joseph High School. "We are big-time Catonsville people."

Dan, a fulltime musician, still lives here, while Andy, who moved away about 10 years ago and lives in Ellicott City, often dines at Jennings Cafe and often spots one or two friends there.

Their dad also is a familiar face about town as an amateur actor and director with the Heritage Players, a Catonsville-based theater group that routinely donates its profits to charities such as Lazarus Caucus.

While his sons practice their skills for the Lurman show, Schneider is seeking cash sponsors this week.

The cash will go directly to Lazarus as The Players are donating everything necessary to stage the show.

For more information, go to www.theplayersband.com.
- Marcia Ames

The Catonsville Times. September, 2006.

Rock Steady - The Players are playing for big money. But not their own.

When The Players take the stage at Lurman Woodland Theatre on Friday, September 29, they'll be playing for the money.

Not their own: the event is a fundraiser for the Lazarus Caucus and the Winter Freezing Weather Shelter, both Catonsville-based non-profits.

No great surprise: The Players, a rock/reggae/ska band, are mostly Catonsville-based, too, with members who first picked up their instruments at Hillcrest Elementary, Catonsville Middle, Mount St. Joseph High and other area schools.

But if the players in The Players — sorry, couldn't resist — sound like civic-minded folks, it may be genetic: drummer Andy and guitarist Dan are sons of Tom Schneider, who is not only producing the event but has led other fundraising community events, and a grandmother who was a cofounder of ReVisions (now Mosaic), a local non-profit that helps mentally ill adults.

Not that the band is a bunch of newbies struggling for recognition. The eight members have shared the stage with The Toasters, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Pietasters, former Clashman Joe Strummer (who spewed "You guys freakin' rock" when they opened for him at Washington's 9:30 Club), Toots & The Maytals, B-52's, English Beat, Third Eye Blind and many others. As headliners they've sold out Towson's Recher Theatre, the 8x10 in Baltimore, and several other venues.

That pedigree, field by music that moves a crowd, "gets people excited even if they've never heard it," noted Andy, currently heading for an MBA and working at investment house Legg Mason. "Everyone who walks into one of our shows not knowing anything about ska walks out loving it."

Ska, a cousin of reggae, rocks, bops, bounces, especially when The Players' horn section punctuates the beat with brass blasts. It's a party in 4/4 time, though the rhythm is the opposite of a rock 'n roll backbeat.

So why this event, now? Although the band doesn't concentrate on charity events, Andy said everyone was enthusiastic when Poppa Tom proposed it. Tom, who directed a show by the local Heritage Players that benefited the Lazarus Caucus — the Heritage Players donate proceeds from every show to one or more local charities — said the combination of "two really worthwhile, really needy charities" and "a band that's a bunch of good guys," made the event a natural.

When he approached the board of directors at Lurman, which normally ends its regular concert season at the end of August, "everyone was very supportive." County Councilman Sam Moxley's office helped expedite the necessary permissions from the Baltimore County Department of r\Recreation and Parks, and the event was a go.

Tom, who admits to playing "a little guitar" but concentrates more on theatre than music, worked at ReVisions as well (vice president of development) and has always been a supporter of community groups, charities and events.

So, apparently, are his sons. "If we were going to do something like this, we wanted to do it right," said Andy, and his hope is that a band that can sell out the 9:30 Club and the Recher Theatre (800-900 people) can fill Lurman with hundreds of generous music lovers. The generosity will be key because the 6-8 p.m. event is free, and donations will be the only form of income.

Another hope is that a corporate sponsor or two will contact Tom (443-928-9049) to boost the proceeds, which everyone hopes will be in the thousands of dollars.

"Whatever happens," said Tom, "we'll be thankful." Not to mention rockin'.
- David Sattler

The View. September, 2006.

