I don't know what to say...

The_Egg · 11-19-2009, 03:33 PM

ekoostik hookah: Band News and Shows

...from Cliff Starbuck
After a lot of careful thinking, I have decided to leave the band. Having played with Hookah for almost 19 years, it was an extremely difficult decision, made even more difficult by my love for my band mates and our music. Naturally I'll be coming back to sit in periodically, but after New Year's Eve you'll be enjoying a new bass player.

It has been an amazing privilege to spend so many years playing with this band, and I'll always be grateful for the experiences I've had along the way. I’ve gotten to travel all over the world to play music that I love with all my favorite people. I've been extremely lucky, and there's no other way I would rather have spent these years. I'm proud to be the musician that I am today, one that I could never have become without the influence of everyone in this band. I know my decision to leave might be surprising and hard to understand, but I’m asking for your support and trust on this. 19 years is a long time for anyone to do the same thing, let alone someone with my short attention span. I feel strongly that this is the right time in my life to explore new options and try new things. It's very sad to be leaving the people with whom I've shared so much, but I'm also excited about the prospect of going new places and seeing what the future might bring. A significant change in my life is essential for me to evolve, not just as a musician but as a person.

It's natural to be resistant to change, especially when it comes to altering a formula that's been so successful for so long. Sometimes veering off from the inevitable path will make the trip more interesting, and ultimately more fulfilling. The band is in the process of finding a bassist who will live up to and probably eclipse my legacy. I'll pass on everything I've learned, but it'll be nice to hear new ideas and a fresh perspective on the bass lines.
Words are inadequate when it comes to trying to express my gratitude for all of your support, and for the good music and good times we've all had together. I'll miss you all and look forward to when our paths cross in the future.
Cliff

...from ekoostik hookah
While we are sad to see Cliff go, we respect his decision and wish him the best in whatever he ends up doing. It has been a great honor to be able to spend all of these years together making music and building the wonderful scene that surrounds and supports ekoostik hookah. From a dingy bar in Columbus to Amsterdam, from tiny crowds in Alabama to massive Hookahvilles, it’s been an amazing ride. One that would have never been possible without Cliff.

Cliff will be playing with us through the end of the year, his last show being at The Newport in Columbus, Ohio on New Year’s Eve. We will then be taking a 6 week break to work in our new bass player. While Cliff will be missed, we are confident that we will be as strong as ever when we return. It will be exciting to see what this change brings to our music. In the meantime, we plan on making the most of these last few shows with Cliff, and we’ll be looking forward to having him come back to sit-in with us on occasion.
See you soon,
Dave, Eric, John, and Steve

--------------------------------------------------------------

I am really in shock. I am very sad, yet very happy for Cliff. He deserves all the best.

Be free
and I will See you down the road buddy!

The_Egg · 11-19-2009, 08:38 PM

Dark Star Orchestra, Railroad Earth, and now ekoostik hookah have all lost original members this week. I'm bummed man...

Bring on Hookah 4.0!!

gilligan · 12-01-2009, 10:31 AM

DSO guy is playing with Phil and Bobby.

I didn't know EK had been around 19 yrs.

I am on Pgroove 3.0 right now, shit happens.

The_Egg · 12-01-2009, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by gilligan

DSO guy is playing with Phil and Bobby.

Now if they would just let him sing. Have you ever seen DSO?

The_Egg · 12-01-2009, 12:00 PM

I am actually exited now, to see what Hookah will bring now. I hope they get a new Bass player/song writer.

gilligan · 12-01-2009, 12:24 PM

Yea man they did a 2 night run last yr, did a spring 77 show then an original set list. The guy can sing like Jerry.

They are coming for 2 night in Feb but Bobby and Phil are coming in Feb as well...

