www.CactusRock-Records.com
Ken Andree
Loren Dircks
Biography
Still playing with first offical bandmate and co-founder of Gila Bend, James Blackhall
(bass). Gila Bend was born in on or around 1987. After a number of dufferent attempts to
find willing and able singers and drummers. Loren decided to fill the vacant vocal shoes
and still hold down lead guitar duties. High school friend Bart Blue took over on drums and
the forging of the country metal sound began immedialety. One of the band’s first song
“Cantankerous” became the first single and appeared on the debut CD “Kim Chee Cowboy”
(Still Sane). “Cantangerous” became a defining song for the Gila Bend sound.
The drum throne was occupied by a number of musicians including Marx Loeb, Ralph
Gilmore until Tommy Larkins was added to complete the Gila Bend sound. Al Perry joined
after the recording of “Kim Chee Cowboy” bringing the band up to a four piece. The band’s
second CD “Nature Burger”`(San Jacinto) was released in 1997. Gila Bend gained in
popularity and notoriety over the years including the honor of being the first recipient of
Tucson Music Awards (TAMMIES) for “Best Alternative Band”. The band’s music was
featured in Robert Loomi’s film “Dog Years” along with some original film score music from
me and a bizarre banjo-heavy version of “Ode To Joy”. Gila Bend still plays periodically and
are rumored to have a future project in the works.
I’m also a member of Al Perry’s band, filling in on lead guitar duties for some
performances and has playing on a number of Al’s records including 2009’s Three Track
Sessions.
The new band is back to the three piece roots of vintage Gila Bend with James Blackhall
on bass and Nick Augustine (former bass player for Rainer and Das Combo) on drums.
New CD “Killing The Magic” is coming out November, 26 2009 and a new video of “Guitar
Hero Gone”, directed by Jonathan Fedkiw, is due released the first week of December
2009.
I stepped back into songwriting in 2006 and has written about a hubdred tunes since. The
next CD project is already underway with a host of guest stars lined up and a new focus
on taking the country metal sound to a new more musical level while preserving the hard
rocking integrity and catchy hooks. I also working on some film music projects in the near
future and having launched the “Oranguitwang Record Label” last November. Is preparing
to produce some projects for other artists in 2010.
(bass). Gila Bend was born in on or around 1987. After a number of dufferent attempts to
find willing and able singers and drummers. Loren decided to fill the vacant vocal shoes
and still hold down lead guitar duties. High school friend Bart Blue took over on drums and
the forging of the country metal sound began immedialety. One of the band’s first song
“Cantankerous” became the first single and appeared on the debut CD “Kim Chee Cowboy”
(Still Sane). “Cantangerous” became a defining song for the Gila Bend sound.
The drum throne was occupied by a number of musicians including Marx Loeb, Ralph
Gilmore until Tommy Larkins was added to complete the Gila Bend sound. Al Perry joined
after the recording of “Kim Chee Cowboy” bringing the band up to a four piece. The band’s
second CD “Nature Burger”`(San Jacinto) was released in 1997. Gila Bend gained in
popularity and notoriety over the years including the honor of being the first recipient of
Tucson Music Awards (TAMMIES) for “Best Alternative Band”. The band’s music was
featured in Robert Loomi’s film “Dog Years” along with some original film score music from
me and a bizarre banjo-heavy version of “Ode To Joy”. Gila Bend still plays periodically and
are rumored to have a future project in the works.
I’m also a member of Al Perry’s band, filling in on lead guitar duties for some
performances and has playing on a number of Al’s records including 2009’s Three Track
Sessions.
The new band is back to the three piece roots of vintage Gila Bend with James Blackhall
on bass and Nick Augustine (former bass player for Rainer and Das Combo) on drums.
New CD “Killing The Magic” is coming out November, 26 2009 and a new video of “Guitar
Hero Gone”, directed by Jonathan Fedkiw, is due released the first week of December
2009.
I stepped back into songwriting in 2006 and has written about a hubdred tunes since. The
next CD project is already underway with a host of guest stars lined up and a new focus
on taking the country metal sound to a new more musical level while preserving the hard
rocking integrity and catchy hooks. I also working on some film music projects in the near
future and having launched the “Oranguitwang Record Label” last November. Is preparing
to produce some projects for other artists in 2010.
Loren Dircks selbst umschreibt sich so: Singing, Songwriting und Tele-Slinger aus
Tucson/Arizona.
Loren Dircks mind self about his person: Singing, Songwriting und Tele-Slinger aus
Tucson/Arizona.
Tucson/Arizona.
Loren Dircks mind self about his person: Singing, Songwriting und Tele-Slinger aus
Tucson/Arizona.
Biografie
Diskografie/Discography
2009: Loren Dircks “Killing The Magic” (Label: Oranguitwang; Mailorder: Cactus Rock
Records)
Records)
CHEEPNESS
Als tonlos (cheep=piepen; piepsen) kann man das Erstlings-Werk von CHEEPNESS nun
wahrhaftig nicht bezeichnen. Ganz im Gegenteil: Da geht es rocktechnisch mächtig zur
Sache und da wird nicht von ungefähr ein kräftiges Gitarrenbrett gehobelt. Den Insidern
unter Euch dürften mindestens 3 der 4 Bandmitglieder nicht ganz unbekannt sein.
Bewegen wir uns als CACTUS ROCK RECORDS doch auch ganz bewusst im musikalischen
Orbit eines RICH HOPKINS und dem der Wüstenstadt Tucson in Arizona. Randy
McReynolds und Ernie Mendoza veredelten zahlreich Hopkins’sche Alben oder waren gar
mit seinen LUMINARIOS hierzulande auf Tour. Duane Hollis wiederum kennen wir von
Greyhound Soul (die 2. Konzerttour ging im November 2008 hierzulande über die Bühne).
Und vielfach fällt sogar der Begriff Supergroup, wenn sich herausragende Musiker
unterschiedlicher Bands zu einer neuen zusammenschließen. CHEEPNESS jedenfalls
werden diesem Attribut vollauf gerecht!
Biografie
Biography
IN THE BEGINNING: Some notorious Tucson rock ‘n roll animals had some songs that
needed to be played. These were songs chomping at the bit to be blasted to an
unsuspecting world dying for heavy action. These were songs to let you make it through
the crazy nights and hazy days. All these tunes needed were the musicians who created
them to come together and make them rock, the kind of rock that recalled a time when
cranking guitar extravaganza were the highest order of the day and rock fans were damn
glad of it. Connections were utilized, favors called in, wheels turned, and phone calls
made, amplifiers were turned up and so it began-the seeds of CHEEPNESS were planted.
Two years later the harvest of killerness known as "Shakin’ Hands With The King" was
sown and is now available for public consumption.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: CHEEPNESS! If you stood on a stage and looked out at a crowd
of Tucson musicians, you’d see some very heavy hitters standing there-the Old Pueblo has
turned out some mighty players over the years. Among that crowd would be members of
Greyhound Soul, Sand Rubies, Creosote, Looseleaf, Rich Hopkins & Luminarios, Big Bug
etc. all who have made significant marks on the music world both near and far, and all
now the men we call CHEEPNESS. If you tossed four beer bottles off that same stage and
decided the first four dudes to grab them would be CHEEPNESS, you’d be out four beers,
but you couldn’t get any finer players than the personnel that cause the havoc for this
band.
