NYC-based THE HILLARY STEP produces great melodic acoustic rock. The band is another link in the great chain of rock 'n' roll evolution. In between the angry, leftover rap-metal bands and the bland, ubiquitous pop of today, the duo's distinctive songs take listeners on a musical journey. Their clever, catchy tunes effortlessly shift from mid-tempo pop songs to jazz-inflected ditties to full-tilt, balls-forward reggae jams.

One of the truly exciting live bands around, The Hillary Step has built a sizable following at its shows. The band has played gigs in New England, the Midwest and most extensively in the New York metropolitan area, including hot spots Central Park Summer Stage, The Bitter End, Arlene's Grocery, Caffé Vivaldi, Fontana's Bar, Kenny's Castaways and The Lion's Den.

The Hillary Step features Rob Schiffmann (guitar, vocals, songwriting and everything else) and Jon Rothstein (bass, vocals, songwriting). Friends since childhood, they reunited after college and started writing acoustic rock songs as the duo Urban Badlands. After Urban Badlands grew into a six (sometimes seven) piece band, The Hillary Step was born, anchored by Rob and Jon and their smart, hummable tunes. One CD ("Knee Deep in Giants") and many years of performing together later, The Hillary Step has returned to its roots as a duo, backed by the talents of Ale Devries (drums), Rachel Dart (vocals) and Eric March (keyboards).