Third Day, The Myriad impress in Anaheim show

Outside it was cold and raining, but inside the House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday night, Feb. 21, 2008, a capacity-crowd was warmed by a strong set from headliner Third Day and a groundbreaking appearance from relative newcomer the Myriad.

One of Christian music's most successful rock outfits, Third Day came to Anaheim as part of a short six-date club tour to gear up for a full-fledged spring tour. So while the band only played 75 minutes, fans were treated to the band's best-known hits, as well as some particularly promising songs set for release on the band's next studio release.

Third Day has honed a Southern rock sound that is rooted in the territory of Lynyrd Skynyrd but also boasts a heavy guitar crunch associated with neo-grunge bands such as Three Doors Down and Creed. That doesn't tell the full story, since Third Day's material is always melodic and features uplifting choruses that draw comparisons to U2's approach.
The band explored the full range of its sonic territory, playing the scorching "Rockstar," midtempo material such as "Who I Am" and praise songs ("King of Glory," "God of Wonders") that had many in the audience lifting their arms into the air.

Singer Mac Powell sang with power and conviction throughout the night, his baritone showcased on the soaring "Tunnel" and "My Hope Is You."
The group also played several new songs, with "Call My Name" especially effective with its undeniable chorus.

The Myriad is a young, up-and-coming band out of Seattle whose sound draws comparisons with the Cure, Radiohead and Snow Patrol, but is unique enough to warrant the band's growing buzz.
"A Clean Shot," one of the six songs performed by the band, was a highlight of the 30-minute set. But the lush and artful sound made by the quintet is as much a part of the Myriad as the songs themselves. Following the lead of Sigur Ros, the band even used a violin bow on the electric guitar at times to dramatic effect.
The Myriad is set to release "With Arrows, With Poise" on Koch Records in April and based on the group's wonderful set in Anaheim, it should rank on one of the most anticipated rock albums of 2008.

The night's opening group Revive performed a short set of four songs. The Australian group is one of the Christian rock's emerging voices and has a strong card in lead singer Dave Hanbury, whose impressive voice was especially forceful on the riff rock-styled "Can't Change Yesterday."

Michael Ubaldini returns to play his 'Americana' songs

Since its opening in 1980, acclaimed modern rock artists such as the Call and Brother have recorded concerts for commercial release at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

Now one of Orange County's best-known artists is going to chronicle a special full-length concert for release as a combo DVD-CD collection. Fountain Valley-based Michael Ubaldini will headline at the San Juan Capistrano venue on Thursday night, Feb. 21, performing Americana-styled material from across his acclaimed discography.

"We're going to do stuff off every record," explained Ubaldini in a recent interview. "Some songs I'll just play acoustically with guitar and harmonica. Then the band will play with me on the other songs."

The cast of sonic players slated to join Ubaldini on stage includes Gavin Jones (bass), Larry Green (guitar), Mitch Ross (drums), Jimmy Zeiger (saxophone), Chris Lawrence (pedal steel guitar), TJR (keyboards), and Tricia Freeman and Deanie Wood on backing vocals.
"All are great musicians in their own right and it's a pleasure to be back together for this special event," Ubaldini said.

And while Ubaldini and his talented band have been rehearsing in anticipation of the upcoming show at the Coach House, he has also been going into the studio to record new material. Many of the songs are destined to appear on an upcoming acoustic collection, while more up-tempo material will be included on a forthcoming rock album.
"It has been a good year for songs," Ubaldini said.

Ubaldini, the Fallen Stars and Niki Smart will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Admission to this special concert recording event is $10.

Information: 949-496-8930.

Road Kill Kings celebrate America's music in SJC

What happens when a band blends traditional country-western, rockabilly and bluegrass with rock 'n' roll?
The results more than likely sound something like the intoxicating sound made by Orange County's own Road Kill Kings. The band will perform a free show at 8 p.m. tonight (Jan. 31, 2008) at the Swallow's Inn in San Juan Capistrano.