THE BOYS IN THE BAND:
Randy McReynolds: the face of it all with his lead vocals, rhythm and slide guitar
playing, Randy brings life to the party with silky/gritty vocals and sinewy chord work. He’s
the man who puts it all together.
Mike Sydloski: If Mike didn’t exist, you’d have to invent him. He is the kind of guitar hero
where if you play guitar you’ll wonder why you bother after he cranks a few solos in your
face. He is the future of air guitar in bedrooms around the world.
Duane Hollis: When people say Duane is a low down, dirty mutha they are talking about
the bottom end he brings to the CHEEPNESS sound with his muscular bass playing. Really,
Duane Hollis is a one man Friday night in Birmingham.
E.E. Mendoza: One of those rare drummers who doesn’t just keep time but owns time
and space with the history of the big beat emerging from his hands and feet.
Diskografie/Discography
2009: Cheepness “Shakin’ Hands With The King (Isabellene Records; Mailorder: Cactus
Rock Records)
wahrhaftig nicht bezeichnen. Ganz im Gegenteil: Da geht es rocktechnisch mächtig zur
Sache und da wird nicht von ungefähr ein kräftiges Gitarrenbrett gehobelt. Den Insidern
unter Euch dürften mindestens 3 der 4 Bandmitglieder nicht ganz unbekannt sein.
Bewegen wir uns als CACTUS ROCK RECORDS doch auch ganz bewusst im musikalischen
Orbit eines RICH HOPKINS und dem der Wüstenstadt Tucson in Arizona. Randy
McReynolds und Ernie Mendoza veredelten zahlreich Hopkins’sche Alben oder waren gar
mit seinen LUMINARIOS hierzulande auf Tour. Duane Hollis wiederum kennen wir von
Greyhound Soul (die 2. Konzerttour ging im November 2008 hierzulande über die Bühne).
Und vielfach fällt sogar der Begriff Supergroup, wenn sich herausragende Musiker
unterschiedlicher Bands zu einer neuen zusammenschließen. CHEEPNESS jedenfalls
werden diesem Attribut vollauf gerecht!
Biografie
Biography
IN THE BEGINNING: Some notorious Tucson rock ‘n roll animals had some songs that
needed to be played. These were songs chomping at the bit to be blasted to an
unsuspecting world dying for heavy action. These were songs to let you make it through
the crazy nights and hazy days. All these tunes needed were the musicians who created
them to come together and make them rock, the kind of rock that recalled a time when
cranking guitar extravaganza were the highest order of the day and rock fans were damn
glad of it. Connections were utilized, favors called in, wheels turned, and phone calls
made, amplifiers were turned up and so it began-the seeds of CHEEPNESS were planted.
Two years later the harvest of killerness known as "Shakin’ Hands With The King" was
sown and is now available for public consumption.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: CHEEPNESS! If you stood on a stage and looked out at a crowd
of Tucson musicians, you’d see some very heavy hitters standing there-the Old Pueblo has
turned out some mighty players over the years. Among that crowd would be members of
Greyhound Soul, Sand Rubies, Creosote, Looseleaf, Rich Hopkins & Luminarios, Big Bug
etc. all who have made significant marks on the music world both near and far, and all
now the men we call CHEEPNESS. If you tossed four beer bottles off that same stage and
decided the first four dudes to grab them would be CHEEPNESS, you’d be out four beers,
but you couldn’t get any finer players than the personnel that cause the havoc for this
band.
THE BOYS IN THE BAND:
Randy McReynolds: the face of it all with his lead vocals, rhythm and slide guitar
playing, Randy brings life to the party with silky/gritty vocals and sinewy chord work. He’s
the man who puts it all together.
Mike Sydloski: If Mike didn’t exist, you’d have to invent him. He is the kind of guitar hero
where if you play guitar you’ll wonder why you bother after he cranks a few solos in your
face. He is the future of air guitar in bedrooms around the world.
Duane Hollis: When people say Duane is a low down, dirty mutha they are talking about
the bottom end he brings to the CHEEPNESS sound with his muscular bass playing. Really,
Duane Hollis is a one man Friday night in Birmingham.
E.E. Mendoza: One of those rare drummers who doesn’t just keep time but owns time
and space with the history of the big beat emerging from his hands and feet.
Diskografie/Discography
2009: Cheepness “Shakin’ Hands With The King (Isabellene Records; Mailorder: Cactus
Rock Records)
Ken Andree -geboren 1962- kommt ursprünglich aus El Paso/Texas- und ist ebenfalls ein
ganz bezeichnendes Beispiel dafür, was aus dem Umfeld des “Godfather Of Desert Rock”
RICH HOPKINS musikalisch so alles hervorbricht. Liegt die Veröffentlichung seines Albums
“Beatitude” auch schon 6 Jahre zurück, so hat es an Dynamik und Kraft keineswegs
eingebüßt. Ganz im Gegenteil! Dieses Solowerk strotzt nur so vor Energie, Leidenschaft
und sorgfältig struktuierten Lyrics. Ken Andree -selbst ein begnadeter Sänger, Bassist und
Gitarrist- gelang es für seine eigene musikalische Visitenkarte weitere Könner ins Studio
zu holen. An erster Stelle seien da Jacob Valenzuela und Martin Wenk -beides
ausgezeichnete Bläser- von CALEXICO genannt. Aber auch ein Adrian Esparza -
Gitarrenvirtuose aus El Paso/ Texas- und Ernie E. Mendoza -Drummer”legende” aus
Tucson/ Arizona- bedürfen hier der unbedingten Erwähnung. Interessant dabei ist, dass
das Album ursprünglich unter dem Titel “All I Gotta Say” mit den gleichen Songs (aber in
anderer Abfolge und in komplett anderer Aufmachung) im gleichen Jahr erschien. Aus
Promotionzwecken war man dann wohl doch mit dem Ergebnis nicht ganz so zufrieden
und so wurde aus “All I Gotta Say” via Frischzellenkur eben “Beatitude” ... und “All I
Wonna Say” in seiner äußerst limitierten Ausgabe zum gesuchten Sammlerstück!
Biografie
Biography
Kenneth James Andree ... born on July 6, 1962 in Logansport, Indiana
My music is a heritage of three generations. Nestled between the cactus and the coyotes.
My inspirations are the big sky, sunsets and sunrises, mountains, desert flowers and all of
the spirit creatures who visit. Only to be noticed by those who can see. Arizona bound. In
my heart, my life, my music and the love of a beautiful woman. This is my discography.
The future is now. Thanks all! Ken Andree.
