Love Dream Truth Love
By Pam Baumgardner
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.
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.
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.