The_Egg · 01-20-2010, 07:29 PM

Interview with Phil Risko, New Bass Player for ekoostik hookah

January 20, 2010
Interview by Scott Preston

Some of you may know who Phil Risko is and some of you may not. But starting soon a lot more people will be seeing a lot more of Phil. Starting in February Phil will be taking over the bass guitar duties for ekoostik hookah. Phil has most recently played bass for The Recipe and for Greenleif, a band he co-founded in 2003. Departing longtime ekoostik hookah bass player, Cliff Starbuck also introduced Phil to the crowd at the band's NYE show at The Newport Music Hall, where Phil jammed with Cliff and the band during Sister Sugar (video clip below) and Ballad of Sam McCully.
Cincy Groove: When did you first start playing bass? Was there a reason you chose bass over other instruments?
Phil Risko: I got my first bass when I was 15. I picked it up just by listening to the radio and figuring out songs by playing along so I've had no lessons. I started playing out in the music scene when I was 18 with my first band which gave me exposure to the whole festival scene which was great. I chose bass because I knew that a good bass player is hard to find and both of my brothers already played the guitar and drums so I figured why not the bass as well. Along with the bass I can play the guitar and drums.
Cincy Groove: What other bands do you or have you played in?
Phil Risko: My first band Greenleif was a funk blues rock type started by me and my good friend Ryan Beke. That's the band that I've been playing with for the past 7 years. I recently at the beginning of the summer joined The Recipe and played with them up until now.
Cincy Groove: How do you feel about joining a band that has been established for such a long time?
Phil Risko: Playing with Hookah who's been around for a while is something that I've always wanted to do in my music career, play with an established band, and now that it's happening it's time to do nothing but work on all the material. It's a great achievement for me and an honor.
Cincy Groove: How has rehearsal been going for you?
Phil Risko: Rehearsal has been going good so far. I've met a couple of times with the guys but it's really going to kick in in February when we rehearse in Columbus.
Cincy Groove: How was your experience playing with ekoostik hookah this past NYE at The Newport Music Hall?
Phil Risko: I thought that it was a great way to introduce me to the fans on the last show, and the battle the me and Cliff had was a lot of fun. It meant a lot to me that Cliff was the one who introduced me to the fans, it seemed like he was showing the fans his approval of the bands' decision on the new bassist.
Cincy Groove: Did Cliff have any words of wisdom for you?
Phil Risko: I haven't talked to Cliff too much about what's going on due to the fact that he has a lot going on in his own life but he said if I needed anything that he's a phone call away and to have fun.
Cincy Groove: When was your first ekoostik hookah show?
Phil Risko: My first hookah show was when we played with them at the ledges in 2003. Ever since then I've seen them countless times and now I'll be with them on stage instead of watching which is amazing.
Cincy Groove: Who are some of your musical influences?
Phil Risko: Some of my musical influences of bass players is Larry Graham from the Graham Central Station, Les Claypool, Bootsy Collins, Flea, Mike Gordon and Phil Lesh. I like the way they play and I've adapted some of what they have to offer into my own style.
Cincy Groove: What has been the most interesting or disturbing thing you have seen while on the road?
Phil Risko: Being on the road, the most disturbing thing I've seen would be some guy throwing up all over himself on the street and then laying down in it because it was warm.
Cincy Groove: What have been some highlights for you over the past year?
Phil Risko: Over the past year the highlight would be the NYE show and what's to come in 2010 with ekoostik hookah.
ekoostik hookah tour dates
2/18/2010 Clazel Theater Bowling Green, OH
2/20/2010 The Blue Building Sidney, OH
2/26/2010 Park Theater Holland, MI
2/27/2010 Crump Theater Columbus, IN
3/12/2010 Newport Music Hall Columbus, OH
3/13/2010 Rex Theater Pittsburgh, PA
3/19/2010 The Kent Stage Kent, OH
3/20/2010 Headliners Toledo, OH
3/25/2010 Southgate House Newport, KY
3/26/2010 Lafayette Brewing Company Lafayette, IN
4/3/2010 Spring Hookah in the Hills Dream Show Guysville (Athens) OH
4/9/2010 Reggie’s Rock House Chicago, IL
4/10/2010 Small Planet East Lansing, MI
4/19/2010 The Beach Negril, Jamaica
4/20/2010 The Beach Negril, Jamaica
4/23/2010 The Cliffs Negril, Jamaica