Diskografie/Discography
Solo
2004: Ken Andree “Beatitude” (2010: Re-Release on CACTUS ROCK RECORDS)
w/ The Texicans/The New Texicans:
2001: The Texicans “Texicans” (Orange),
Producer: Michael Been; Mailorder: Tortilla Records/San Jacinto Records
1998: The New Texicans “Haul O’ Fame” (Tortilla Records)
Producer: Mike Major & The New Texicans
1995: The New Texicans “New Textament” (Tortilla Records)
Producer: Paul LeMond & The New Texicans
1993: The New Texicans “Pipe Dream” (Tortilla Records)
Producer: Ken Andree and Bob Phaup
w/ Sand Rubies:
2010: Sidewinders/Sand Rubies “The Best of Sidewinders and Sand Rubies 1985-2010”
(San Jacinto Records); Producer: Rich Hopkins,
2007: Sand Rubies “Mas Cuacha” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins & David Slutes
2007: Sand Rubies “Live at Blue Rose Christmas Party” (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Andy Horn
2002: Sand Rubies “Goodbye: Live at Alte Mälzerei” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose)
Producer: Rich Hopkins
w/ Rich Hopkins & Luminarios:
2010: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “el otro lado / the other side” (San Jacinto Records/
Blue Rose Records); Producer: Rich Hopkins & Lisa Novak
2004: Los Monstros del Tucson Rock (San Jacinto Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins
2003: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Ka-Ju-Tah” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Stu Kupers, Craig Schumacher and Ricardo Hopkins
2002: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Official Blue Rose Bootleg Series, Gaffenberg-
Festival, Heilbronn (Germany) 6.7.2002 (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Blue Rose Records
2002: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Official Blue Rose Records Series, Sinkkasten-
Frankfurt (Germany) 7.7.2002 (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Blue Rose Records
2001: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Tinitus” (San Jacinto Records)
Producer: Isaac Hopkins
2001: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “My Lucky Stars” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose)
Producer: Rich Hopkins
2000: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Devolver” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins with Mark Matson
1999: Rich Hopkins and Billy Sedlmayr “The Fifty Percenter” (San Jacinto Records/
Blue Rose Records) Producer: Rich Hopkins, Billy Sedlmayr, Stu Kupers and Randy
McReynolds
1998: Sun Kings/Cool Arrows “Adios” (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins and The Sun Kings,
ganz bezeichnendes Beispiel dafür, was aus dem Umfeld des “Godfather Of Desert Rock”
RICH HOPKINS musikalisch so alles hervorbricht. Liegt die Veröffentlichung seines Albums
“Beatitude” auch schon 6 Jahre zurück, so hat es an Dynamik und Kraft keineswegs
eingebüßt. Ganz im Gegenteil! Dieses Solowerk strotzt nur so vor Energie, Leidenschaft
und sorgfältig struktuierten Lyrics. Ken Andree -selbst ein begnadeter Sänger, Bassist und
Gitarrist- gelang es für seine eigene musikalische Visitenkarte weitere Könner ins Studio
zu holen. An erster Stelle seien da Jacob Valenzuela und Martin Wenk -beides
ausgezeichnete Bläser- von CALEXICO genannt. Aber auch ein Adrian Esparza -
Gitarrenvirtuose aus El Paso/ Texas- und Ernie E. Mendoza -Drummer”legende” aus
Tucson/ Arizona- bedürfen hier der unbedingten Erwähnung. Interessant dabei ist, dass
das Album ursprünglich unter dem Titel “All I Gotta Say” mit den gleichen Songs (aber in
anderer Abfolge und in komplett anderer Aufmachung) im gleichen Jahr erschien. Aus
Promotionzwecken war man dann wohl doch mit dem Ergebnis nicht ganz so zufrieden
und so wurde aus “All I Gotta Say” via Frischzellenkur eben “Beatitude” ... und “All I
Wonna Say” in seiner äußerst limitierten Ausgabe zum gesuchten Sammlerstück!
Biografie
Biography
Kenneth James Andree ... born on July 6, 1962 in Logansport, Indiana
My music is a heritage of three generations. Nestled between the cactus and the coyotes.
My inspirations are the big sky, sunsets and sunrises, mountains, desert flowers and all of
the spirit creatures who visit. Only to be noticed by those who can see. Arizona bound. In
my heart, my life, my music and the love of a beautiful woman. This is my discography.
The future is now. Thanks all! Ken Andree.
Diskografie/Discography
Solo
2004: Ken Andree “Beatitude” (2010: Re-Release on CACTUS ROCK RECORDS)
w/ The Texicans/The New Texicans:
2001: The Texicans “Texicans” (Orange),
Producer: Michael Been; Mailorder: Tortilla Records/San Jacinto Records
1998: The New Texicans “Haul O’ Fame” (Tortilla Records)
Producer: Mike Major & The New Texicans
1995: The New Texicans “New Textament” (Tortilla Records)
Producer: Paul LeMond & The New Texicans
1993: The New Texicans “Pipe Dream” (Tortilla Records)
Producer: Ken Andree and Bob Phaup
w/ Sand Rubies:
2010: Sidewinders/Sand Rubies “The Best of Sidewinders and Sand Rubies 1985-2010”
(San Jacinto Records); Producer: Rich Hopkins,
2007: Sand Rubies “Mas Cuacha” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins & David Slutes
2007: Sand Rubies “Live at Blue Rose Christmas Party” (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Andy Horn
2002: Sand Rubies “Goodbye: Live at Alte Mälzerei” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose)
Producer: Rich Hopkins
w/ Rich Hopkins & Luminarios:
2010: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “el otro lado / the other side” (San Jacinto Records/
Blue Rose Records); Producer: Rich Hopkins & Lisa Novak
2004: Los Monstros del Tucson Rock (San Jacinto Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins
2003: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Ka-Ju-Tah” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Stu Kupers, Craig Schumacher and Ricardo Hopkins
2002: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Official Blue Rose Bootleg Series, Gaffenberg-
Festival, Heilbronn (Germany) 6.7.2002 (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Blue Rose Records
2002: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Official Blue Rose Records Series, Sinkkasten-
Frankfurt (Germany) 7.7.2002 (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Blue Rose Records
2001: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Tinitus” (San Jacinto Records)
Producer: Isaac Hopkins
2001: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “My Lucky Stars” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose)
Producer: Rich Hopkins
2000: Rich Hopkins and Luminarios “Devolver” (San Jacinto Records/Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins with Mark Matson
1999: Rich Hopkins and Billy Sedlmayr “The Fifty Percenter” (San Jacinto Records/
Blue Rose Records) Producer: Rich Hopkins, Billy Sedlmayr, Stu Kupers and Randy
McReynolds
1998: Sun Kings/Cool Arrows “Adios” (Blue Rose Records)
Producer: Rich Hopkins and The Sun Kings,
ASTRA KELLY
Biografie
Biography
Astra Kelly was born in Marvel, AR. and delivered by Dr. Wise. Her early interest in
music was fueled by family jams, school choirs and formal music studies. Her universal
solo style has developed into a sound she calls acoustic soul. It is a rich fusion of her
Chicago roots in acid jazz, funk and blues, merged with rock and folk elements. Her lyrics
read like poetry, speaking of emotional transformation and personal freedom. Many times
armed with only an acoustic guitar, her delivery is an intensely powerful expression of
equal parts joy and pain, balance and struggle. With the electric trio, it's gritty guitars,
bass and drums, driven by impeccable vocal wailing. She has toured extensively over the
years, both as a solo performer and as a member of various other projects. She’s also
versed in the art of improve. She was a major player in the acid jazz explosion in Chicago
with the band SUMO who never rehearsed once in 31/2 years and yet packed houses
every single week. She continued this tradition with the group FLY during her time in
Santa Fe, NM. Her work in the music industry has included managing recording studios,
graphic design, promotions/booking and industry consultation for songwriters/bands, and
now TV and on air radio personality.
