Nola Blue Records announces the June 6th release of Just Stay High from The Alexis P. Suter Band, distributed by MVD Distribution. Just Stay High emerged during the pandemic as a series of Zoom writing sessions among Suter, her long-time friends and collaborators Vicki Bell and Ray Grappone, and album co-producer Byron Isaacs (The Lumineers). A remote collaboration not unlike others yielding albums born during that time, as this unique project progressed, it took a powerful turn. Suter, Bell and Grappone reunited with original band mates, The Bennett Brothers (Jimmy Bennett and Peter Bennett), rekindling a brilliant, inextinguishable musical fire. 

Suter explains, “Our writing journey began during the pandemic, at a time when we knew we needed to stay on the path of conscious creativity, spending many days collaborating and brainstorming to make our dream come to life. ‘Just Stay High’ is exactly what we did, and now through our gifts of music bring a message of consciousness for the world to heal.”

“All of the stories both lyrically and musically are about life; changes to cope with, some that we can’t change, things learned, observed and pondered when we had to slow down during the pandemic,” reflects vocalist Vicki Bell. “It all boils down to what really matters in life; ‘Love Always Wins.'”

Nola Blue Records president Sallie Bengtson observes, “It is striking to me how the transcendence of a live Alexis P. Suter Band performance is so powerfully conveyed in this recording. The emotional depth and intensity of the lyrics are masterfully cradled with music reflecting the myriad human emotions expressed. Whether peaceful pleas, euphonious joy or despair and outrage, Just Stay High is beyond musical entertainment; it is an emotional experience.” 

Just Stay High is the creation of great minds and talent; a musical story spoken from the heart. Working with producer Byron Isaacs along with Will Bryant, brought extra hues to the band’s coloring book of ideas, yielding magical moments that pop right off the musical pages. Recording at The Building, owned by Lee Falco, added the incomparable and magical energy so familiar to The Alexis P. Suter Band from countless performances at the family’s venue, The Falcon, in Marlboro, New York. Isaacs, Bryant and Falco are also special guest musicians on the album.

“This album is a deep reflection of our journey as a band and as a family,” sums up Alexis P. Suter. We’ve been playing together for many years, and we’re always connected. These songs are a testimony, and a front row seat into our psyche.”

About The Alexis P. Suter Band

The Alexis P. Suter Band is a powerful and unique five-piece ensemble that artfully blurs the lines between Blues, Soul and Rock music. Three-time Blues Music Award nominee Alexis P. Suter owns that big, booming voice heard roaring out of Brooklyn, New York, into the heart of North America and beyond. Her voice ranges from a pained passion to explosive and soul bearing. The power trio of guitarist Jimmy Bennett, drummer Ray Grappone and bassist Peter Bennett lay down the groove like a heavy-duty Rhythm and Blues machine, and vocalist Vicki Bell rounds out the group.

The Alexis P. Suter Band burst on the music scene as regular performers at Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, New York. The group has been making music together for nearly two decades. Now, during an exciting and transformative time, the band is exploring new musical creations, fusing genres with creative expression into fresh and innovative sounds.

The band is led by three-time Blues Music Award (BMA) nominee (including the ‘Koko Taylor’ and Best Soul Blues Female Artist award categories) Alexis P. Suter. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, by a musically gifted family, Suter was infused with the passion and belief that music is to be an emotional and spiritual experience. Miss Suter brings an abundance of love and energy into each of her performances. She was the first African American woman signed to Epic Sony Japan and had a number one dance hit in the ’90s called “Slam It, Baby.”

As one reviewer succinctly wrote, “Suter is as fascinating to watch as to hear… her molasses contralto can whisper and purr, then swell into a pulsating wave of sound that radiates from the depths of her being.”