Given the group's wide range of influences and original sound, it's no wonder that the Road Kill Kings have played in support of such well-known artists as Hank Williams III, Junior Brown, Robert Earl Keen, the Knitters and Big Sandy.
The quintet features fiddle player Mike Stave, singer-guitarist Darren Ellis (a founding member of the James Theroux Band), drummer Mark Obey, lead guitarist Jeremy Long and upright bass fiddle player Randy Cochran. The group's original songs and energetic remakes celebrate its Americana influences, with songs such as "Truck Driving Man," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Thrown Out of the Bar" favorites with the band's fans.
Admission is free.
Information: 949-493-3188.

Over at the Renaissance
Renaissance Dana Point is offering several tribute shows this weekend for those who want to enjoy some live entertainment in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.
Beatles tribute band Help will perform at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1 at Renaissance Dana Point, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, while the Oreo Divas will celebrate the sounds of Motown with a full-length showcase at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2.
Information: 949-661-6003.

'U2 3D' is the best concert movie of the decade

Photo information: U2 at the premiere of 'U2 3D' held at the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Jan. 19, 2008.


I am not exaggerating when I tell you that “U2 3D” is the best concert movie I’ve seen this decade (maybe ever!). With every frame on its breathtaking 85-minute trajectory through a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy-filled trip, this epic experience fully showcases why U2 is the greatest band today.

The technology displayed in the film I saw at the Edwards IMAX Theatre at the Irvine Spectrum on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 26, 2008) is wonderful, but it would be nothing but a high-tech curiosity without the riveting performances put together using a dozen or so 3-D cameras used to shoot this film shot on U2’s “Vertigo” tour at a number of locations in South America.

Directors Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, National Geographic, 3ALITY Digital and everyone else who developed and utilized the 3-D digital technology used to bring the concert to the screen deserve credit.

And the quartet’s performance of classics such as “New Year’s Day,” “Bullet the Blue Sky” and “With or Without You,” as well as more recent gems such as “Vertigo” and “Beautiful Day” are also extraordinary. When Bono displays his operatic tenor on “Miss Sarajevo,” just try not to cry.

Do yourself and everyone you really care about a big favor. Go catch “U2 3D” on the big screen. Now.

http://www.u23dmovie.com/.

More NAMM images and thoughts

Before NAMM fades into memory, I wanted to post a few other photos from my visits to the music trade show.

The first photo is off Rickenbacker Sales Manager Kenny Howes (left) and the company's owner and CEO John C. Hall. There is nothing as beautiful as a display of Rickenbacker guitars, bass guitars and mandolins.

There is also a photo here of violinist Lisa Viscuglia, who demonstrated the sound and ease of using Yamaha's "Silent Violin." I always feel like I'm stepping into the future when I go to the Anaheim Convention Center every January.

Too much cool stuff: NAMM 2008

Photo information: The photo I took shows a working prototype of the POCKETRAK 2G Pocket Recorder. The Yamaha-made device is on my wish list of things to get in 2008!


With Yamaha Corporation of America being the world's largest music products manufacturer, its not surprising the Buena Park-based company is celebrated for digital and acoustic keyboards, state-of-the-art mixing boards, as well as drums, guitars and an assortment of band and orchestral instruments.
However, it was the smallest of products that created a bona fide buzz at the 106th NAMM show (NAMM is the acronym for the International Music Products Association's previous name, but is still used for the convention) held at the Anaheim Convention Center, Jan. 17-20.
The POCKETRAK 2G Pocket Recorder seems poised to do for the home recording industry what Apple's portable iPod digital player did for those who enjoy listening to music.
Weighing a mere 1.7 ounces, the 1/2-inch wide gizmo has a built-in USB 2.0 computer connection, a high-sensitivity tilt-up microphone and a built-in speaker. The device is able to record three hours of CD-quality music, while several MP3 modes provide up to 19 hours of continuous recording with a single rechargeable battery.
"It is a built-in studio that doubles as data storage. This allows you to record lectures, record music and then drag and drop (the files) into your computer," said Athan Billias, who is a member of the Yamaha team that developed the revolutionary product that is scheduled to hit the market in April 2008.
Information:www.yamahasynth.com.