Astra has released four records on her Rockaway record label, including the 2004 EP in
conjunction with producer/composer, Bob DeMarco (Primary writer for Paramount TV). In
addition, she can be heard on a number of regional and national artist’s recordings and
regional compilations, most recently, WC Handy award winner Eddie Turners “Rise.”
“Rise” was produced by famed composer/artist, Kenny Passarelli (Joe Walsh, Elton John)
who lends his extraordinary bass stylings to some of Astra’s recent tracks.
Since moving to San Diego in July of 2006, Astra has appeared in the pages of City Beat,
The San Diego Reader, The NC times, and The SD Troubadour. She’s been heard on
Java Jams (CTN/Channel 4), FOX ROX (Fox Channel 6), KUSI Good Morning San Diego,
on the air at 94/9 with Tim Pyles, and on 102.1 KPRI where she DJ’s their Saturday night
local music show, The KPRI Homegrown Hour....plus she was nominated for Best
Acoustic Artist in the San Diego Music Awards. Her newest venture is as guest host every
Friday morning on NBC 7/39's Street Side San Diego in conjunction with KPRI's Concerts
on the Square. Tune in from 10am-noon. She performs live freequently, solo/acoustic,
and with her band. She hosts a Monday night showcase at Dublin Square in the Gaslamp
District featuring some of San Diego’s best local bands and songwriters, and she books
and promotes live shows under the auspices of her local radio show, "The KPRI
Homegrown Hour."
Astra reached a major turning point a few years back when she skidded on some black
ice on the way to a gig in Colorado. Her tour van rolled and she landed upside down on a
set of train tracks. In the light of the full moon with her posters and CDs scattered along
the highway, she grabbed her guitar and got to safety just in time to watch a train charge
down the tracks and crash into her tour van. This symbolic moment on her musical path
launched her into a new wave of creativity and she has emerged with strong new material
for these curious times.
Throughout the years, Astra has had the privilege to open for such acts as: Stanley
Jordan, Meshell Ndegeocello, David Wilcox, Widespread Panic, Johnette Napolitano, The
Freddie Jones Band, Leon Russell, The Marshall Tucker Band, Jeff Healey, The Samples,
and members of Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
1992 - 1995: Performed with Chicago band, The Junction, on rhythm guitar and vocals;
played college circuits throughout the Midwest and east coast, as well as Chicago’s hottest
venues, including the historic Park West and Vic theatres; began playing in the subways to
expose her new original material, make a living, and to strengthen her guitar chops and
her solo performance stylings.
1995 – 1997: Played incessantly and developed a local following as a solo performer;
recorded her first CD in her Chicago apartment; played to a devoted audience every
Sunday for three and a half years with a ten piece, talent packed acid jazz and funk improv
group called SUMO; participated in a worldbeat/ jazz group, as well as a number of other
diverse projects. Painted a 6’ high by 80’ wide mural depicting the evolutionary path of
humanity at a club called Pop’s; painted a 6’ high by 80’ wide mural depicting the
evolutionary path of humanity at a club called Pop’s. Took residency there every Thursday
and presented a menagerie of music, poetry, art and spontaneous happenings; took
residency there every Thursday and presented a menagerie of music, poetry, art and
spontaneous happenings.
1997 – 1999: Joined with bass player, drummer, and electric guitar player to form her
band, Astra Kelly and Far Rockaway; presented her second CD to a sold out release party
at Chicago’s Martyrs in December of ’98; hit the road in June of ’99 booking, promoting,
and traveling solo. Played clubs and coffeehouses all throughout the western United States
including, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, as
well as southern states, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.
1999 – 2001: Continued with what would become a fourteen month, 85,000 mile tour,
funded primarily by busking (performing on the streets for cash) and selling CDs out of her
guitar case.; released her third record while on the road, a solo/ acoustic live album,
capturing three shows surrounding the turn of the century. The marathon tour ended once
the tour van was totaled.
2001 – 2003: Settled in Santa Fe, NM. to rest and re-group. Bought forty acres of land in
the mysterious Valley and began plans for an eco-conscious music and art festival entitled;
“The Far Rockaway Fair: Earthwork Vol. 1, THE WHEEL.”; was re-united with her long lost
sister who introduced her to the new production team; began work on the new album on
Easter weekend, 2002.
2003 – 2006: Divides her time between Santa Fe and Los Angeles to continue working on
the record; plays solo shows in both cities and has initiated a new project in Santa Fe
called, FLY, based on her improvisational experiences in Chicago; after two intensely
creative years, she and the production team are celebrating a preliminary EP release.
2006 - present: Settled in San Diego, CA. Love it, love it, love it!!! See above...; formed
her new band, AK & the 47's, with Sam Johnson on Bass and James Rhinehart on drums
Diskografie/Discography
2009: Astra Kelly “Battling The Sun - EP” (Label: Rockaway Records; Mailorder: Cactus
Rock Records)
music was fueled by family jams, school choirs and formal music studies. Her universal
solo style has developed into a sound she calls acoustic soul. It is a rich fusion of her
Chicago roots in acid jazz, funk and blues, merged with rock and folk elements. Her lyrics
read like poetry, speaking of emotional transformation and personal freedom. Many times
armed with only an acoustic guitar, her delivery is an intensely powerful expression of
equal parts joy and pain, balance and struggle. With the electric trio, it's gritty guitars,
bass and drums, driven by impeccable vocal wailing. She has toured extensively over the
years, both as a solo performer and as a member of various other projects. She’s also
versed in the art of improve. She was a major player in the acid jazz explosion in Chicago
with the band SUMO who never rehearsed once in 31/2 years and yet packed houses
every single week. She continued this tradition with the group FLY during her time in
Santa Fe, NM. Her work in the music industry has included managing recording studios,
graphic design, promotions/booking and industry consultation for songwriters/bands, and
now TV and on air radio personality.
Astra has released four records on her Rockaway record label, including the 2004 EP in
conjunction with producer/composer, Bob DeMarco (Primary writer for Paramount TV). In
addition, she can be heard on a number of regional and national artist’s recordings and
regional compilations, most recently, WC Handy award winner Eddie Turners “Rise.”
“Rise” was produced by famed composer/artist, Kenny Passarelli (Joe Walsh, Elton John)
who lends his extraordinary bass stylings to some of Astra’s recent tracks.
Since moving to San Diego in July of 2006, Astra has appeared in the pages of City Beat,
The San Diego Reader, The NC times, and The SD Troubadour. She’s been heard on
Java Jams (CTN/Channel 4), FOX ROX (Fox Channel 6), KUSI Good Morning San Diego,
on the air at 94/9 with Tim Pyles, and on 102.1 KPRI where she DJ’s their Saturday night
local music show, The KPRI Homegrown Hour....plus she was nominated for Best
Acoustic Artist in the San Diego Music Awards. Her newest venture is as guest host every
Friday morning on NBC 7/39's Street Side San Diego in conjunction with KPRI's Concerts
on the Square. Tune in from 10am-noon. She performs live freequently, solo/acoustic,
and with her band. She hosts a Monday night showcase at Dublin Square in the Gaslamp
District featuring some of San Diego’s best local bands and songwriters, and she books
and promotes live shows under the auspices of her local radio show, "The KPRI
Homegrown Hour."
