Early History
Vertical Horizon was formed in 1991 by Georgetown University undergrads Matthew Scannell and Keith Kane. Early performances included well-received cover sets (Simon & Garfunkel, etc.) in the campus' Leavey Center food court. In 1992, after graduation from Georgetown, the duo relocated to Boston and self-released their debut album There and Back Again, which was recorded in Matt's old high school, Deerfield Academy, over a period of a few weeks. Scannell and Kane split songwriting and lead vocal duties.
Scannell and Kane toured as a duo for the next few years, mostly appearing with similar bands, such as Jackopierce. Their next album was 1995's, Running on Ice, produced by John Alagia (Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer), Doug Derryberry and Scannell. Though still largely acoustic based, Running on Ice also incorporated other musicians and guests, including Derryberry, Jackopierce, and Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band on drums, giving the album more of a full band sound. Two songs, Kane's "Wash Away" and Scannell's "The Man Who Would Be Santa", were featured on the 2nd Aware Records Compilation.
More touring followed through 1996 as Vertical Horizon became a four piece band, joined by drummer Ed Toth. Live Stages was released in early 1997, and featured four new songs and more of an emphasis on electric guitar. By this time, the band was explicit in their intent to find a major record label; band members have said that it was no accident that the first track of Live Stages opens with the sounds of a large cheering audience. Their wishes came true, and the band was signed to Sony BMG Music Entertainment/RCA Records. In early 1998 the band held auditions for a permanent bassist. Sean Hurley, a student at the Berklee College of Music, impressed all and was officially invited to join Vertical Horizon.
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