KES THE BAND

In 1998 the Dieffenthaller brothers: Hans, Jon, Kees and best friend Riad Boochoon joined forces to form a cover band called 'Limestone'. 'This outfit was created for the sole purpose of entering a local pop rock competition that was held during that summer. That year the band’s first outing resulted in a disheartening eleventh place. Discouraged, but not destroyed, the boys made a personal commitment to strive harder musically, with one objective in mind: to re-enter the competition and make a stronger impact. One year later the group then known as 'Limestone' re-entered the pop-rock competition; but this time around the result was different… they placed first!

This commitment to excellence and strong desire to be the best at their craft is what separates the members of this band from many other acts, and has been the driving force for so many years.

A year later the boys would go through another metamorphosis, and in so doing, would change their names from 'Limestone' to 'Rydimorai' — where they made the transition from a cover band to a unit producing original music that fused together such styles reggae, rock, funk and calypso.

Their unique sense of style and unbelievable talent caught the eyes and ears of Joey NgWai, who immediately recruited them to form the core unit of a band that was being revamped called ‘Imij and Co.’ This presented a new challenge for the boys, as it would mean pursuing a genre of music that they had never made their mainstay: soca. Regardless, it was a challenge welcomed with open arms, and from the period 2001 through 2005, the four brothers would tour extensively under the ‘Imij and Co.’ banner and visit territories such as Canada, Miami, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and the Cayman Islands, to name a few, establishing themselves as one of the best touring bands emerging from the island of Trinidad.

The years spent with 'Imij & Co.' were productive ones, in which the boys became polished performers and solid songwriters, creating memorable hits such as 'One Day', 'Push', and 'Runaway'.

In early 2005, Hans, Jon, Kees and Riad would part ways with 'Imij and Co.' and form, KES THE BAND. The objective this time: simply to create a new identity for themselves in which people can respect the band for the music they create, and their contributions to the artform.

Not an easy feat, but one that is being accomplished one step at a time: whether by winning the praises of Mark McGrath, performing as the opening band for 'Sugar Ray'; being featured as the only live act on the popular MTV series "The Gauntlet II"; performing as one of the few invited acts for the launch of MTV's network TEMPO – which now shows in over 17 countries throughout the Caribbean; headlining a national touring promotion for Coca Cola, such as 'Rock Your Crib', with other major celebrities such as Machel Montano, and Rikki Jai; or working extensively with internationally renowned producer Derek Bramble on creating songs such as 'The Calling.' A track which has been chosen by ELECTRONIC ARTS SPORTS (EA SPORTS) to be placed on on the soundtrack to their highly anticipated football (soccer) game called FIFA 2006 – WORLD CUP EDITION, which will debut on all three platforms (PS2, X-Box, and Nintendo) on over 6 million units shipped worldwide.

Recently KES THE BAND has launched its very first album titled "Three Baldheads and a Dread" featuring tracks like, 'Stay with me' - which dominated the number one position on the Toronto website charts (www.toronto-lime.com) for 9 straight weeks, a new record; 'Heads High,' a Carnival favourite, and a cover version of the Dave Matthews hit "Crash Into Me". Also featured on the album is new member of the group, Nadia Batson, whose monster smash 'One Island' was one of the most popular songs for the Carnival season.

Other members of KES THE BAND include, Keithson Cruikshank (keyboards) and Richard Balgobin (vocal and rhythm sampling technician). The addition of these professionals together with the managerial expertise of S.E.G. (Sepetys Entertainment Group based in Los Angeles) and Question Mark Entertainment (based in Trinidad and Tobago) make a formidable team.

KES THE BAND is definitely a force to be reckoned with and with plans to spread their gospel of Caribbean Pop across the globe like a ‘bush fire’, it is but a matter of time before the band’s name becomes a familiar one in every household worldwide.

2008 RELEASES
KES The Band - Right Dey
KES The Band & Mista Vybe - Wave It Away

2007 RELEASES
Nadia Batson & Kees - My Land
KES The Band - Our Prayer

2006 RELEASES
KES The Band - Heads High
KES The Band - Stay With Me

2005 RELEASES
Kees Diffenthaller - The Way

Real Player will be needed to experience the music

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