"The Players Band
Halftime (Self-released)
Can a reggae/ska band rock? On its third CD, The Players Band proves that it definitely can. An eight-piece, the group makes the most of a muscular horn section (featuring Nick Reider on trumpet, David Blackstone on trombone, and Michael Gorman on saxophone) that, like the Skatalites, punctuates its rock steady tunes with shots of bouncing, upbeat brass. Funky songs such as “Joe’s Song” show it can also cut deep grooves out of Joe Ross’s nimble bass playing, Andy Schneider’s drumming, and Dan Schneider’s chicken-scratch guitar. In fact, Halftime exhibits a near-encyclopedic knowledge of classic soul that mixes nicely with its rocking take on reggae and ska."
- John Lewis
http://www.baltimoremag.com/default.asp?sid=it_list4

Baltimore Magazine. January, 2006.

"This seven-piece act was formed five years ago, during a time when high-school band geeks in every corner of the country were playing out and cashing in on ska's most recent wave of mainstream popularity.

But when Good Charlotte and other quasi-punk boy bands sounded a noisy death knell for Jamaican-styled pop - after American teens' love affair with ska-influenced groups such as Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris and Goldfinger was over - the Players proved their undying devotion to the genre and kept on skanking.

Since then, the local act has done its part to keep the scene alive, tirelessly touring the mid-Atlantic region and opening for ska legends such as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and the Pietasters.

Quotable: Andy Schneider on quitting vs. staying in the game: "I don't think [breaking up] once crossed our minds. The fact that the scene was folding [was not] ... going to have any effect on our decision to play. It's about playing music that we want to play and playing with people who we admire."

- Sarah Schaffer
http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-live-meettheband0318,0,3318484.story?coll=bal-live-utility"

The Baltimore Sun. March, 2004. Issue # 181

"A rocking big band out of Baltimore and DC, the Players can hit all the styles and are a must-see live."

AP (Alternative Press) Magazine. August, 2003. Issue # 181

“[The Players] ooze class and the horns are just damn big. The best thing about [Hate the Game] is that they have some studio tracks mixed with the live cuts and the living vibe of their fun music is what really helps you hear why you need to go see them. The ska and jazz mix well makin’ this almost big band swing at times with a razor edge of irrefutable cool.”

Laurin Wollan, February, 2003, Music Monthly

“On Hate the Game, The Players do the ska thing, and they do it well, with horn-heavy choruses and chicken-scratch guitar on exuberant tunes such as ‘Once Again’ and a cover of Sublime’s ‘Same in the End.’ But when the Baltimore-based band references both Wu-Tang Clan and the Notorious B.I.G. on ‘Dave’s Song,’ it’s truly an inspired moment. Ain’t no hatin’ these Players.”

John Lewis. April 2003. Baltimore Magazine

 

 “This could be the hottest act in the area right now. The Players are as advertised, they are ‘players’. I'm always a sucker for a great horn section. The music has p-a-r-t-y written all over it! Get up for a whole heap of fun, from top to bottom this debut album [Hate the Game] from The Players is really great. The tracks are about half studio recordings and the other half live soundboards. The mastering is such that there isn't a lot of sonic difference between the two halves. That's a pretty amazing feat, not all that easy to do, which is why live tracks are tacked on these days as bonus material. The vocals here remind me a bit of another Baltimore based band, the Junkyard Saints. The lyrics are right smart, mostly original, and also include pure ska adaptations of material by rappers Wu-Tang Clan, Notorious B.I.G. (Dave's Song) and the bands Sublime (Same in the End) and the Scofflaws (Nude Beach). I love the instrumentals ‘Mama’ and ‘Rub a Dub’ (Vic Rice mixes). The horns are delicious. The live tracks will give you a taste of the band many folks told me stole the night at this year's First Night Annapolis celebration. I knew from the first notes I heard on Damian's Thursday night local music show on 103.1 WRNR that these guys are the real deal. If you want to dance, this is the stuff that good times are made of!”

