Portland pop act combines vintage R&B sounds with modern groove

CORVALLIS — Portland-based six-piece soul/R&B/pop-rock outfit Intervision plays Bombs Away Cafe at 10 p.m. Friday, May 2. The band is touring in support of its Stevie Wonder-laced album “Shades of Neptune.” Anybody who attended the recent Stevie Wonder or Sly and the Family Stone tributes will recognize several members of the band, including vocalist Paul Creighton.

Consisting of Creighton (lead vocals, synth), Tony Stovin (guitar, backing vocals), Kit Taylor (keys, backing vocals), Mike Glidden (bass), Jon Barber (drums) and Joshua Cliburn (saxophone), Intervision has created a groove epidemic in Portland.

Combining elements of soul, rock, jazz and pop, the group is earning comparisons to acts such as Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder and Jamiroquai, yet have created their own sound.

In April 2007, Intervision released their sophomore album, “Shades of Neptune,” to sell-out crowds in the Northwest. Recorded at the Kung Fu Bakery with engineer/producer Bob Stark, “Shades of Neptune” showcases the vocals of Creighton, rich harmonies and several of the city’s best studio musicians.

While Creighton’s sound invokes Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sting and the improvisational flavor of Kurt Elling, the influences of Tom Petty, Stone Temple Pilots and Dave Matthews are evident in by the rhythmic riffs of Stovin. Keyboardist Kit Taylor rounds out the three-vocal front with his own twists of jazz and hip-hop while bassist Glidden and drummer Barber lay down their signature undulating groove.

From their roots as young music students at Clackamas Community College to one of Portland’s most popular groups, the band has enjoyed performances at the Bite of Oregon, MusicFEST NW, the Aladdin Theatre, and has been a fixture on local television shows such as KATU’s “AM Northwest” and “PDXposed.” A recent opening slot for the Neville Brothers has been one of the highlights of its year thus far.

For more information, see www.intervisionmusic.com.