As an acoustic American roots artist, Luke begins with the blues, draws on the story telling tradition of country and folk, and brings his lyrics to life through soaring melodies set against the backdrop of energetic grooves derived from pop rock. During Luke's 3 years with the successful acoustic Americana band Tangerine Trousers the group received 3 Detroit Music Awards including Outstanding Acoustic Recording for "Dressed for Success", which also got strong reviews from national magazines such as Performing Songwriter ("…damn cool!") and No Depression ("An unassuming powerhouse"). As a member of the Trousers, Luke grew from his traditional role as upright bassist into a songwriter, singer, and acoustic guitarist. In 2005 Luke released his debut solo CD "Songbook; the introduction" and reunited with his fellow former Tangerine Trousers band mate Mark Iannace. This duo is the nucleus of The Last to Know band.
Luke's last EP "Long Way Back" (2007) was described as "flavorful folk that weaves together blues, rock, country, jazz, and bluegrass, with bang-up harmonies at times recalling Barenaked Ladies" (John Sinkevics - Grand Rapids Press), and received praise such as "Luke Sayers has a powerful, passionate voice, and it's put to good use on the heartfelt, beautifully written tunes on his new CD" (Martin Bandyke - 107.1 FM Ann Arbor, MI). Other accolades came in the form of nominations by WYCE's “Jammie” Awards for Best Local Folk Album of the Year, as well as the Detroit Music Awards for Outstanding Acoustic/Folk Recording.
2008 has brought about a soulful collection of 11 new original songs for people who like honest, melodious, & deep grooving music on Luke's third release as a solo artist, and his first full length recording "Radio Flower". This new CD is full of the sound that Christian Czerwinski of the Lansing State Journal NOISE called "easy to listen to even for the hardest of rockers and the most casual of pop fans". This year also adds another dimension to the recognition Luke has received from his peers via the Detroit Music Awards as he's been nominated in the Outstanding Acoustic/Folk Instrumentalist (acoustic guitar) category, which will go along side the nominations from previous years as an Acoustic/Folk Songwriter & Acoustic/Folk Artist.
The truth is in Luke's passionate and uninhibited live performances in which a pound of flesh, blood, sweat, and tears are always given freely for appreciative audiences. Bill Keith, head of the Trinity House Theatre, says "you have to get out and see Luke Sayers and Mark Iannace. These two are wonderfully talented songwriters, but it is in the live performance that their music takes on wings." Concert halls, house concerts, festivals, clubs, coffeehouses, & live radio broadcasts all feel like home to this seasoned performer. Luke has toured internationally, recorded on several original CDs and has shared the stage with Martin Sexton, Ani Difranco, Old Crow Medicine Show, Donna the Buffalo, Jackie Green, Railroad Earth, Brave Combo, The Clumsy Lovers, Ruthie Foster, and Bluehouse. Luke has performed his original songs on the stages of The Ark, the Bluebird Café for the Sunday Showcase Spotlight, the Legion Arts-CSPS hall, the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, the Detroit Festival of the Arts, the Black Swamp Arts Festival, Blissfest, and the White River Folk Festival.
2007 Detroit Music Awards Nominee for "Outstanding Acoustic/Folk Instrumentalist"
Mark Iannace (aka Dr. Bellows) has been 'practicing' the medicinal art of music for quite some time now. A veteran of the Detroit music scene and the folk circuit, Mark has performed in many different avenues ... from contemporary folk, to musical theatre, to vocal jazz.
As a member of folk/pop's Tangerine Trousers, Mark toured thru the Midwest and into the Southeast ... Mark was a major force in the "Trousers" signature 3-part harmonies, as well as sweetening up the pie with a unique accordion style. While with Tangerine Trousers, Mark helped the band win 3 Detroit Music Awards.
Mark also has been blessed to play guest-accordion spots on stage with Chris Stamey & Peter Holsapple (of the dbs), Jill Jack, and Jen Cass. As well, he has contributed harmony vocals and accordion to Stewart Francke's "Wheel of Life" CD
