Album Review: Donna Deussen & The Paul Weitz Trio

On the Street Where You Live
by Pam Baumgardner

Paul WeitzI was given a copy of Donna Deussen & the Paul Weitz Trio’s new CD by our good friends at Squashed Grapes where one of the band’s CD release parties was scheduled. I popped in the CD and “California Dreamin'” came on. The first thing that caught my attention was Donna’s amazing voice; it’s smooth as silk and sexy as hell.

I’ve spent a lot of time with this one cruising around and while working on the computer and though I have no chance at hitting those notes, I find myself singing, trying to imitate Deussen in the privacy of my own home (or with the windows rolled up); well there’s always my next lifetime.

The musicianship is top notch and Weitz’s guitar work is fluid, skilled and unpretentious as the band compliments each other so very well.  Bringing into the mix some horn work from Nudell and Wayne was brilliant as well.  So very well produced.

That bass line on “Do Wrong Shoes” and the smooth jazz guitar coupled with extraordinary vocals is completely seductive. I’m also loving the Joni Mitchell classic, “Both Sides Now,” “The Very Thought of You,” but if I were pressed for a favorite, I’d have to go with the mash up of “Black Coffee” / “A Night in Tunsia.”  The pace is picked up slightly and intensely as the sax work closes the deal for me.

I always know new music strikes a chord with me when I can envision listening to it on a hot summer day cruising the coastline in a convertible as I do with this one; but I can also envision orchestrating the perfect intimate candlelight dinner for two with this as the backdrop. “On the Street Where You Live” from Donna Deussen & the Paul Weitz Trio will fit in quite nicely to your music collection.

Photos from Squashed Grapes show on Saturday, May 17, 2014:

Genre:
Jazz Pop

Tracks:
“California Dreamin'” (Michele Gillam, John Phillips)
“Do Wrong Shoes” (Donald Fagen, Hirth Martinez)
“On the Street Where You Live” (Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe)
“Both Sides Now” (Joni Mitchell)
“Black Coffee” / “A Night In Tunisia” (J. Francis Burke and Paul Francis Webster / John Gillespie and Frank Paparelli)
“Fly Me to the Moon” (Bart Howard)
“The Very Thought of You” (Ray Noble)
“Sister Sadie” (Horace Silver)
“If I Only Had a Brain” (Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg)
“Waltz for Debby” (Gene Lees, Bill Evans)

Musicians:
Donna Deussen, vocals
Paul Weitz, guitar
Matt Vanbenschoten, bass
Gus Duffy, drums
various tracks:
Geoff Nudell, clarinet and flute
Wayne Wayne

On the Street Where You Live was produced by Paul Weitz & Donna Deussen recorded at DBW Studio, Woodland Hills, CA.

www.PaulWeitz.com
www.DonnaDeussen.com

Album Review: Dan Grimm

Average Savage
by Pam Baumgardner

Average SavageI’ve gotten to know Dan Grimm the past couple of years and have had several conversations with him, the last one with him explaining how “Ventucky” is not a derogatory term…at least not to him.  He loves this town; there is no doubt about that.

With his latest release Average Savage, Dan continues to grow as a songwriter.  His songs tell stories of love, drama, struggle, some of which are quite personal. I’ll be up front and honest, there is nothing sexier than a man who isn’t afraid to show his love for his woman and profess he’ll eat monsters for her.

Monsters
Baby don’t you worry
Cuz I eat monsters for you
Sweet tasty monsters just for you

That’s just freakin’ awesome!

I love grabbing an ice cold beer at the end of the day, sitting down and putting my feet up while relaxing to Dan Grimm, because I know before long I will feel at ease with any residual stress from the day will just fade away with each song.  By the time I get to “Mirror” I’m relaxed and I’ve finally arrived home mentally, leaving the day behind.