But just as impressive were a number of digital drum kits and a Concert Silent Violin that Yamaha unveiled at the show.
"This is a prototype. It will come out in July '08. Every string player will want one," said Las Vegas-based violinist Lisa Viscuglia of the SV-150K Concert Silent Violin. "It's more comfortable to play than my 200-year-old Italian violin."
The new SV-150K Silent Electric Practice Plus Violin takes silent practice to the final frontier, thanks to a built-in tuner, metronome and approximately 25 processed effects including reverb, distortion and vibrato. It will retail for $1,295.
Information:www.yamaha.com.

Local multi-instrumentalist Kevin Moran of Gypsy's Kiss saw a number of things that impressed him this year.
"I got to demo an acoustic guitar preamp from Seymour Duncan that neutralizes the pick-up and restores a natural acoustic guitar sound. It's definitely something I'd like to try with the band," Moran said.
Moran also made it a point to swing by the Martin Guitar Company's large exhibit, an impressive celebration of America's oldest guitar manufacturer's 175th anniversary.
"It's always great to see what's new at NAMM. I always check out the guitars and Martin had some beautiful stuff, as always, including a reproduction of one of Elvis' guitars," Moran said of the new D-28M Elvis Presley leather-covered acoustic guitar.
Information:www.mguitar.com.
Gypsy's Kiss will perform at the Harp Inn, 130 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, from 4-7 p.m. on Jan. 27. Admission is free.
Information:www.gkirishband.com.

No trip to NAMM would be complete without a visit to the Rickenbacker booth. The Santa Ana-based company continues to be celebrated for its wonderful line of guitars, bass guitars and mandolins. Tom Petty and R.E.M.'s Peter Buck are among the famed modern-day players who champion Rickenbacker instruments.
"We have a two-year backlog. Everything is made in Santa Ana; we have more than 60 employees and they all work in Orange County," said John C. Hall, owner and CEO of Rickenbacker.
Information: www.rickenbacker.com.

Huntington Beach-based singer-songwriter James Grey is a longtime user of acoustic Taylor Guitars and has an endorsement deal with the El Cajon-based company, so he had to check out the company's first solid body electric guitar that made its debut at the NAMM show.
"The buzz this year is that Taylor came out with a full-on electric guitar," Grey said of the Taylor SolidBody.
Indeed, the Taylor SolidBody boasts an original design and uses magnetic pickups developed specifically for the electric guitar. "I'm a lefty and they are talking about doing this (making a left-handed model) for me. What I liked is it is well balanced and light."
Information:www.taylorguitars.com.
Checking out the latest in high tech gear and old school style is not the only draw for those hitting NAMM. The trade show has increasingly become a place to see pop icons in a more intimate setting (Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Jon Anderson headlined at a Yamaha dealer show for 2,000 at Disney's California Adventure Park's Hyperion Theater on Jan. 18, while John Mayer played in front of an invitation-only crowd at the nearby Hilton the same night), as well as up-and-coming artists.
Among the young artists making their first appearance at NAMM was Jacob Jeffries, a superb 19-year-old singer-songwriter-keyboardist based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who appeared on Jan. 19. Performing on a prototype of a new Baldwin Gallery Series piano, Jeffries tore through a 25-minute set of brilliant original songs, including the infectious "Wonderful," confessional "And I Say" and poetic "Fairfax."
And despite the wealth of high-tech keyboards and digital pianos on display at NAMM, Jeffries takes a decidedly-retro approach when it comes to writing his songs.
"I write them all on the (acoustic) piano," he admitted.
Information:www.myspace.com/jacobjeffriesband.

Streamline fines Brian Ireland back in the sonic game

Drummer Brian Ireland, seen here second from right, will play with his newest project Streamline at the Coach House on Friday night, Jan. 11.


Brian Ireland is no stranger to success, having served as one of the founding members and the full-time drummer of Dana Point-based Something Corporate during the band’s successful run from 1998 to 2004.
Now, Ireland is once again in the spotlight thanks to Streamline.

Something Corporate was a winning, alternative rock band fronted by Andrew McMahon (now leader of the successful Jack’s Mannequin) that found favor with a mostly teenage and early-twenties crowd.
Streamline, however, is aiming for discerning listeners of all ages.

Indeed, songs such as the infectious “All I Need” and driving “Higher” from the group’s recently-issued debut have the accessible sound charted by recent tastemakers such as John Mayer and Maroon 5. Other strong songs on the band’s heartfelt release include “Flicker” and “The Only Thing That Matters.”