Astra reached a major turning point a few years back when she skidded on some black
ice on the way to a gig in Colorado. Her tour van rolled and she landed upside down on a
set of train tracks. In the light of the full moon with her posters and CDs scattered along
the highway, she grabbed her guitar and got to safety just in time to watch a train charge
down the tracks and crash into her tour van. This symbolic moment on her musical path
launched her into a new wave of creativity and she has emerged with strong new material
for these curious times.
Throughout the years, Astra has had the privilege to open for such acts as: Stanley
Jordan, Meshell Ndegeocello, David Wilcox, Widespread Panic, Johnette Napolitano, The
Freddie Jones Band, Leon Russell, The Marshall Tucker Band, Jeff Healey, The Samples,
and members of Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
1992 - 1995: Performed with Chicago band, The Junction, on rhythm guitar and vocals;
played college circuits throughout the Midwest and east coast, as well as Chicago’s hottest
venues, including the historic Park West and Vic theatres; began playing in the subways to
expose her new original material, make a living, and to strengthen her guitar chops and
her solo performance stylings.
1995 – 1997: Played incessantly and developed a local following as a solo performer;
recorded her first CD in her Chicago apartment; played to a devoted audience every
Sunday for three and a half years with a ten piece, talent packed acid jazz and funk improv
group called SUMO; participated in a worldbeat/ jazz group, as well as a number of other
diverse projects. Painted a 6’ high by 80’ wide mural depicting the evolutionary path of
humanity at a club called Pop’s; painted a 6’ high by 80’ wide mural depicting the
evolutionary path of humanity at a club called Pop’s. Took residency there every Thursday
and presented a menagerie of music, poetry, art and spontaneous happenings; took
residency there every Thursday and presented a menagerie of music, poetry, art and
spontaneous happenings.
1997 – 1999: Joined with bass player, drummer, and electric guitar player to form her
band, Astra Kelly and Far Rockaway; presented her second CD to a sold out release party
at Chicago’s Martyrs in December of ’98; hit the road in June of ’99 booking, promoting,
and traveling solo. Played clubs and coffeehouses all throughout the western United States
including, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, as
well as southern states, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.
1999 – 2001: Continued with what would become a fourteen month, 85,000 mile tour,
funded primarily by busking (performing on the streets for cash) and selling CDs out of her
guitar case.; released her third record while on the road, a solo/ acoustic live album,
capturing three shows surrounding the turn of the century. The marathon tour ended once
the tour van was totaled.
2001 – 2003: Settled in Santa Fe, NM. to rest and re-group. Bought forty acres of land in
the mysterious Valley and began plans for an eco-conscious music and art festival entitled;
“The Far Rockaway Fair: Earthwork Vol. 1, THE WHEEL.”; was re-united with her long lost
sister who introduced her to the new production team; began work on the new album on
Easter weekend, 2002.
2003 – 2006: Divides her time between Santa Fe and Los Angeles to continue working on
the record; plays solo shows in both cities and has initiated a new project in Santa Fe
called, FLY, based on her improvisational experiences in Chicago; after two intensely
creative years, she and the production team are celebrating a preliminary EP release.
2006 - present: Settled in San Diego, CA. Love it, love it, love it!!! See above...; formed
her new band, AK & the 47's, with Sam Johnson on Bass and James Rhinehart on drums
Diskografie/Discography
2009: Astra Kelly “Battling The Sun - EP” (Label: Rockaway Records; Mailorder: Cactus
Rock Records)
CHRISTIAN & The 2120’s
Biografie
Biography
Christian Smedström was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, in a family marked by music. He
was no exception and the guitar became his first love. After being fed with the Beatles,
John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, RL Burnside, Bob Dylan, as a teenager he turned to
the heavier hard rock and already in high school, he started his first band.
After several years, 200 gigs and a lot of songwriting with the now legendary punk rock
band Full metal jacketz, Christian went on to his next project, The Awesome Machine. The
band released four albums and toured around Europe several times. From there, Christian
went on to his project On Parole, which was leading Christian on to his solo career.
Together with Pulca studios and producers Kristoffer Ragnstam and Joel Lundberg (Maia
Hirasawa, John Me), formed Christian & The 2120's it´s unique sound.
- The name 2120's is my way of honoring one of my favorite record label, Chess Records.
Chess original address is 2120 Michigan Avenue in Chicago, says Christian.
Christian´s first album was released in 2010 and was titled "Nolo contendere". A European
tour was booked that same year and on the tour Ted Russell Kamp, a highly acclaimed
session musician and songwriter who is a member of Shooter Jennings & The 357's, joined
Christian.
From that same album "Nolo contendere" the filmmakers and Emmy Award-winners Mark
and Adam Kassen opted to use one of Christian's songs in the movie "Puncture", which
premieres in the spring of 2011. Another song "Some People" will be used in a commercial
for the State of Texas, USA during the year.
After several European tours with his debut album Christian once again went into the
studio and the sequel is in progress.
Diskografie/Discography
2010: Christian & The 2021’s “Nolo Contendere” (Label: D.M.A and Misty Music; Mailorder:
Cactus Rock Records)
was no exception and the guitar became his first love. After being fed with the Beatles,
John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, RL Burnside, Bob Dylan, as a teenager he turned to
the heavier hard rock and already in high school, he started his first band.
After several years, 200 gigs and a lot of songwriting with the now legendary punk rock
band Full metal jacketz, Christian went on to his next project, The Awesome Machine. The
band released four albums and toured around Europe several times. From there, Christian
went on to his project On Parole, which was leading Christian on to his solo career.
Together with Pulca studios and producers Kristoffer Ragnstam and Joel Lundberg (Maia
Hirasawa, John Me), formed Christian & The 2120's it´s unique sound.
- The name 2120's is my way of honoring one of my favorite record label, Chess Records.
Chess original address is 2120 Michigan Avenue in Chicago, says Christian.
Christian´s first album was released in 2010 and was titled "Nolo contendere". A European
tour was booked that same year and on the tour Ted Russell Kamp, a highly acclaimed
session musician and songwriter who is a member of Shooter Jennings & The 357's, joined
Christian.
From that same album "Nolo contendere" the filmmakers and Emmy Award-winners Mark
and Adam Kassen opted to use one of Christian's songs in the movie "Puncture", which
premieres in the spring of 2011. Another song "Some People" will be used in a commercial
for the State of Texas, USA during the year.
After several European tours with his debut album Christian once again went into the
studio and the sequel is in progress.
Diskografie/Discography
2010: Christian & The 2021’s “Nolo Contendere” (Label: D.M.A and Misty Music; Mailorder:
Cactus Rock Records)
LITTLE GREEN
Biografie
Biography
It may seem unlikely that one of the most interesting bands in the genre often referred to
as Americana, resides in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. This is, however, a fact, and their
stunning new album Innocent Again is here to prove it. Thanks to bouts of touring and that
reliable phenomenon called ”word of mouth”, Little Green are starting to make waves in
their home country, as well as on the international scene. Innocent Again, their third
album, is arguably their best so far. With its inventive variations on country, folk rock,
Southern rock, and jangly guitars, it will most likely be the album that takes this already
highly-respected band to the next level. Little Green always had good songs. This time
around, everything else has fallen into place as well. Everything has improved a notch or
three: arrangements, performance, recording, mixing, and mastering. ”Compared to this
one, the first two albums were home recordings. This is ”the real thing” from start to
finish, and I think anyone will be able to hear it”, guitarist/mandolinplayer/main songwriter
Thomas Pontén enthuses. On Innocent Again, Little Green leave the folky tendencies of
their last album behind, and go for a fuller, more electric sound, with some surprises
thrown in for good measure. Basic recordings were made in Sven Karlssons and Hasse
Carlssons StudioLydde in the spring of 2010. Additional recordings were done in the States
and Thomas home studio. ”Back when MySpace was happening, Sven contacted us, told us
he liked our music a lot, and informed us about his studio. His resumé was impressive – for
instance he had played in J´s Plain Band, one of Sweden’s best Americana-bands, who had
done gigs with several of our favorite bands, including The Jayhawks”. They tried recording
For A While, and from the get go it was obvious that he understood Little Green´s music.