And as much as love relaxing to Dan’s music, I always try to catch his shows live because Dan always surrounds himself with nothing but the best local talent around.  It’s not long before the audience as a whole finds the groove and starts dancing to tunes such as the title track,  “Even Good Love” or “Seven Up.”

Dan Grimm bandDan describes his sound as “flip-floppytonk” or “rock ‘n’ roll with a little bit of country” and I can’t disagree.  I loved learning the lyrics and anticipating the slide guitar or vocal harmonies.  The album was well produced with a mix of guitar sounds between acoustic, steel and electric (loved that slide guitar work from Neal Casal and vocals from Jaime Wyatt).

Even Good Love Hurts
Wha’d you think it would be easy 
It aint trouble all the time 
You could try harder to please me 
I don’t read minds and pantomime

Sweet Relief
Try to tell a man he’s got no integrity
Even if he’s evil and all he tells is lies lies lies
and I don’t think there is any remedy
Maybe it’s best if you cut your ties

Dan Grimm Band

 

 

 

 

 

Average Savage was produced by Jesse Siebenberg at Brotheryn Studios in Ojai, CA.  All songs written by Dan Grimm except “Even Good Love Hurts” (Dan Grimm & Jaime Wyatt), “Change is Blowing Bitter” (Dan Grimm & Jesse Siebenberg), & “Mirror” (Dan Grimm & Jesse Siebenberg).

 

https://dangrimm.bandcamp.com/album/average-savage
www.myspace.com/danisgrimm
www.reverbnation.com/danisgrimm
https://www.facebook.com/DanGrimm
www.DanisGrimm.com

 

Album Review: The Calamity

A Ghost of These Moments
By Pam Baumgardner

The Ghost of These MomentsListening to the first track of A Ghost of These Moments, “Everybody Knows” I immediately envision a dark smoky room after hours at some underground speakeasy back in the day where the a lone individual is singing to no one in particular on an upright piano.  Raw vocals.  Deep in thought.  Yeah, “Everybody Knows”.   They had my attention.

The Calamity was originally formed by several members of Army of Freshmen back in 2005.  There’s no doubt about it, the members are talented and given a little bit of downtime, they’ll be working on new material, because that’s what artists do, and that’s what Owen Bucey, Aaron Goldberg and Kai Dodson did one night when everybody else went out; they hung back picked up different instruments and started messing around with new material.  And though Bucey stuck with keyboards, for the first time he was writing lyrics.  Eventually Balt Cano and Phil Tibbs would round out the band adding a tad of an edge to their sound.

A Ghost of These Moments is The Calamity’s second release, and it contains 12 solid songs.  The second track “Killing Time” establishes the power pop dynamic of the band with poignant lyrics about wanting to do something as you realize life is passing you by.

As I listen to each track and hear the lyrics I’m impressed by mature nature of looking at life.  Digging deep and pulling out the stops about how it’s not always easy, yearning for an easier life, people snapping under pressure, yet you can also hear the commitment to family, friends and doing what’s right.

My favorite tracks are “Killing Time”, “B-Side” and “Musical Fashion”.  I tend to lean towards the upbeat side of music.   But I have to say that at one point listening to “Descend” I could feel the the ghost of John Lennon being channeled. It was interesting how Lennon had stripped down from highly produced Beatle tunes to working with Ono where it was more organic and real; and that’s what I hear from Bucey’s vocals, and simply produced tracks from The Calamity.

The record is produced by The Calamity and Armand John Anthony, engineered and mixed by Armand John Anthony.  Mastered by Paul Miner @ Buzzbomb Studios, Orange, CA.  There are also guest performances from Austin Knecht, Marcella Tambouris and Zeke Berkley.

I love this town with so many amazing artists who support each other and collaborate and promote and continue to create new works for us to enjoy.  I recommend you add a copy of A Ghost of These Moments to your collection and see if you don’t agree.