In a phone interview earlier this week, Ireland noted he is excited to perform and be a full-time member of Streamline during Something Corporate’s continuing hiatus.
“Really, we’re still together. I’m close with all the guys,” said Ireland, noting he recently got together with McMahon. “Jack’s Mannequin came out at a time when morale (in Something Corporate) was low. We had been touring four plus years. But we’re all still really close and everything is good amongst us.”
The good news for fans of Ireland’s strong skills behind a drum kit is he is bringing that same energy and enthusiasm to Streamline. That rock quintet performs at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano tonight.
In addition to Ireland, Streamline also includes singer-guitarist Mike Hogan, keyboardist-vocalist Jon Scholl, bassist John Viavattine and guitarist Brad Ourso.
It was Ireland’s high-profile role in Something Corporate that ultimately led to his joining Streamline in December 2006.
Ireland recalled he was just as he was arriving on the first day of recording drum tracks for Something Corporate guitarist William Tell’s 2007 solo debut “You Can Hold Me Down” when he ran into Hogan and Scholl as they were leaving the studio.
“They knew who I was. Later they phoned me at the studio and asked if I would sit in and do a drumming session…It was for ‘All I Need.’ I was so impressed with them. They are great players and have a real sensibility for music.”
Ireland is back to where he was a decade ago, when Something Corporate was just a largely-unknown outfit writing and rehearsing songs, as well as out playing daytime gigs at colleges and nights at small clubs.
“For me, it doesn’t matter if you are playing in front of 2,000 or 20 people, it’s all the same,” Ireland said.

Streamline was originally launched out of Upstate New York, but is now based in Los Angeles. Ireland, 27, still lives in Dana Point. He noted Streamline went on several tours earlier this year and has a strong fan base in Baton Rouge; the rock troupe is tentatively planning on relocating to Louisiana to take advantage of fan support in that region to nurture the band.
“It’s definitely still fun,” Ireland said of playing in a band full-time. “I learned a lot from that experience (playing with Something Corporate).”

Streamline, Get Back Loretta, Knockout Charlies and Space Pilot perform at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on Jan. 11.
Admission to the all ages-welcome show is $10.
Information: www.streamlineworld.com.

Best Albums of 2007 (my list, anyway...)

Never heard of Band of Horses? Neither had I until a few months ago, but the Seattle group floored me this year with "Cease to Begin," rating number one. Read all my top picks below and have a great 2008!

Band of Horses “Cease to Begin” (Sub Pop) – This South Carolina-based outfit may recall Neil Young and My Morning Jacket, but Ben Bridwell and company crafted an original masterpiece with “Cease to Begin.” Bridwell’s soaring voice is perfectly suited to material that is beautiful and majestic (“Ode to LRC,” “No One’s Gonna Love You”), rousing sing-alongs (“The General Specific”) and country-styled sorties (“Marry Song”).

Arcade Fire “Neon Bible” (Merge Records) – Arcade Fire is one of modern rock’s best bands and it comes as no surprise that “Neon Bible” is one of the best albums of 2007. From the anthemic “No Cars Go” to the driving “The Well and the Lighthouse,” Arcade Fire’s second full-length effort is arena rock for the 21st century.

Bruce Springsteen “Magic” (Sony) – The boss has released so many wonderful CDs, it’s easy to shelve his current work. Don’t. “Magic” sounds great in 2007 and this collection that should continue to resonate as long as there are those who love rock ‘n’ roll.

Radiohead “In Rainbows” (TBD Records/ATO Records Group) – Forget about the endless insider industry chatter about “In Rainbows” being offered for download at whatever fans wanted to pay, Radiohead’s music plays front and center across “In Rainbows.” From the guitar-driven “Bodysnatchers” hypnotic “Reckoner” to the beautiful “Nude” and “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi,” Radiohead continues to thrill.

Neil Young “Chrome Dreams II” (Reprise) – Rock’s most consistently- and prolific-songwriter checked in with one of the most eclectic efforts of his long career. Beautiful ballads (“Shining Light,” “The Way”), extended rockers (“Ordinary People,” “Spirit Road”) and country-tinged confessionals (“The Believer,” “Ever After”) all get equal billing here.

