The show began with a mood-setting, upbeat instrumental groove, to which singer Rushie made a stunning entrance, strutting out onstage in a lavender fringed getup and glittering stilettos that would make Tina Turner jealous.

Continue Reading Melissa Esposito’s Review at the Upstate NY Underground Music Examiner

Time, though, has certainly begun to pay off for the Big Takeover, which has been, well, rocking steadily since 2007. Also comprised of guitarist Jon Klenk, trombonist Andy Vogt, saxophonist Chas Montrose, and drummer Sam Tritto, the group met while its members—all still in their early 20s—were college students, and maintains a brain-jarring schedule, regularly hitting New York and packing sweaty skankers into local venues like Bacchus and Snug Harbor in New Paltz and the Black Swan in Tivoli. The sextet has also shared stages with some of reggae’s heaviest names, opening for the legendary Wailers at the Chance in Poughkeepsie and Aston Ellis and Inner Circle at the Bearsville Theater.”

Continue Reading the Chronogram Article by Peter Aaron

Very aptly named, The Big Takeover is making just that impression all over upstate New York. Big. This reggae/ska band, consisting of NeeNee Rushie on lead vocals, Rob Kissner on Bass, Sam Tritto on drums, Jon Klenck on guitar, Andy Vogt on trombone, and Chas Montrose on the sax, is in the business of making people feel good. And business is really booming! Going to a show is a guaranteed good time. Even the self-proclaimed non-dancers can’t resist movin’ and shakin’ with the grooves this soulful band treats us with.”

Continue Reading NeeNee’s interview with the Upstate NY online mag: The Free George