See VenturaRocks.com Interview with Owen Bucey

Struggle
“It’s a constant struggle
But it’s beautiful
Hold me back before I fall
Keep the light on for me
I’m coming soon
To our family, our home”

The Calamity:
Aaron Goldberg
Baltazar Cano
Kai Dodson
Owen Bucey|
Phil Tibbs

i-Tunes
Amazon
cdBaby

Concert Review: Benefit for Jacob with Albert Lee

Albert Lee and Friends Deliver in Jam for Jacob at Yolie’s
Benefit for Jacob was held at Yolies on Saturday, January 4, 2014
by Jon Garner

Blues musicians love to play, and when they can lend their efforts to a worthy charitable cause, most of them are all over it. Last Saturday January 4, some true heavyweights, led by the ageless guitarist Albert Lee, got together in the cool little music room at Yolie’s in Ventura to blow a little bit and help with Jacob Hacker’s considerable medical expenses due to recurring cancer. The event was a resounding success all the way around.

Spearheaded by Jacob’s parents Jan and Jerry McWorter (who was behind the drums during many of the proceedings) and Hi Hat Entertainment, the show netted more than $10,000 for Jacob and delivered a lineup of talent was comparable to any you’d see at Doheny or just about anyplace else. It was heartwarming to see all these musical friends cheerfully contribute in a powerful way.

I found out about the show at the last minute, and with the likes of Albert, Coco Montoya, Pete Anderson, and James Harman on the bill, I figured what the heck, I’m in. Little did I know that harp legends Mark Hummel, Rick Estrin and the great singer Curtis Salgado would also appear, the vibe would be fantastic, and the night would turn into a blues lover’s dream.

Had I known the music would be so good that I would write a story, I would have been more concerned with learning who the talented sidemen were than what brand of tequila was being served.

Mark Hummel w Band CFor my money, Mark Hummel, Pete Anderson and the peerless Albert Lee were the highlights. Fortunately, we arrived in time to hear most of Hummel’s set. I have one of his CDs, but I am embarrassed to say that I had never seen him live and didn’t fully realize just how talented he is. His last harp solo in particular was a thing of beauty.

Mark’s website is www.markhummel.com – I’m particularly interested in his collaboration with Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty. That’s gotta be one hell of a band!

Pete Anderson Digs In CNext up was Pete Anderson. In my opinion Dwight Yoakam could never have achieved the success he did without Anderson’s music direction and quirky, fun guitar playing. He offered ample proof that his style translates equally as well to blues as it does to country. He delivered a really enjoyable set. Check him out at www.peteanderson.com.

Speaking of a guitar style that is equally suited for blues as it is for country, there’s the matter of Albert Lee. During the course of his 50-year career, Albert has toured with the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmy Lou Harris and most recently with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and his own groups. He is a fixture and crowd favorite at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Simply put, Albert is one of the greatest guitar players in the world. His touring schedule would frighten a 20-year-old; check it out at www.albertlee.co.uk.

I was privileged to play with Albert a few times many years ago, and Saturday I found him to be just as gracious as ever. He took the bandstand following a strong set by Teresa James, who had a tight band and a very soulful voice. Albert’s band featured Donna Oxford, a talented pianist and singer who unfortunately found the volume knob a little too easily, and a very good second guitarist. Albert let them both have ample solo time.

Albert Lee Pickin' CEverything was relatively low-key until Albert cut loose with his signature Country Boy. He and the band proceeded to blow the doors off the place as he has with that song for nearly 40 years. Allowing for the quick changeovers and the large number of bands, Country Boy brought the only standing ovation and encore of the night – well deserved.

I wanted to stay for James Harman and Coco Montoya, but my friends and sanity prevailed and we headed for the barn shortly after Albert’s set. We were not alone. Harman’s first couple songs featured excellent piano solos by Fred Kaplan to send us on our way. It was a great night and a first-class event. I had so much fun I felt compelled to write my first music review in ten years.

For more information on the Benefit for Jacob, visit www.hihatentertainment.com.