John Fogerty “Revival” (Fantasy) – Although there are times when John Fogerty sounds as if he is simply mining the past, at least he is tilling the sonic soil that gave rise to his own legacy. Fogerty’s latest is actually one of the strongest releases of 2007, highlighted by the hopeful “Don’t You Wish It Was True,” retro-styled “Summer of Love” and country-tinged “Broken Down Cowboy.”

Paul McCartney “Memory Almost Full” (Hear Music) – Sir Paul followed up his wonderful 2005 album “Chaos and Creation in the Backyard” with an even strong disc this year. “Only Mama Knows” is McCartney’s best rocker since his “Live and Let Die” and his Beatles-styled magic touch enlivens the genuine mood on “Ever Present Past” and “See Your Sunshine.”

Gary Allan “Living Hard” (MCA Nashville) – Modern country and cliché-free introspection don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, which makes Gary Allan’s “Living Hard” such a prize. In the wake of the suicide death of his wife, nuggets such as “We Touched the Sun” and “Yesterday’s Rain” express a rare power.

Travis “The Boy with No Name” (Sony) – The band that paved the way for Coldplay, Snow Patrol and Keane seemingly re-materialized in 2007 with “The Boy with No Name.” There is plenty to recommend on this effort, notably “Closer” and “My Eyes.”

Jars of Clay “Christmas Songs” (Nettwerk Records) – Modern Christian outfit Jars of Clay waited until the release of their 10th full-length effort to focus on Christmas. But “Christmas Songs” was worth the wait. The group offers up a few artfully-reworked covers into the mix (McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” the traditional “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”), but many of the songs are originals that drive home that the band approached this fantastic project with purpose of their other acclaimed works.

Top 10 Local (Orange County area) of 2007 named

Dusty Rhodes and the River Band released the sterling debut “First You Live” in October 2007.

Photo credit: Brent Murrell

With 2008 officially here, it’s time to rate and highlight my favorite local releases of 2007.

Dusty Rhodes and the River Band “First You Live” (SideOneDummy Records) – If members of the Band and progressive rock’s Yes had decided to fuse their distinct styles, it might sound a bit like Dusty Rhodes and the River Band. From the country-western shout along “Keys to the Truck” and the 1970s-styled prog rocker “Street Fighter” to the shimmering alt country gem “Goodnight, Moonshine,” “First You Live” is a wonderful debut.
Information: www.myspace.com/dustyrhodes.
You might like if you enjoy: Arcade Fire, Neil Young, the Band.

Michael Ubaldini “Storybook” (Blackwater Records) – Michael Ubaldini is likely Orange County’s most prolific recording artist, issuing a winning album every year. “Storybook” finds the Fountain Valley artist exploring themes such as life, death, love and war set against timeless American landscapes. “Apricot Wind” looks at the Civil War and is a standout, and other gems focus on graveyards, riverboats and other images that fit nicely into his Americana sound.
Information: http://www.rocknrollpoet.com/.
You might like if you enjoy: John Fogerty, Johnny Cash, Neil Young.

Fletcher Harrington “Under the Shadow of the San Gabriel” (Lopie Records) –Fletcher Harrington’s “Under the Shadow of the San Gabriel” marks another leap forward for the Tustin resident, with indie rockers (“Clean Desire,” “Who Won?”), beautiful acoustic ballads (“If I Could Say Where to Begin”) and authentic alt country (“Let’s Get Liquored Up,” “Sweet Jezebel”) that explore the vast stretches of Harrington’s creative range.
Information: http://www.lopie.com/.
You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Neil Young.

The Attraction “The Attraction Presents…” (Econo Records) – The release of the Attraction’s sophomore release just weeks before the death of 36-year-old frontman Lance “Romance” Faulk, “The Attraction Presents…” serves as a touching and lasting memorial to the lead singer and his wonderful band.
The Attraction’s modern rock approach is wide enough to include melodic 80s-tinged tunes (“Home Again”), reggae (“Cruisin’”), Irish-flavored pub rock (“Happi”) and forceful punk (“Can’t Wait,” “Steps of the Dakota”).
Information: http://www.theattraction.net/.