Soft-spoken, yet efficient, he chose the right moment for every remark he made. ”We
learned a lot from working with him. He helped us focus, become more disciplined, just a
better band in every respect. Hopefully, we’ll work with him again on the next album”. The
album is full of highlights. To begin with, it features two duets, This Is Our Life (featuring
Lisa Pedersen), and I Can Talk Again (featuring Keith Miles). Innocent Again features
background vocals by Kimmie Rhodes, whose songs have been recorded by several major
artists, including Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler. A songwriter’s songwriter who enjoys
a lot of respect from her peers. Ted Russell Kamp, with whom Little Green will do their
fourth tour in August, adds backing vocals to a couple of tracks. The lyrics move between
story songs and poetic imagery; between humour, and darker themes. The subtly Dave
Matthews-inspired Upside Down describes a poor person’s upbringing, from a Swedish
point of view, and was partly inspired by Thomas own youth. Don’t Tell Me It’s Over, an old
song that was re-worked for Little Green, now features a southern rock groove that lets the
rhythm section stretch out a little. The majestic closer, The Band Played On, describes the
day when Thomas lost all of his notes of songs on his way from a rehearsal. ”It was
catastrophe – this was before the digital age, and there was no backup. Luckily, the songs
found their way back to me somehow. But the lyrics can be seen as decribing a lost love –
which, in a way, it was!”
The nucleus of Little Green was born in 2004, when Thomas met singer/guitarist Andreas
Johannesson. ”We actually bumped into each other due to the fact that our children were
the same age”, remembers Thomas. It soon transpired that both of them were making
home recordings of songs, but had started to feel the urge to perform the material live.
Their musical tastes were similar, but not identical, making for a great blend of styles
rooted in rootsy American music. Andreas’ laid back personality, great ear and smoothly
raspy singing style blended well with Thomas driven personality, and more intense style of
playing. In 2006, they started performing as a duo, mixing original songs with material by
Tom Waits, Carly Simon and others. Deciding to apply for the Swedish Country
Championship, they made it to the finals in the alternative country genre. They were joined
by additional members on bass, and pedal steel. For the following year’s championships
they added banjo and fiddle to their sound. ”Hardcore bluegrass musicians mocked us
because we had a drum kit, but for us the styles and instrumentation are not as important
as the songwriting, which is the core of the band”, says Thomas. ”Several of my older
songs have been re-worked to suit the Little Green sound, whatever that is”. For a while,
their music was labelled Acousticana. But things were about to change. Undeterred by the
hostile reception Dylan got in the mid-sixties, the band decided to ”go electric” in the
spring of 2008, when agreeing to do their first tour with fellow Americana artist Ted Russell
Kamp. Kamp has released several well-received solo albums, as well as the bass player and
sometime songwriter for Shooter Jennings. ”I dusted off my electric guitar, and influences
by Little Feat and The Band , and Californian singer/songwriter and country rock influences
slowly started creeping in”, remembers Thomas. Open-minded listeners may also be able to
detect another, more unexpected ingredient: British new wave pop. ”I was always a sucker
for three minute pop songs, as recorded by Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and XTC in the late
Seventies and early Eighties. This to-the-point approach surely suits their lead singer.
”Andreas rarely feels like jamming”, Thomas smiles. Karl Wassholm was the third member
to join Little Green. His fellow bandmembers describe him as a very musical guy with
diverse musical influences: he’s a Bright Eyes-fan with metal roots which makes for a
sensitive player who can turn into a powerhouse bassplayer, when needed. Jonas Holmberg
comes from the south of Sweden ,and is the most recent member to join Little Green.
Having spent most of his adult life on the road, he has toured with major swedish ”dance
bands”, worked as a truck driver and now studies to become a pilot. What makes Little
Green different from American bands is the Scandinavian vibe that complements their
knowledge of the great West, It can be traced in the melancholic and reflective lyrics and
subtly Swedish folk harmonies.
Diskografie/Discography
2011: Little Green “Innocent Again” (Label: Paraply Records; Mailorder: Cactus Rock
Records)
as Americana, resides in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. This is, however, a fact, and their
stunning new album Innocent Again is here to prove it. Thanks to bouts of touring and that
reliable phenomenon called ”word of mouth”, Little Green are starting to make waves in
their home country, as well as on the international scene. Innocent Again, their third
album, is arguably their best so far. With its inventive variations on country, folk rock,
Southern rock, and jangly guitars, it will most likely be the album that takes this already
highly-respected band to the next level. Little Green always had good songs. This time
around, everything else has fallen into place as well. Everything has improved a notch or
three: arrangements, performance, recording, mixing, and mastering. ”Compared to this
one, the first two albums were home recordings. This is ”the real thing” from start to
finish, and I think anyone will be able to hear it”, guitarist/mandolinplayer/main songwriter
Thomas Pontén enthuses. On Innocent Again, Little Green leave the folky tendencies of
their last album behind, and go for a fuller, more electric sound, with some surprises
thrown in for good measure. Basic recordings were made in Sven Karlssons and Hasse
Carlssons StudioLydde in the spring of 2010. Additional recordings were done in the States
and Thomas home studio. ”Back when MySpace was happening, Sven contacted us, told us
he liked our music a lot, and informed us about his studio. His resumé was impressive – for
instance he had played in J´s Plain Band, one of Sweden’s best Americana-bands, who had
done gigs with several of our favorite bands, including The Jayhawks”. They tried recording
For A While, and from the get go it was obvious that he understood Little Green´s music.
Soft-spoken, yet efficient, he chose the right moment for every remark he made. ”We
learned a lot from working with him. He helped us focus, become more disciplined, just a
better band in every respect. Hopefully, we’ll work with him again on the next album”. The
album is full of highlights. To begin with, it features two duets, This Is Our Life (featuring
Lisa Pedersen), and I Can Talk Again (featuring Keith Miles). Innocent Again features
background vocals by Kimmie Rhodes, whose songs have been recorded by several major
artists, including Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler. A songwriter’s songwriter who enjoys
a lot of respect from her peers. Ted Russell Kamp, with whom Little Green will do their
fourth tour in August, adds backing vocals to a couple of tracks. The lyrics move between
story songs and poetic imagery; between humour, and darker themes. The subtly Dave
Matthews-inspired Upside Down describes a poor person’s upbringing, from a Swedish
point of view, and was partly inspired by Thomas own youth. Don’t Tell Me It’s Over, an old
song that was re-worked for Little Green, now features a southern rock groove that lets the
rhythm section stretch out a little. The majestic closer, The Band Played On, describes the
day when Thomas lost all of his notes of songs on his way from a rehearsal. ”It was
catastrophe – this was before the digital age, and there was no backup. Luckily, the songs
found their way back to me somehow. But the lyrics can be seen as decribing a lost love –
which, in a way, it was!”