Jon Garner has been a professional writer for 35 years and a Butterfield-inspired harpist since 1966. For more information on his band, the Costa Mesa Humor Kings, visit http://www.youtube.com/rodgarnay51.

Album Review: Hans Ottsen

Music for Mind Movies
By Pam Baumgardner

Hans OttsenI woke up pleasantly surprised on New Year’s Day to find that Hans Ottsen had just released a brand new EP called “Music for Mind Movies.” While getting to know Hans and his live jazz performances at one of my favorite venues, Squashed Grapes, I learned that he also teaches guitar lessons, and is a well-sought after session musician.  He co-produced and engineered at Filzar Studios for the past year or so, and recently worked on Phil Salazar’s new release, “Life on the Edge,”  In exchange he earned some prime studio time.

So how did Hans use that time?  He told me, “I got Tico Trio (Randy Tico, Adam Clark n’ me) in there a couple months ago and we’re planning to release that one early 2014. These tracks were really just me experimenting in the studio. I never really planned to release them as I was creating them.  Then I thought it’d be fun to release an EP without any jazz on it.”

Han’s EP titled Music for Mind Movies is seven eclectic beautifully written and performed songs, that if you allow, will take you to another place. Hans explained, “As for the name, the tunes don’t adhere to any one genre. There’s some ambient electronic, instrumental pop, demented circus music, but I can’t really describe it all easily. I’ve been told that it all kinda sounds like ‘music from a movie.’ Those movies have yet to be made. They exist in the mind.  Music For Mind Movies.”

The first track, “111113 DMS,” remains my favorite, it starts so simply and builds to a beautiful crescendo. You can’t help but imagine how perfectly this would fit in any number of blockbuster movies on the big screen.  “Zoey’s Lullably” is just flat out too cool for school and “Circus Animal Lullaby” just takes you subtly to another place.  They’re all incredible tracks.

You could listen to Music for Mind Movies in the car driving up the coast, listen while working, listen with your headphones on (eyes closed), but just make the time and listen.

The EP was produced by Phil Salazar & Hans Ottsen.  All All tunes were written by Hans Ottsen except Kornflakes (Hans Ottsen & Phil Salazar) and Ayefbe (Phil Salazar).

For now, “Music for Mind Movies” is only available on Bandcamp, where you can give it a test drive, but you’ll want to actually purchase it for a couple of reasons:
1. Have it at the ready for your listening pleasure
2. Support your local artist
3. It’s not okay to steal music
4. It’s only $7.

https://hansottsen.bandcamp.com/
www.HansOttsen.com
www.Facebook.com/Hans.Ottsen.7

Concert Review: Karl Hunter Jazz Quartet at Squashed Grapes

By Pam Baumgardner
Karl Hunter Jazz Quartet performance at Squashed Grapes, Wednesday, November 27, 2013.

As soon as I got wind that Karl Hunter had put together a jazz quartet and would be playing at The Grape, I was on board.  I got my ticket and I asked Karl if VenturaRocks.com could publish his post he had placed on his Facebook page as he wrote about why he was doing this and highlighted each musician he had handpicked to play with him (see below photo gallery).

I’ll be honest, I expected a great night of jazz because you know the guys in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are the best, hardest working group of talented musicians around.  And after reading what Karl wrote, I figured I was in for a really cool night of talented friends getting together to mess around and kick it up a bit.  But what I got was a mind-blowing experience of ultra talented musicians brought together in an intimate setting giving it 100%.  It was the kind of performance that strikes at your inner being.

My highest regards to Rufus Philpot (bass), Andy Langham (keyboards) and Aaron McLendon (drums).  Coming together along with Karl to do this performance on Thanksgiving Eve was an extraordinary thing to do.  You guys so nailed it.  I loved how Karl would just step aside and let his friends work their magic as he watched from the doorway with a very smug smile on his face.  And then he’d step back in and “BAM” he’d hit it out of the park.