Limbeck “Limbeck” (Doghouse Records) – The ghost of Gram Parsons may haunt Joshua Tree in the Mohave Desert, but his musical offspring are alive and well thanks to modern-day proponents such as Limbeck. The band’s 2007 release is a wonderful 11-song set highlighted by the Tom Petty-styled “Keepin’ Busy” and glorious “Let Me Come Home.”
Information: http://www.limbeck.net/.
You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Wilco, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings.

Cowboy Buddha “Just Enough To…” (Lopie Records) –Fans of Cowboy Buddha were introduced to the alt country outfit courtesy of the band’s first two discs (1999’s “Guns Ammo Bait Film Gifts Snacks Maps” and 2000’s “Cement Pond”), but likely had given up on the troupe releasing any new music in the wake of frontman Fletcher Harrington’s recent solo career.
However, based on the strength of 2007’s “Just Enough To…,” it was well worth the wait to hear tracks such as the evocative “Sweetheart Smile,” Neil Young-styled country rocker “Crying Shame” and shining “Big Dixie Rain.”
Information: http://www.cowboybuddha.com/.
You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Limbeck, Son Volt.

The Dear & Departed “Something Quite Peculiar” (Science Records) – The Dear & Departed play ‘80s-tinged rock that recalls the best of the Cure and the Church courtesy of original tracks such as the melodic “I Will Love Again” and propulsive “Fly Me Away.” Singer Dan Under has a voice that brings strength to all of the material.
You might like if you enjoy: the Cure, the Church, early U2.
Information: www.myspace.com/thedearanddeparted.

Micah Dahlberg “Matter of Time” (independent) – Fans of 1970s-influenced melodic songwriting will be thrilled by the strong acoustic folk rock delivered by Macah Dahlberg on “Matter of Time.” From the sensitive “Poetry in Sand” and upbeat “What Am I” (both co-penned with Tyrone Wells) to the breezy title track, Dahlberg’s wonderful tenor and emotive songs make “Matter of Time” a collection that deserves airplay at home or on the road.
Information: http://www.micahdahlberg.com/.

Loose Logic “Before the Storm” (Passion Play Productions) – Writing songs centered on personal experiences is a winning formula for Loose Logic, the moniker for Dana Point-based hip-hop artist Ian Westbrook. Romance (“Love You”), faith (“Take ‘Em to Church”) and death (“R.I.P.”) are among the many weighty areas he tackles with a mix of rap and modern R&B.
The disc’s crown is the haunting “This Dream,” which effectively finds the young singer rapping about social and economic injustice against a lush musical landscape as noteworthy for lush keyboards as the intoxicating rhythm.
Information: www.myspace.com/looselogic and http://www.looselogiconline.com/.
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. Dre, Loose Logic’s first two releases.

Bayadera “Rotation of the Earth” (Bitemark) – There is a joyful spirit on Bayadera’s latest release, with world music, outstanding performances and strong songwriting all playing major roles on the 13-song disc.
Information: http://www.bayadera.com/.

Bayadera: World Music in the O.C.

Photo credit: Tyler Davis

Since Bayadera emerged on the area music scene at the beginning of the decade, the band has been acclaimed for blending modern rock and world music influences together in a way that both challenges and rewards discerning listeners.

And while the group's early recordings, including a 2001 self-titled release and 2003's "90 Million Miles," showcased the quintet's solid songwriting and dazzling live performances, the newly issued "Rotation of the Earth" is clearly a triumph. Produced and mixed by Matthew James Walin at Bitemark Studios in Orange, the CD showcases Bayadera's wide-ranging soul in spades.

"There are countless differences," bassist Chris Payne said in comparing Bayadera's earlier recordings with "Rotation of the Earth."
"The first one was written very early on when we were just beginning to work with Gina (singer Gina Bandy). This one, all of us have written the songs together and are used to each other and where we fit."
The group's dynamic lineup also features electric guitarist Saatara, acoustic guitarist Dat Nguyen and drummer Donn Untiet. Untiet's wife, Evonne Untiet, frequently adds percussion at the band's live shows.

