NEWS & TESTIMONIALS ABOUT EVIL WAYS

by Cynthia Sykes, Cleveland.com Correspondant
August 10, 2011

When Thompson Hine Chief Financial Officer Michael Goldberg sheds the Brooks Brothers suits for his Carlos Santana getup – down to the hat, samba whistle and orange Paul Reed Smith guitar (his wife made him shave off the moustache) – well, you would never be able to tell them apart.

At least with your eyes closed.

Goldberg is the lead guitarist for the Santana tribute band Evil Ways. He may spend his days poring over financial reports, but by nightfall, when he picks up his guitar, he makes magic. Black magic.

“The guy has got chops. The guy has talent,” raved clevelandrockandroll.com during Evil Ways’ headline concert at the House of Blues in February 2011. “I mean c’mon, could you pick someone harder than Carlos Santana to play?”

Exactly the point. “Santana is more demanding than other blues and rock ’n roll,” Goldberg explained. “All the percussion and Latin rhythms add complexity. Plus, it’s not the same thing that every other band is playing.”
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From: Mike T.
Sent: 02/03/2011
Subject: Congratulations to Evilways

It was very fortunate A. informed me your band was playing on Fox8 on the morning of January 28th so I could record it. After reviewing it I was completely impressed with the amount of polished musicians you have in your group. The two male singers were outstanding. The keyboard player was on the money and the horn section and even the bongo player was just perfect. The statement that if you closed your eyes you can almost hear Carlos was the absolute truth. You are a virtuoso on your guitar and it was further demonstrated on Fox8. I’ve become a fan of Evilways and hit the “like” button on Facebook. Congratulations to you and your entire band for a very job well done. We do hope to get out and see your band play one day as it’s been a long time since we’ve had the pleasure.

Excellent job,
Mike

From: An Evil Ways Fan!
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Subject: News from the Galaxy Restaurant

The Evil Ways Band Saturday night was the BEST you have ever had up there!! Great job!!

From: Jeff
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Subject: Lock 3 show

Hey Gregg,

Once again awesome show tonight. I haven't been to a Santana show for about 10 years and you guys sound so authentic it really brought me back to back in the day. Thanks for perpetuating the music and making it accessible. Europa was killer, as well as I Ain't Got Nobody. I used to jam along to the Sacred Fire concert video all the time, so you're living my fantasy playing those songs in front of hundreds of people. Everyone on the lawn was really digging it by the way. Let me know if you ever need more percussion!

From: Joe
Subject: Lock 3 show

It was great meeting you! I had a great time Friday and was very impressed with the band. The vast majority of tribute acts have nowhere near the attention to detail you showed Friday. Very impressive!

"If you dig Santana's music, this is a really good tribute band worth seeing."

"You guys did a great job! Everyone loved the band! Your sound is fantastic. Thanks for getting up early and playing at FOX 8 Studios!"

"I heard so many wonderful things about your performance. The staff, including the kitchen, were raving about it! Thanks so much for putting on a great show. When you come back, I'll make sure I'm here. Thanks so much!"

"When you close your eyes, it is SANTANA!"