As we approach the CD Release party on 12/17 at The Token in Westland, another local paper decided it worth mentioning. Sweet indeed. Here's what Daniel Lai had to write about us:
Dexter resident enjoys success with band's new album
Bringing its message of hope to listeners, the band Sweet Crystal recently released its first national album titled “Three,” and will celebrate with a CD release party on Dec. 17 at the Token Lounge in Westland.
The band, which has been together for 39 years, is based out of Plymouth and consists of Marq Speck of Plymouth (lead vocals, keyboards), Bill Blatter of White Lake (guitar, vocals) and Steve Wieser of Dexter (drums).
Though the trio considers themselves a Christian Rock band, Speck said their music focuses less on the power of salvation through Christ and more on rediscovering themselves through faith.
“It’s about how we overcame obstacles during our lives,” he said.
Speck said originally the band started out right out of high school performing rock and roll music while trying to invent a name for itself.
“We did the rock and roll thing just like everyone else,” Speck said.
During the 1970s and ’80s, Sweet Crystal built up a following opening up for bands as diverse as Bob Seger, Nazareth, Steppenwolf, Foghat, Rare Earth and Stryper.
“It wasn’t until I met my wife that we were able to realize who we were musically and move into that Christian Rock realm,” Speck said.
In 1985, gold record producer Henry Weck released Sweet Crystal’s debut EP, “Power-N-Glory.”
The band spent the ’90s in the studio, writing and recording songs for independent films, corporate client events and personal music projects until, in 2003, they released “Still Standing,” their second record and debut full-length release.
The new millennium also saw the band reaching fans across the globe, thanks to the Internet. Taking advantage of the new technology, the band re-released “Power-N-Glory” in remastered form and saw the album generate as much excitement as it did first time around.
Recently, Sweet Crystal signed with the Tate Music Group (TMG), a high profile Christian music label out of Oklahoma.
“It’s exciting. We’re not sure what that is going to do for us yet,” Speck said.
He said he credits the band’s longevity to its ability to remain focused.
“The three of us never had a falling out. We’ve never really had a fight. It’s always been a democracy,” he said. “A lot of people think the lead singer is the one that keeps the band together, but I think Bill stands out with his guitar and Steve is the foundation for the group.”
He said the band is looking forward to the CD release party at the Token Lounge.
“For our CD release party we're teaming with Detroit Rescue (Mission). Whenever we play we do it to help out the community, and there is so many good things that the Detroit Rescue (Mission) does,” Speck said.
The cost to attend the concert is $10, but $3 off of every ticket sale, CD or merchandise purchase will go to the Detroit Rescue (Mission).
“The success of the night will be reflected in our donation to the Rescue (Mission),” he said.
The band is also performing on Feb. 5, 2011 to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project at Callahan’s Neighborhood Bar in Auburn Hills.
“We want to give something back to our veterans who have sacrificed so much for us,” he said.
For more information on the Feb. 5 show, visit www.warriors211.com.
Sweet Crystal’s newest album can be purchased online at www.amazon.com, www.itunes.com, and www.cdbaby.com.
For more information about the band, visit www.sweetcrystal.com.
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