The band's artistic growth isn't the only major ingredient that makes "Rotation of the Earth" so special; Walin's involvement was also critical. Indeed, Payne explained that Walin wouldn't allow the band to settle for lackluster performances, recordings or mixes while in the studio.
"He was all about making it better," Bandy said of Walin.
"Because we have been together so long, we needed that outside someone to refine our music. Matt came in and got us to tackle this."

Walin said he has certain things he considers before working with an artist and signing them to his label.

"The biggest thing is a gut feeling. Technically, the band has to have a great singer and great songs," Walin said.
Walin was especially impressed when the band came into the pre-production stage of working on the CD armed with 40 or so songs.
"They are such a great live band, I wanted to capture that," Walin said.
After three months of pre-production, Walin ultimately recorded about 15 songs – 13 of which appear on "Rotation of the Earth." Most of the basic tracks were recorded over a few days, and many of Bandy's first vocals (often called "scratch vocals") were kept to help keep a strong live sound on the album.
"We're all in this band because we're happy and enjoying it," Bandy said of the band.
That positive approach to working together and making music seems to drive Bayadera and the troupe's burgeoning success.
"The one thing I've always liked about it is everybody is concerned about the song and everybody has the band in mind," explained Donn Untiet.

Bayadera is not a typical band in terms of sound or background. Nguyen is blind, and the group's multi-ethnic lineup provides even more depth to the sonic proceedings.
"The chemistry with us is great," Nguyen said. "We are living proof of a group (with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences) that can work together."
Nguyen is such a fantastic guitar player and has such an engaging personality, the other members of Bayadera noted they often forget that he is blind.
"Most people don't have his confidence," Bandy said.
A highlight of the band's career came in October, when Bayadera was invited by Stevie Wonder to perform "Superstition" with him when he received the Governor's Award of Excellence at the 25th annual Media Access Awards at Universal Studios' Globe Theatre on Oct. 14.
"It was a life-changing experience personally and professionally. I grew up with that music in my house," Payne said.
Information: www.Bayadera.com.

Grammy Nominations announced

Press Release
Source: The Recording Academy

Foo Fighters, Vince Gill, Herbie Hancock, Kanye West and Amy Winehouse Vie for Album Of The Year at 50th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards on Feb. 10, 2008

Thursday December 6, 12:10 pm ET
Kanye West Leads Nominations with Eight; Amy Winehouse Earns Six
Feist (pictured on left), Ledisi, Paramore, Taylor Swift and Amy Winehouse Up for Best New Artist
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nominations for the 50th Annual GRAMMY® Awards were announced today by The Recording Academy® reflecting one of the most diverse years ever with the Album Of The Year category alone representing the country, hip-hop, jazz, pop and rock genres. The press event was held at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood and was attended by national and international media, as well as key music industry executives. Artists reading nominations this morning included Akon, Chester Bennington (of Linkin Park), Fergie, Vince Gill, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Jam, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), George Lopez, Mike Shinoda (of Linkin Park) and Taylor Swift. The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 10, 2008, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Kanye West tops the nominations with eight, Amy Winehouse garners six, and the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and T-Pain each earn five nods. Akon, Dierks Bentley, Chris Daughtry, Feist, Tim McGraw, John Newton, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen receive four each.
"This year's nominations truly reflect a diverse and talented community of artists and creators who represent some of the most exceptional music of the year," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "The GRAMMY Awards process once again has yielded a comprehensive group of excellent nominees and coupled with the fact that it's our milestone 50th year, this year's telecast promises music fans a spectacular show filled with stellar performances and unique 'GRAMMY Moments' for which Music's Biggest Night™ has come to be renowned."
Following is a sampling of nominations in 110 categories from the GRAMMY Awards' 31 Fields:
GENERAL FIELD
Nominees for Album Of The Year are:
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace -- Foo Fighters
These Days -- Vince Gill
River: The Joni Letters -- Herbie Hancock
Graduation -- Kanye West
Back To Black -- Amy Winehouse

Nominees for Record Of The Year are:
"Irreplaceable" -- Beyoncé
"The Pretender" -- Foo Fighters
"Umbrella" -- Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
"What Goes Around...Comes Around" -- Justin Timberlake
"Rehab" -- Amy Winehouse