The nucleus of Little Green was born in 2004, when Thomas met singer/guitarist Andreas
Johannesson. ”We actually bumped into each other due to the fact that our children were
the same age”, remembers Thomas. It soon transpired that both of them were making
home recordings of songs, but had started to feel the urge to perform the material live.
Their musical tastes were similar, but not identical, making for a great blend of styles
rooted in rootsy American music. Andreas’ laid back personality, great ear and smoothly
raspy singing style blended well with Thomas driven personality, and more intense style of
playing. In 2006, they started performing as a duo, mixing original songs with material by
Tom Waits, Carly Simon and others. Deciding to apply for the Swedish Country
Championship, they made it to the finals in the alternative country genre. They were joined
by additional members on bass, and pedal steel. For the following year’s championships
they added banjo and fiddle to their sound. ”Hardcore bluegrass musicians mocked us
because we had a drum kit, but for us the styles and instrumentation are not as important
as the songwriting, which is the core of the band”, says Thomas. ”Several of my older
songs have been re-worked to suit the Little Green sound, whatever that is”. For a while,
their music was labelled Acousticana. But things were about to change. Undeterred by the
hostile reception Dylan got in the mid-sixties, the band decided to ”go electric” in the
spring of 2008, when agreeing to do their first tour with fellow Americana artist Ted Russell
Kamp. Kamp has released several well-received solo albums, as well as the bass player and
sometime songwriter for Shooter Jennings. ”I dusted off my electric guitar, and influences
by Little Feat and The Band , and Californian singer/songwriter and country rock influences
slowly started creeping in”, remembers Thomas. Open-minded listeners may also be able to
detect another, more unexpected ingredient: British new wave pop. ”I was always a sucker
for three minute pop songs, as recorded by Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and XTC in the late
Seventies and early Eighties. This to-the-point approach surely suits their lead singer.
”Andreas rarely feels like jamming”, Thomas smiles. Karl Wassholm was the third member
to join Little Green. His fellow bandmembers describe him as a very musical guy with
diverse musical influences: he’s a Bright Eyes-fan with metal roots which makes for a
sensitive player who can turn into a powerhouse bassplayer, when needed. Jonas Holmberg
comes from the south of Sweden ,and is the most recent member to join Little Green.
Having spent most of his adult life on the road, he has toured with major swedish ”dance
bands”, worked as a truck driver and now studies to become a pilot. What makes Little
Green different from American bands is the Scandinavian vibe that complements their
knowledge of the great West, It can be traced in the melancholic and reflective lyrics and
subtly Swedish folk harmonies.
Diskografie/Discography
2011: Little Green “Innocent Again” (Label: Paraply Records; Mailorder: Cactus Rock
Records)
BRAD BROOKS
Biografie
Biography
Originally from sun baked Tucson, Arizona, Brad Brooks is that rare quadruple threat of
writer, player, singer, and performer. His songs combine the orchestral sophistication of
Queen, the melodic sensibility of Elvis Costello, and the punk energy of early Talking
Heads.
The music is cinematic, orchestrated, moody, and his elaborate west coast baroque
sound, rocks, pops, and breaks your heart in all the right places. His 70’s piano driven
style moves from constructed psychedelic pop anthems, through Jacques Brel-esque
satirical waltzes, to intimate Americana guitar ballads.
He cut his teeth in Tucson as the lead singer for Pollo Elastico
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE21udTxfZ8> and has been a singer-songwriter in
the San Francisco bay area since 1990. After fronting SF bands Reckonball & Dolorosa,
he emerged as a solo artist in 2001 with the release of "Sanctified Into Astroglide.
<http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bradbrooks>"
Then in 2007 he released "Spill Collateral Love" which is a visceral and psychedelic mix
that highlights the songwriter's exceptional vocal range and bold command of powerful
pop craftsmanship. Centered on piano and acoustic guitar, his expert band highlights a
host of musical luminaries, including Paul Hoaglin from The Mother Hips
<http://www.motherhips.com/news/>.
Brooks's disc is rooted in a kind of Victorian California romanticism; his vocal approach is
earnest and dramatic, but maintains a poise and sense of wry wit that keeps the release
organic yet keenly produced. Brooks even includes tape loops from S.F.'s now-defunct
carnival funhouse Musee Mechanique on a track, pushing the bands vaudevillian
influences to the forefront of his original sound.
Currently he's finishing up his new record that is to be released in 2012.
He's also has done some commercial work and has sung on the video games: (Guitar
Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Rock the 80's, as well as Karaoke Revolution presents American Idol
1& 2 and all 3 of the original Karaoke Revolution series')
Diskografie/Discography
Sidewinders: Cuacha (backup vocals)
Gila Bend's: Kim Chee Cowboy (backup vocals)
Pollo Elastico: Bantams 1988-90 <http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/polloelastico>
Brad Brooks: Sanctified Into Astroglide
<http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bradbrooks>
2007- Brad Brooks: Spill Collateral Love (Mailorder: CACTUS ROCK RECORDS)
2012- Brad Brooks: Harmony Of Passing Lights (Mailorder: CACTUS ROCK RECORDS)
Media:
BB website <http://www.brad-brooks.com/>
BB Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/people/Brad-Brooks/547826723>
BB Twitter <https://twitter.com/BradBrooksmusic>
BB Myspace <http://www.myspace.com/bradbrooksmusic>
BB Youtube <http://www.youtube.com/user/williebb39#p/
writer, player, singer, and performer. His songs combine the orchestral sophistication of
Queen, the melodic sensibility of Elvis Costello, and the punk energy of early Talking
Heads.
The music is cinematic, orchestrated, moody, and his elaborate west coast baroque
sound, rocks, pops, and breaks your heart in all the right places. His 70’s piano driven
style moves from constructed psychedelic pop anthems, through Jacques Brel-esque
satirical waltzes, to intimate Americana guitar ballads.
He cut his teeth in Tucson as the lead singer for Pollo Elastico
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE21udTxfZ8> and has been a singer-songwriter in
the San Francisco bay area since 1990. After fronting SF bands Reckonball & Dolorosa,
he emerged as a solo artist in 2001 with the release of "Sanctified Into Astroglide.
<http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bradbrooks>"
Then in 2007 he released "Spill Collateral Love" which is a visceral and psychedelic mix
that highlights the songwriter's exceptional vocal range and bold command of powerful
pop craftsmanship. Centered on piano and acoustic guitar, his expert band highlights a
host of musical luminaries, including Paul Hoaglin from The Mother Hips
<http://www.motherhips.com/news/>.
Brooks's disc is rooted in a kind of Victorian California romanticism; his vocal approach is
earnest and dramatic, but maintains a poise and sense of wry wit that keeps the release
organic yet keenly produced. Brooks even includes tape loops from S.F.'s now-defunct
carnival funhouse Musee Mechanique on a track, pushing the bands vaudevillian
influences to the forefront of his original sound.
Currently he's finishing up his new record that is to be released in 2012.
