Clarias

Hailing from Boston, MA, Clarias began with Mike Giordano (vocals, acoustic guitar), Joe Iafrate (guitar), Damian Gates (bass, vocals), and Jon Berman (saxophone). Giordano and Iafrate first met up and began penning songs together while attending Merrimack College. The group's lineup was (for the most part) completed by 1999, which resulted in playing local clubs on a regular basis, and building a substantial following with college types and admirers of jam bands (à la <a href="spotify:artist:2TI7qyDE0QfyOlnbtfDo7L">Dave Matthews Band</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:3pHeBYl1yujXcZqqfF1UyQ">Blues Traveler</a>, etc.). Shortly after the release of their debut album, Intro, drummer Brett Simmons joined the band. Berman left in 2003 while keyboard player Steve Giles joined up in 2005. Jordan Lipp entered the lineup on drums in 2006. For 2009's The Days of the Getaway, the band got Matthew Ellard (<a href="spotify:artist:2ApaG60P4r0yhBoDCGD8YG">Elliott Smith</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:3T4EY2HthpDQceZWzgSar5">Tanya Donelly</a>) to produce. Guitarist Paul Lipp joined the band shortly thereafter. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi