By Laura Bailey
Connecticut-based band Neybas is celebrating a major milestone as their latest album, Extended Flow, climbs the ranks of both the prestigious Relix/Jambands.com Radio Chart and the AMA Americana Radio Chart.
The album, which has received airplay on 169 radio stations spanning four countries and three continents, marks another high point in the band’s nearly 40-year career.
Formed in 1986, Neybas has built a devoted following throughout the Northeast, known for their electrifying live shows and genre-blending sound that incorporates elements of rock, blues, indie, and soul. Extended Flow, their latest release, features 16 original tracks, showcasing the band’s evolution with its mix of bold guitar riffs, melodic basslines, and infectious grooves.
Neybas guitarist/songwriter/singer Russ Waesche stated this is more than just chart success; it’s a celebration of their longevity, growth, and dedication to creating music that resonates with listeners.
“It’s an incredible feeling to see Extended Flow resonate with so many people,” Waesche said. “I’m so fortunate to be part of this band of brothers and to be able to do what I love for so many years.”
Left: Russ Waesche. Right: Greg Marshall. | Laura Bailey
Neybas’ journey began in the late 1980s when its members were students at the University of Connecticut. What started as casual jams at parties, where the band played covers of their favorite 60s and 70s rock songs, quickly grew into something much bigger. Before long, Neybas became a staple in local bars and clubs, building a devoted fan base across Connecticut and beyond.
“We started playing regularly in 1986,” said Waesche. “We got our start when we played a muscular dystrophy benefit at Ted’s, a bar at UConn. The response was fantastic. Looking back, I’m still blown away by the audience’s reaction. Suddenly, I’m getting phone calls, and people want us to play their parties. Within a year, we were playing at the Russian Lady. It built really fast.”
Neybas is known for their warm, nostalgic vibes, with tight rhythms, catchy hooks, and powerful melodies. The group’s ability to blend reflective, atmospheric moments with high-energy anthems has been a hallmark of their sound, allowing them to captivate audiences for the past 3 decades.
The band’s music draws from the energy of rock’s golden era with a contemporary and genre-defying sound. Neybas’ music has evolved organically over the years, from their “punk-a-funk-a-delic” roots to what Waesche now calls “trad rock-alt-Americana-jamband.”
This musical journey is evident in Extended Flow, which adds four new tracks to their 2019 release Flow. The album blends bluesy rock anthems, melodic ballads, and more experimental, soulful moments.
Left: Kevin “English” Bornstein Right: Nicholas “Toad” Eckert. | Laura Bailey
One standout feature of the album is Waesche’s incorporation of pedal steel guitar on several tracks. The instrument’s smooth, sliding tone adds a sweet, ethereal quality to songs like “Julia,” “Mighty River,” and “Ballad of You and Me,” further elevating the band’s sound.
“I’ve always wanted to learn pedal steel,” Waesche said. “I picked up a demo model and taught myself to play. I love it—it has such a cool sound. There’s something about playing those pedals to increase the tone, bending the pitch half a step or a full step depending on the string; it’s just the coolest sound.”
A true virtuoso, Waesche combines emotional expressiveness with technical skill that makes him a standout musician in the modern rock scene.
At the heart of Neybas is a deep sense of camaraderie and musical chemistry. Waesche is joined by Nicholas “Toad” Eckert, a multi-talented guitarist and vocalist, Kevin “English” Bornstein, whose basslines provide both melody and rhythm, Emmet Hale, a drummer known for his explosive fills and dynamic rhythms, and Greg Marshall, whose mastery of keys adds sophistication and texture to the band’s sound.
This tight-knit bond is especially evident in their live performances, where the energy between the band and audience fuels an unforgettable experience.
“There’s something different in live performances,” Waesche reflects. “There’s this X factor. The audience plays such a huge part in it. The positivity and energy we get from the crowd feeds us and keeps the whole vibe going. There’s also a deep friendship and connection between all of us; we’re a band of brothers.”
Throughout their career, Neybas has shared the stage with some of rock’s most respected musicians, including The Georgia Satellites, Joan Osborne, NRBQ, Great White, Felix Cavaliere, Todd Snider and Rick Derringer.
With Extended Flow making waves on the charts, the band’s loyal fanbase is continuing to grow.
“We’re all so fortunate to be doing what we love,” Waesche said, “and connecting with others through our music.”
Left: Emmet Hale. Right: Neybas performing at the 2022 Brian’s Angels benefit “Angelfest.”| Laura Bailey
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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