He's also has done some commercial work and has sung on the video games: (Guitar
Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Rock the 80's, as well as Karaoke Revolution presents American Idol
1& 2 and all 3 of the original Karaoke Revolution series')
Diskografie/Discography
Sidewinders: Cuacha (backup vocals)
Gila Bend's: Kim Chee Cowboy (backup vocals)
Pollo Elastico: Bantams 1988-90 <http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/polloelastico>
Brad Brooks: Sanctified Into Astroglide
<http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bradbrooks>
2007- Brad Brooks: Spill Collateral Love (Mailorder: CACTUS ROCK RECORDS)
2012- Brad Brooks: Harmony Of Passing Lights (Mailorder: CACTUS ROCK RECORDS)
Media:
BB website <http://www.brad-brooks.com/>
BB Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/people/Brad-Brooks/547826723>
BB Twitter <https://twitter.com/BradBrooksmusic>
BB Myspace <http://www.myspace.com/bradbrooksmusic>
BB Youtube <http://www.youtube.com/user/williebb39#p/
CHRIS HOLIMAN
Biografie/Biography
When I was in high school my friend Jeff Farr started reading about this thing called
punk. We then read (in the Newsreel) that some people were putting on punk shows at a
bar called Tumbleweeds in Tucson. We were only 14 so we couldn’t get in but we went
down anyway. We started hanging around outside and I think the people felt bad that
these kids were outside on the sidewalk at night, so they let us come in if we didn’t drink.
After that we started going down every weekend and became friends with Van Christian,
Dan Stuart, Jack Waterson and Chris Cacavas (the Serfers). They took us under their
wings, told us about Leonard Cohen and The Velvet Underground. Later we started our
band the Seldoms and started playing Tumbleweeds ourselves. I am self taught. I started
with drums in the Seldoms, except I didn’t use the bass drum. Just toms, snare and
cymbals. The Seldoms recorded a 45 for Subterranean and I played drums on that
record. Chris Cacavas taught me a few things on keyboards and I latter moved to
keyboards in the Seldoms and then guitar in The River Roses. Of course I played bass
with Jacket Weather along with the great Howie Salmon and in a band called The Vegas
Kids. Right now I am teaching myself Pro Tools so I am still self taught. The Seldoms
were mostly about a High School friendship. Jeff Farr, Michael Donnely and I (along with
Sean Murphy and Cheryl Graham) wanted to hang out and we wanted to express
ourselves. What we found out along the way was no matter how primitive the music
sounded we had a talent for writing songs. After the Seldoms I have spent the rest of my
life writing music but I really learned I could do it there. The Seldoms music got compared
to the English band The Fall a lot. I think we were Lo-Fi before it existed. The Songwriter
answer is what I am writing right now is the milestone of my career. Of course people
have sentimental attachments to songs I wrote at different times in my life, but I think I
have been improving as a song writer all along. I remember when we got the vinyl
pressing from the first River Roses record and I played it that was cool. The River Roses
played the Ford Amphitheater which was across from the Hollywood bowl opening for
Camper Van Beethoven. Many of my fondest memories are from Wooden Ball shows, not
me playing, but the whole experience. I have been doing the Wooden Ball for eighteen
years so that show really follows my experiences as a musician. I love hearing new
music, not because I copy it but because it gets me excited about writing my own songs. I
also love finding a new chord progression or melody. The act of creation, bringing
something out of the void, inspires me. I believe art’s major benefit is to bring some order
out of chaos and when that form comes into shape it is very inspiring. I am very proud of
that CD. Nick Luca (producer) and I spent about year and half recording song after song,
because we were looking for recordings that felt emotionally real. I think I wrote at least
100 songs for that project and recorded maybe 50 of those. We settled on 12 songs and I
think it is the closest I have come as a songwriter or singer to producing something
greater than the sum of its parts. It is kind of a quiet CD very acoustic and a little sad, so
it probably isn’t the most commercial thing I’ve done (if anything I’ve done is commercial)
but I think it is very good. Of course having Tom Larkins, Joey Burns, Gene Ruley, Nick
Luca and Neil Harry play on the CD didn’t hurt.
Diskografie/Discography
2009: “The Sailor’s Daughter” (Label: Mud-Time Music; Mailorder: Cactus Rock Records)
Biografie/Biography
When I was in high school my friend Jeff Farr started reading about this thing called
punk. We then read (in the Newsreel) that some people were putting on punk shows at a
bar called Tumbleweeds in Tucson. We were only 14 so we couldn’t get in but we went
down anyway. We started hanging around outside and I think the people felt bad that
these kids were outside on the sidewalk at night, so they let us come in if we didn’t drink.
After that we started going down every weekend and became friends with Van Christian,
Dan Stuart, Jack Waterson and Chris Cacavas (the Serfers). They took us under their
wings, told us about Leonard Cohen and The Velvet Underground. Later we started our
band the Seldoms and started playing Tumbleweeds ourselves. I am self taught. I started
with drums in the Seldoms, except I didn’t use the bass drum. Just toms, snare and
cymbals. The Seldoms recorded a 45 for Subterranean and I played drums on that
record. Chris Cacavas taught me a few things on keyboards and I latter moved to
keyboards in the Seldoms and then guitar in The River Roses. Of course I played bass
with Jacket Weather along with the great Howie Salmon and in a band called The Vegas
Kids. Right now I am teaching myself Pro Tools so I am still self taught. The Seldoms
were mostly about a High School friendship. Jeff Farr, Michael Donnely and I (along with
Sean Murphy and Cheryl Graham) wanted to hang out and we wanted to express
ourselves. What we found out along the way was no matter how primitive the music
sounded we had a talent for writing songs. After the Seldoms I have spent the rest of my
life writing music but I really learned I could do it there. The Seldoms music got compared
to the English band The Fall a lot. I think we were Lo-Fi before it existed. The Songwriter
answer is what I am writing right now is the milestone of my career. Of course people
have sentimental attachments to songs I wrote at different times in my life, but I think I
have been improving as a song writer all along. I remember when we got the vinyl
pressing from the first River Roses record and I played it that was cool. The River Roses
played the Ford Amphitheater which was across from the Hollywood bowl opening for
Camper Van Beethoven. Many of my fondest memories are from Wooden Ball shows, not
me playing, but the whole experience. I have been doing the Wooden Ball for eighteen
years so that show really follows my experiences as a musician. I love hearing new
music, not because I copy it but because it gets me excited about writing my own songs. I
also love finding a new chord progression or melody. The act of creation, bringing
something out of the void, inspires me. I believe art’s major benefit is to bring some order
out of chaos and when that form comes into shape it is very inspiring. I am very proud of
that CD. Nick Luca (producer) and I spent about year and half recording song after song,
because we were looking for recordings that felt emotionally real. I think I wrote at least
100 songs for that project and recorded maybe 50 of those. We settled on 12 songs and I
think it is the closest I have come as a songwriter or singer to producing something
greater than the sum of its parts. It is kind of a quiet CD very acoustic and a little sad, so
it probably isn’t the most commercial thing I’ve done (if anything I’ve done is commercial)
but I think it is very good. Of course having Tom Larkins, Joey Burns, Gene Ruley, Nick
Luca and Neil Harry play on the CD didn’t hurt.
Diskografie/Discography
2009: “The Sailor’s Daughter” (Label: Mud-Time Music; Mailorder: Cactus Rock Records)
Artists from A to L