Michael Buckley. March 2003. 103.1 WRNR Radio Annapolis / Chesapeake Music Guide

 

 “THE PLAYERS: hate the game 2003 nous amène cet album d'un nouveau venu sur la scène Ska américaine! Si vous aimez les TOASTERS ce CD est pour vous! Mais la musique des PLAYERS va pourtant au-delà du son propre au TOASTERS... en effet les 15 morceaux de cet album incorporent bien plus d'influences que la bande à Buckett, on y trouve du Jazz, de la soul (pas mal même) ou bien ce rock US si typique qui donne là un Ska débordant d'énergie et avec une pêche qui me fait dire que le Ska US devra désormais compter avec ces p'tits gars là! Des p'tits gars qui ne trichent pas puisque la moitié de l'album est enregistré LIVE et que le résultat sert à lui seul de preuve quant à la qualité musicale du groupe! D'ailleurs certains ne s'y sont point trompés puisque 2 titres de ce hate the game sont mixés par Victor RICE (des SLACKERS).”

Viking Remedy Magazine (France). March 2003

 


English Translation
 

 “THE PLAYERS: hate the game THE PLAYERS are certainly one of the best new act on the US Third wave Ska scene for 2003... and the energy i've found on these 15 tracks with Jazz, Soul and the typical US Rock sound give one of the best way for Ska in the USA! So the result is (with a part of LIVE recordings and a part of studio productions) the album you need to start this year with brand new ears! Maybe it's time to have a new TOASTERS! And don't miss the 2 mixes by Victor RICE (from THE SLACKERS).”

Viking Remedy Magazine (France). March 2003

 

 “[The Players] ooze class and the horns are just damn big. The best thing about [Hate the Game] is that they have some studio tracks mixed with the live cuts and the living vibe of their fun music is what really helps you here why you need to go see them. The ska and jazz mix well makin’ this almost big band swing at times with a razor edge of irrefutable cool.”

Laurin Wollan. February 2003. Music Monthly

 

Hate the Game' is a jam driven album.
The Players Hate The Game Self-released.

Take a big mixing bowl and throw in some Latin grooves, reggae mentalities, driving rock guitars, wu-tang lyrics and heat it all up with horns and congas. This mixture pretty well sums up the latest release, "Hate the Game," from The Players.

"Hate The Game" is a jam driven vehicle coupled with pop conventions reminiscent of mid-'90s wave ska. It's no question why these guys fit well in the Towson area. The band is clearly aware of its audience, filling each song with pieces of many contemporary genres. The Players keep their integrity by not being afraid to take so-called risks. This is shown well in the track "Dave's Song," which keeps a two-tone beat while Jason Booze, the lead singer, fills the lyrics with lines from Notorious B.I.G. and Wu-Tang Clan. While integrating rap music and ska hybrids is nothing new, The Players' approach to this style is unique.

Live tracks are always a measure of how good a band really is, especially in ska. On this front, The Players definitely shine through. The album's eight live tracks do much to showcase the sound made famous by Sublime as well. If you could somehow manage to think of ska as a 21st century innovation, this record would definitely never leave your CD player. This album is third wave, Warped Tour Ska you are likely to see made cool by Good Charlotte during the All Things Rock Countdown. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you should start drinking -- heavily.

Jesse Trawinski. February 19, 2003. Towson University Towerlight

 

The Players
Hate The Game
(Independent)

Two years to the month after proving to the Baltimore plastic purchasing public their instrumental position as representatives of the local instrumental big band sound, The Players raise the stakes with the addition of not only bongo beater Jason Booze’s voice, but guitarist Dan Schneider’s. And while neither possesses powerful pipes to the extent of distraction from the whole lotta skankin’ going on musically, the vocalizing is competent enough to complement the players without distraction. Jason assumes the natural role of “singer” as the stronger of the two, coming off as a moderation of Elvis Costello and Pat Dinizio. Retaining the debut’s trick shot of alternating between studio and stage, The Players leave no doubt that the stage is their forte. Indeed, the five Fells Point Festival shots, together with the two from Fletchers a couple blocks from that very beer garden- plus an intercalation from the just- west- of- there Federal Hill- do nothing for this release if not take the party to the next level. Hell, “Nothing More” could almost be considered alongside ska metal party legends White Trash’s underrated second album Si O Si Que, given mo’ muscle. And the instrumental “Tito” (Puente) adds some Latino heat to the proceedings, evoking nostalgia for The Players’ Latin jazz roots (if that’s possible, being it was only two years ago that they were equal parts L.J. and ska).