I just want to personally thank Karl Hunter for bringing this caliber of talent to Ventura and to Squashed Grapes. The four of you together was truly inspirational.  It was a privilege to be there and witness it and it’s a night I will never forget.

 

(Karl originally wrote this for his Facebook page.  We thought it super awesome so we asked him for permission to post it on our website, and he said, and I quote, “I would love that. Thank you so much!” 
The Karl Hunter Quartet plays Squashed Grapes Wednesday, November 27, 2013.  For advance tickets, stop by Squashed Grapes at 2351 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA)

417034_10152219956780018_142424281_nSo in all my years of being a musician I have never fronted a band. Never had my own project or my name on a marquee. I’ve always wanted to but never got it together. That’s about to change. I was approached by the awesome folks at Squashed Grapes in Ventura to put a band together for a “Karl Hunter Quartet” gig on November 27th, the night before Thanksgiving. I’ve mulled over a potential dream band for years wondering what it would be like to play with X drummer, Y piano or guitar player, or Z bass player. Never in all those years did I ever conceive a line up like this…
I put together a “what if” dream line up and picked up the phone. And low and behold, everyone was down to get down, so to speak.

Occasionally there are a-ha moments on the bandstand. Those moments that usually make me laugh out loud on stage, because someone has played something so left field, so unique and cool, that I wouldn’t of thought of it in a thousand years. I’ve had one of those moments with each of these guys. And I can’t wait to hear them together on the same stage and discover what craziness ensues.

Rufus Philpot, while being one of the funniest hangs and a real character is also incidentally a deranged monster on bass. He’s one of the few bass players I’ve ever had the honor to play with, who’s technique is so honed that he has absolutely no barrier between thought and execution. Sometimes it’s absolutely ludicrous what he can fit in before the end of a phrase, all the while never sacrificing the groove. Much like the funny comments between the tunes that skirt the edge but never quite cross the line 🙂 Rufus has mastered the dark arts of Jazz fusion while playing with a who’s who of the genre. Allan Holdsworth. Simon Philips , Chad Wackerman, Randy Brecker, Al Di Miola & David Gilmore, to name a few. (Okay, David Gilmore is probably not jazz fusion but still demands a mention.)

If you’re an local 805er and into the music scene you must have felt the auora of Aaron McLendon. The mere mention of the name makes the clouds part, and vocal choirs appear out of nowhere. Along with serious proclamations that usually go like: “duuuude he’s the baddddest!!!!” For years, I heard the rumors and wondered what it was all about. Aaron and I both had the awesome opportunity to have been students of the amazing music mentor, Isaac Jenkins. And it was at an alumni tribute to Ike that I got to have one of those a-ha moments I previously mentioned, when finally witnessing Aaron’s playing. He had a drum solo in a big band tune, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was he going to showcase amazing chops? Or go obscure with metric modulation & over the bar line trickery? (All of which I would have loved.) No, he did a solo almost completely on cymbals. super textural, and unbelievably musical. All the while holding everyone’s attention with an iron fist. The rumors were absolutely true, Aaron parts clouds. He’s Badddd. So Badddd that He a heavy among heavyweights. Playing with: Charlie Haden, George Clinton, Billy Childs, Christian Scott, Kurt Elling, and the New York Voices.

Andy Langham is a deep well. His bag of tricks is bottomless. If music was a poker game he would see you and raise you on every hand. Whatever improvisational musical idea you have, he can take and refine, and then redefine and then take that and redefine it again in a way that is so many levels deep, that you’ll be absolutely dumbfounded how he got from point a to point z. He is undoubtedly the most gnarley musician I have ever played with. No joke. A lot of musicians can sound good on their instrument, but that is just the tiny point on top of the tip of the iceberg for Andy. His understanding of the inner workings and interrelationship of harmony is super-human. He honestly should wear a cape. But that’s not Andy’s style. He’s is perfectly comfortable with being Clark Kent, and like Clark, is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. If you have any interest in Jazz and the improvisational process you need to come and see Andy play. If you enjoy witnessing the extremitys of human accomplishment and potential you will be amazed. He’s the Carl Lewis or the Michael Jordan of Jazz Piano. How often do you get to rub shoulders with Olympians?

