HUMANNESS TEST is a project conceived by Maurice Taylor (bass, guitars) and Chris Lucci (drums). The project consists of various guest musicians including Marko Duplisak (vocals), Clint Wilson (guitars), and others. In these modern times, man and machine have formed a symbiotic relationship transcending the heart and mind. But what is the fine line between humans and artificial intelligence? Is music the difference?
Maurice and Chris have been playing and recording music together since High School. They first meshed due to their interest in RUSH. Both admired the band and attempted to emulate their sound as much as possible. HUMANNESS TEST is an effort to achieve harmony and balance in music with as much diversity as possible. Ultimately, not leaning towards one style. However, it could be characterized as containing a varied combination of sounds including progressive rock, progressive metal, heavy metal, hard rock, and other elements or styles of music. The project is seeking media attention and the opportunity to play live shows in various markets around the world to as many people as possible.
HUMANNESS TEST explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the impact of technology on society through their richly layered compositions and thought-provoking lyrics. Their music challenges listeners to ponder the nature of humanity in an increasingly digital world, inviting them on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.
In 2020, after the passing of Neil Peart (RUSH), Maurice began writing a song to honor the memory of one of the most influential bands of all time. Instead of covering a song written by Rush, Maurice endeavored to write a song that would closely resemble a song which could have been written by the Canadian trio. With the help of Chris, and his uncanny ability to recreate the writing, technique and style of Neil Peart, what would eventually become “Tribute”, was finalized in late 2021 and fully recorded in late 2023. More material is being written and recorded to accompany this song to be included on an, as of yet, untitled album.
MAURICE TAYLOR
Instrument: Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Keyboard Programming, Engineering
Equipment: Tobias 5-string Growler, Geddy Lee Fender Jazz, 1977 Fender Jazz Fretless, Mark Holcomb PRS SE 7-string, Hartke LH1000, Eden 4x10 Cab, Hartke 4x10 Cab, SWR 2x10 cab, Ampeg 1x15 cab, Takamine 6-string acoustic guitar, D'Addario Bass Strings, Elixir Acoustic Strings, Omnisphere (does anyone have any spare Taurus pedals?)
Favorite Bands: Rush, Led Zeppelin, Marillion, Black Sabbath, Fates Warning, Tool, Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Iron Maiden, Mastodon, Haken, Meshuggah
Bass Influences: Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, Geezer Butler, Percy Jones, Jaco Pastorius, Jeff Berlin, Chris Squire
Maurice began playing bass when he was 9. He also plays guitar and drums. He has played bass in various jazz ensembles, latin, country, and hard rock bands including playing with drum aficionado Bobby Rock (Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Nelson, Lita Ford, others, and solo). Flash and speed are not trademarks of his playing style as much as taste and color. He approaches the bass as more of a rhythmic and melodic instrument as opposed to just a backbone instrument. "I have the honor of playing with someone who I consider one of the best drummers on the planet. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to play with many talented drummers throughout the years. Nothing makes me play better than a good drummer.”
CHRIS LUCCI
Instrument - Drums, Percussion, Engineering, Mixing, Mastering, Rhythm Guitars, Keyboard Programming
Equipment: Custom-made Pearl fiberglass, 10 piece drum kit, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads
Favorite Bands: Rush, Dream Theater, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Meshuggah
Drumming influences: Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, Billy Cobham, Virgil Donati, Bill Bruford
Chris has been playing drums for over 40 years. He studied music in high school and college, playing in jazz ensembles, rock and fusion groups. He incorporates many musical styles into his interpretations of rhythm, and utilizes many unique approaches including quint-linear patterns, double-bass, intricate syncopated riding patterns, melodic tom riffs paired with the bass guitar and multi-rudiment snare and cymbal patterns. He plays a one-of-a-kind custom made, fiberglass Pearl kit with a snare drum of his own design, and uses Zildjian cymbals, Tama pedals and Remo drum heads.