As to the studio portion, it’s still a party, as evidenced right out the bag via the opening “Pop,” frisky fast ska a’la Bosstones or recording studio neighbors The Pietasters (NoVa, that is). The horn chorus is familiar-catchy, but no Player plagiarists as far as I can measure. Dan raps over “Dave’s Song,” love to the Wu Tang, before the band gets down and gives up the most “killingest” jam on the disc. “Once Again” is weightily bass anchored; Keith Jackson’s nimble fingers rule til horns bust out. “Watch Your Back,” speaking brassy, is another great line at the chorus to rival the first track. “My One And Only” is a breezy reggae also-ran ala fellow locals Jah Works (whose last release, Bassmentality, was another stylee pastiche in a similar rubadub style- explanation forthcoming...).

But the Hate The Game highlight for me- objectivity be damned- is the one two punch of “Mama” and obviously-titled “Rub A Dub.” Mixologist Vic Rice took his Cue in Falls Church and played Scientist at The Players’ Ark for some classic mid seventies dub. The former features echo all around, save for the obligatory rubber bass. “Mama” also includes a claustrophobic midsection breakdown before mantra-like backing vocals. “Rub A Dub” utilizes less echo chamber, but with the extra-classic Lee Scratch Perry phaser, calliope organ-like keys and ringing snare, all muffled for your confusion pleasure.

Stone Scruggs. Music Monthly


 

 “The Players have put out 'Instrumental' and I would say that this was a must listen for all those who enjoy ska-like music. They are clearly an accomplished organization with a tight sense of the groove and easy skankin that makes such music so damn good. This is one that I am keeping for sure and I suggest that you go out and check them live, for such bands as this do not come into being very often and what they can do with music is phenomenal.”

Laurin Wollan. November 2001. Music Monthly

 
 

Repeat after me: “The Players are not Jazz-Ska... The Players are not Jazz-Ska”. There are no vocals on Instrumental, and there is some near-virtuoso level instrumentation on a lot of the songs; but these factors do not add up to another NYSJE! This is simply a great instrumental album, edgier than Jazz Jamaica, a hundred times tighter than The Legends of Brass, and a lot purer to Ska’s core essentials than The Articles.

 It’s been said before: anyone can do a Skatalites cover, but very few can do it well. I couldn’t agree more, which is why I am so pleased with the rendition of “Cleopatra” that opens up Instrumental. Listen for an amazing dichotomy of the shrill trumpet and the lumbering bari-sax on this superb cover. Just as excellent is “Confucius”, which rounds out the album at an awe-inspiring nearly 8:8 tempo. Imagine this song played almost twice as fast but without sloppiness...it’s hard to conceptualize, and I’m amazed that it works as well as it does. I know I gave props to The Orobians for pulling off a good Christine Keeler, but what the Orobians set out to do is exactly that: be a really great Skatalites-style band. The Players are just trying to be a great instrumental Ska band, and that’s what they are in the end.

 Watch out for track 4, “P.O.P” (why they left the third period off I don’t know); where they mix things up a little with some of Ska musicians’ favorite tricks: dropping to half time for a bridge, easing into distorted guitar at full time, then just the bass. Then the horns come back in tooting staccato, the guitar creeps back, and finally the drums and after every instrument is clearly playing they end the song in one more bar. It could be said that these are not unique to Ska, for of course they aren’t; but this scheme doesn’t sound the same in other styles of music as it does in Ska.

 If you live in the DC area be sure to check out The Players. They have been gigging with Joe Strummer and Mass Hysteria recently and are probably coming to a town near you in the near future.

This review can be found at http://www.ruderoots.com/reviews/players/instrumental.html