Those lucky enough to play with Andy include Pancho Sanchez, Natalie Cole, Christian McBride, Ernie Watts, Dewey Redman and the New York Voices.

I am honored and flattered that these gentleman would come to Ventura to play with me. If you can’t tell already I’m beyond excited about this night of music, you must have skipped a few paragraphs.

My hope is to get the train rolling, grab onto the caboose and hold on for dear life. I absolutely know one of the things I’ll be thankful for when I wake up on Thanksgiving morning. If you are free on Thanksgiving eve, you should consider joining us on this very special night. I feel very fortunate that these gentleman are able to be in one place at the same time. If you can, come out and share in what with undoubtedly, will be an amazing evening.

Album Review – Shaky Feelin’

Live at Green Art People
By Pam Baumgardner

Live at Green Art People

Live at Green Art People

If your band kills it live and your following is loyal, it’s a complete no brainer that you have to record your next CD live.  Too often when a band goes into the studio their collective sound becomes sterile and they lose the essence of what makes them special.  Hence, Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People was recorded during one of Green Art People’s weekly Wednesday night shows on April 24, 2013, and the band nailed it!

While doubling drumming is not a new idea, it’s always a treat when you get to witness it first hand.  Two drum kits with Cameron Probe and Paul Menchaca working off each other, complimenting each other and sometimes working in unison to create a fuller sound.  Love it!  Add to that a strong bass line from Rob Jeffries, and impeccable keyboards from Franklin Murphy for that extra fuller layer of rhythm, creating a perfect balance for Mr. Masson on lead guitar. The thing about Mark Masson is that he really knows how to play his guitar.  He creates these loops live on the spot, and plays upon those layers.  You can only imagine how many hours it took to gain the ability to play like he does, but trust me, it was time well spent.

Together, the band creates this amazing upbeat groove that so seductive and addictive, you’ll find yourself dancing with a room full of people as one, or by yourself if you play this CD in the privacy of your own home!

Friday night, November 8, at The Tavern was packed to the gills and the night was a huge successful for the launch of the new CD.  Seriously, the band is something to behold live.  I found myself cruising around, shooting pictures and talking with people, it was undeniable the love and support this town has for the boys.

Danielle Marie Aue told us, “The Number One reason I like Shaky Feelin’ is because when I hear them I have to dance, you can’t sit still during a Shaky show.  The Number Two reason is the atmosphere and following, it’s like a family reunion every time!  Everyone is dancing with everyone, feeling free and welcoming new followers.  And the Number Three reason is that it’s different and the same; I always hear something new that keeps me intrigued but I always hear something I know which keeps me coming back for more.”  Describing the band’s sound Aue said, “I would describe their music as a little bit of everything; unstoppable and unforgettable.”

Seth Brandes said he likes the band for a couple of reasons, “They are a generation younger than myself,” he explained. “Mark who leads the band is 30 years old and he writes lyrics using the word, ‘groovy!’  How many kids his age use the word, ‘groovy?’  Not too many, but Mark does! But what I really like about the band is that they create a sound that’s much larger than really who they are. There’s a big percussion section behind them, but really only three guys on guitar, bass and keyboards, yet it feels like a much larger band without being really really loud. I also like the way they improvise, they’ll move from one musical genre to another effortlessly between songs.”

A self professed Shaky Feelin’ virgin Maggie Ramos McKinney, said,”I can’t believe I’d never heard them before!!! I’m hooked and can’t wait to listen to the CD!”

And finally, two of my favorite women here in town, who are BIG FANS of the band share the same thoughts, “Bottom line, when I hear Shaky Feelin it gives me happy Feet. Such a fun engaged band,” exclaims Cheryl Swift.  And local photographer, Amanda Peacock, says she likes Shaky Feelin’, “Because the music makes me FEEL GOOD! It makes me get a Shaky Feelin’!”

