Some would call the music “fusion,” while others would peg it under the umbrella of “jazz rock.” It might be best to just tag the songs of Rare Blend as “undervalued.” Armed with their fifth disc, SESSIONS, the foursome make sounds that very few acts in town are attempting, much less succeeding with. We spoke with guitarist Victor Samalot on how to get the band on the radar of Cleveland’s musical taste.

Peanuts: Who influences Rare Blend?

Victor Samalot: As a guitar player, Carlos Santana, Phil Keaggy, Jeff Beck and Andy Summers. For the band, I’d say Return To Forever, Yes, Jean Luc Ponty and the Dixie Dregs, just for starts.

P: Would you say all influenced your songwriting?

VS: Along with Rush, Led Zeppelin, Joe Satriani and Neil Schon.

P:  How would you define Rare Blend’s sound?

VS: Progressive, jazz fusion. Rare Blend takes a variety of musical styles including rock, jazz, fusion and world elements.

P: Who would you match up with in concert?

VS: Several reviews of SESSIONS have linked us to groups such as Return To Forever or the Mahavishnu Orchestera.

P: Any bands from Ohio catch your ear?

VS:  We are always interested in networking with bands or musicians who are into progressive jam music and its hybrids.

P: How did the band get its name?

VS: It was the best way to describe our original vision: a rare blend of music genres.

P: Where was the live disc cut?

VS: It took place in a variety of settings and venues, not only in Cleveland, but also in Cincinnati and Baltimore.

P: Why is it different from the studio discs?

VS: SESSIONS is our most ambitious disc to date. We wanted to do something a bit different with this one by highlighting the band’s improvisational skills and taking previously recorded material, our favorites, and capture it all in a live setting either on stage or in the studio. No overdubbing allowed.

P: Where were the settings?

VS: Some tracks were captured at the Crooked River Groove taping and the Open Air Market Square across from the West Side Market, both here in Cleveland, plus the Orion Studios concert in Baltimore. We recorded improvisations at my Odyssey Studio, during rehearsals. Hit the record button and start jamming. Some tracks were performed during the showing of silent films either at the Fairfield Arts Center outside Cincinnati or the Coventry Peace Park in Cleveland Heights.

P: Favorite Ohio venue to play?

VS: The Beachland Ballroom in the north end of Collinwood here in Cleveland. Our favorite show there was playing with Ozric Tentacles in June of 2009.

P: Any radio airplay on the disc?

VS: Rare Blend has received worldwide airplay, but will always give primary props to the best college radio region in the country, Cleveland.

P: Long term plans?

VS: Continue to write and record live magic, either in the studio or when gigging. Also to continue to play a part in cultivating a more progressive music scene in Cleveland, similar to the east coast.

P: Where can the readers join the movement?

VS:  Go to http://www.rareblend.net

Peanuts is a long-time Cleveland music critic/writer. He can be contacted via hostofthenorthcoast@yahoo.com