On The Verge

BuzzUniverse

Elizabeth, N.J.
Positive Funk
www.buzzuniverse.com

“The band name allows us to play and explore all music without categorizing the group in a specific musical genre,” guitarist Alex Garay says of past Relix JamOff winners BuzzUniverse. “It’s the universe of music we invite into the writing…it’s the positive message in the tunes.” Hailing from Elizabeth, N.J., but finding a home across the Garden State and in the clubs of Manhattan, the core quartet of Garay, bassist Greg McLoughlin, drummer Dave Migliore and Brian Ciufo on tenor sax and assorted woodwinds is regularly augmented by Meredith Bogacz on violin and Rosie Lazroe on vocals, along with a host of other performers. “Guests are a huge part of what we do. Hundreds of amazing musicians have joined us onstage over the years, from big names like Melvin Sparks, Chris Barron and Jason Crosby to amazing unknown talent,” says McLoughlin. In any form, BuzzUniverse creates rich, infectious dance music painted with a palette of soaring jams, Latin rhythms and world beat grooves—all drenched in lush saxophone solos.