Do yourself a favor and invest in our local boys and get yourself a copy of Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People.

www.ShakyFeelin.com
www.Facebook.com/ShakyFeelin

Guitar, Vocals: Mark Masson
Keyboard, Vocals: Franklin Murphy
Bass: Rob Jeffries
Drums, Vocals: Paul Menchaca
Kit-Cussion: Cameron Probe

Shakey Feelin Live at Green Art People was recorded by Jon DeBaun.

 

Album Review – 50 Sticks of Dynamite

Love Dream Truth Love
By Pam Baumgardner

Love Dream Truth Love

Love Dream Truth Love

One of the coolest things about Ventura’s music scene is that you really get to know the bands and the more you go out to support their shows, the more you get to know their original songs, so it’s always a treat when one of our local favorites comes out with a CD to enjoy on your own time.

I’m a huge 50 Sticks fan.  But here’s the funny thing, there are a handful of instruments I can normally do without, such as the accordion or the bagpipe, and I use to add the banjo in there; I use to equate the banjo with the old school TV show, “Hee Haw”, but then I had seen a number of performances by Steve Martin which just floored me.  So I’ve developed a respect for banjo playing over the years, and with a more open mind, I was primed to fully embrace the banjo when I first saw Ian playing it during an early 50 Sticks show back at J’s (now Peirano’s) in early 2011.

The early days!

The early days!

This ain’t no bluegrass band, and it ain’t no country jam band.  This is straight-forward rock and roll.  The band describes their sound as banjo driven roots rock & blues.  Regardless, it’s the kind of music that inspires you to get off your ass and dance to their infectious tunes.

Ian McFayden

Ian McFayden

50 Sticks released their second album this year called, Love Dream Truth Love.  I’m completely jazzed to include in my private collection of local music songs like “Far Away,”  “For You,” and the title track “Love Dream.

“Far Away” reminds me of a classic movie or an old relationship which you can count on for getting much needed comfort.  It just feels right;  I love the line, “Yes I’m gonna find you baby and make your untamed heart my own” in the song, “For You.”  The tune seriously drives me to dance which is always a fun thing when you’re seat belted behind the wheel driving down the 101; The title track, “Love Dream Truth Love” is the quintessential rock anthem; and I love the harp on “What’s Next?”

The band is comprised of local musicians you’ve seen over the years in various
projects.  It’s extremely cool when you bring four guys together and it just clicks.

50 Sticks of Dynamite
Banjo: Ian McFadyen
Guitar and harmonica: Whitey Wingland
Bass: Michael Dominguez
Drums: Chris Jensen

And though I still prefer to see the boys play their tunes live, the CD will keep be satisfied until the next we meet.

www.50Sticks.com   
www.facebook.com/fiftysticks.ofdynamite

50 Sticks of Dynamite

Album Review – Shawn Jones

Struggle Makes You Stronger
By Pam Baumgardner

Struggle Makes You Stronger

Struggle Makes You Stronger

I’ve been going out and catching Shawn Jones’ shows for a few years now.  To be honest, I get a little antsy when he’s out on the road touring.  I don’t want to begrudge others from enjoying his shows and becoming fans,  but I love that he’s been calling Ventura home and that we get him more often than others around the world.

That being said, obviously, I love Shawn Jones.  His music just does something to the inner workings of my body and soul.  It’s a physical thing, and a spiritual thing and he does it quite effortlessly.

Having Waylon Jennings as a early mentor puts you on the right path for originality; Shawn learned this lesson well.  Only the truest blissful sounds this man makes has to be born from within and he really holds true on his latest “Struggle Makes You Stronger.”

Original tunes through and through, Shawn  really shines on his fifth release which was produced by Shawn Jones, Jeff Silbar and Joe Baugh at Brotheryn Studios in Ojai, CA.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have favorites, but I can’t help myself!  What a great line in the opening track, “Life is for the Living,” “I went out to see an old friend, laid to rest last Saturday.”  The man just has a way with words, and his music is so infectious you’ll find yourself grooving and learning the lyrics and singing right along with Shawn by the second time through.

Shawn at Yolies

Shawn at Yolies August 24, 2013

The title track, “Struggle Makes you Stronger,” is another favorite as is “She Don’t know (’bout her own Mojo),” which is funky, down and dirty; Shawn has some serious fun on that one.  “Day with Rain” soothes the soul, where “Runnin’ Water” raises you up and makes you want to take on the world.

Blues, Rock, Americana, Country…it’s Shawn Jones playing what inspires him…and it inspires me.

And one more thing…Shawn has got the sexiest voice hands down.  You can quote me on that one.

Get yourself some Shawn Jones, “Struggle Makes You Stronger.”

www.ShawnJonesMusic.com
www.Facebook.com/ShawnJonesMusic
Links to buy online:
http://www.shawnjonesmusic.com/store/
Link to see video “Life is for the Living”:
Life is for the Living

Album Review – Spencer the Gardener

Breaking My Own Heart
By Pam Baumgardner

Breaking My Own Heart

Breaking My Own Heart

I’ve been familiar with Spencer the Gardener for years. You want a lively good time? You go see Spencer in concert because bar none, out of all the bands in Southern California, this band will deliver the goods each and every single time. And it’s a rare person who can refrain from at the very least tapping their toes, because I see more people dancing at their shows than any other band. They’re just flat out fun!

The problem at hand is how to describe Spencer the Gardener. The first word that comes to mind is “quirky” and then “professional” but the two words don’t really feel right going in the same sentence. So I’m going to go with a better word, “proficient” because every single member of this band is spot on. From Spencer’s unique vocals to Lilly’s trumpet to Lackner on the percussions, the band takes having a good time to a serious level of fun.

But I still haven’t solved the problem of describing the sound or the genre of the band. Surf? Sort of. Mariachi? Yeah, but… Latin? Well…yeah. But then I realize that they are a little of a lot of things. I also think of the Herman’s Hermits. Confused yet?

So I go to the official Spencer the Gardener website and get it straight from the horse’s mouth: “Guitars, Bongos, Congas, Trumpets, Saxophone, Bass, Drums and even an Accordion make up a California sun kissed, Latin tinged, genre bending, big band Surf Mariachi indie pop affair.”

YES! That’s it. I guarantee even Spencer took his time to come up with this description!

In any case, this band has been entertaining for 23 years and they’ve just come out with their seventh CD called, “Breaking My Own Heart” which includes 12 tunes and as always, Spencer delivers the goods.

You’ll want this CD for when you traveling down the 101 with the ocean to your side, windows down, with Spencer blaring – it just makes me smile thinking about it. Or running around the house doing bills or housecleaning, it will be a helpful hand. Or entertaining friends, a definite must have!

Spencer the Gardener continues to play shows around the country and especially in Santa Barbara as that is the band’s home base. But they do come to Ventura from time to time and when they do, you should always make it a point to come out and support a good time, because we never ever want to see them go away.

Love us some Spencer the Gardener!!!

Breaking My Own Heart

Track List:

1.Breaking My Own Heart
2.Someday She Said
3.Summer in the City
4.Lonely Soul
5.There She Goes
6.Bye Baby
7.Lluvia Paz
8.Away We Go
9.Chelsea Radio
10.Rock Steady
11.Movin’ On
12.Breaking My own Heart Outro

Click to buy CD: Breaking My Own Heart

Click for the Spencer the Gardener official website

Playing Amigos April 15, 2013

Playing Amigos April 15, 2013

Eve and Pam of VenturaRocks.com with the Man, Spencer!

Eve and Pam of VenturaRocks.com with the Man, Spencer!