Best New Artist nominees are:
Feist
Ledisi
Paramore
Taylor Swift
Amy Winehouse

Song Of The Year nominees include:
"Before He Cheats" -- John Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
"Hey There Delilah" -- Tom Higgenson, songwriter (Plain White T's)
"Like A Star" -- Corinne Bailey Rae, songwriter (Corinne Bailey Rae)
"Rehab" -- Amy Winehouse, songwriter (Amy Winehouse)
"Umbrella" -- Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius "Dream" Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z)

POP FIELD
Nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album go to:
Lost Highway -- Bon Jovi
The Reminder -- Feist
It Won't Be Soon Before Long -- Maroon 5
Memory Almost Full -- Paul McCartney
Back To Black -- Amy Winehouse

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals nods go to:
"Steppin' Out" -- Tony Bennett & Christina Aguilera
"Beautiful Liar" -- Beyoncé & Shakira
"Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" -- Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
"The Sweet Escape" -- Gwen Stefani & Akon
"Give It To Me" -- Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake

Best Pop Instrumental Performance nominees are:
"Off The Grid" -- Beastie Boys
"Paris Sunrise #7" -- Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
"Over The Rainbow" -- Dave Koz
"One Week Last Summer" -- Joni Mitchell
"Simple Pleasures" -- Spyro Gyra

DANCE FIELD
For Best Dance Recording, the nominees are:
"Do It Again" -- The Chemical Brothers
"D.A.N.C.E." -- Justice
"Love Today" -- Mika
"Don't Stop The Music" --Rihanna
"Love Stoned/I Think She Knows" -- Justin Timberlake

ROCK FIELD
Nominations for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance go to:
"Timebomb" -- Beck
"Only Mama Knows" -- Paul McCartney
"Our Country" -- John Mellencamp
"Radio Nowhere" -- Bruce Springsteen
"Come On" -- Lucinda Williams

Best Rock Album nominees are:
Daughtry -- Daughtry
Revival -- John Fogerty
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace -- Foo Fighters
Magic -- Bruce Springsteen
Sky Blue Sky -- Wilco

Nods for Best Rock Song go to:
"Come On" -- Lucinda Williams, songwriter (Lucinda Williams)
"Icky Thump" -- Jack White, songwriter (The White Stripes)
"It's Not Over" -- Chris Daughtry, Gregg Wattenberg, Mark Wilkerson & Brett Young, songwriters (Daughtry)
"The Pretender" -- Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel & Chris Shiflett, songwriters (Foo Fighters)
"Radio Nowhere" -- Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)

R&B FIELD
Nominees for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals are:
"Same Girl" -- R. Kelly Featuring Usher
"Disrespectful" -- Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige
"Hate That I Love You" -- Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo
"Baby" -- Angie Stone Featuring Betty Wright
"Bartender" -- T-Pain Featuring Akon

For Best Contemporary R&B Album, the nominees are:
Konvicted -- Akon
Just Like You -- Keyshia Cole
Fantasia -- Fantasia
East Side Story -- Emily King
Because Of You -- Ne-Yo

Best Urban/Alternative Performance nods go to:
"Make A Baby" -- Vikter Duplaix
"That's The Way Of The World" -- Dwele
"Daydreamin'" -- Lupe Fiasco Featuring Jill Scott
"Fantasy" -- Meshell Ndegeocello
"Dream" -- Alice Smith

RAP FIELD
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration nods go to:
"I Wanna Love You" -- Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg
"Kiss, Kiss" -- Chris Brown & T-Pain
"Let It Go" -- Keyshia Cole Featuring Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim
"Umbrella" -- Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
"Good Life" -- Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

Nominees for Best Rap Song are:
"Ayo Technology" -- N. Hills, Curtis Jackson, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (50 Cent Featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)
"Big Things Poppin' (Do It)" -- Clifford Harris & Byron Thomas, songwriters (T.I.)
"Can't Tell Me Nothing" -- A. Davis & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West)
"Crank That (Soulja Boy)" -- Soulja Boy Tell'Em, songwriter (Soulja Boy Tell'Em)
"Good Life" -- A. Davis, F. Najm & K. West, songwriters (Kanye West Featuring T-Pain)

For Best Rap Album, the nominees are:
Finding Forever -- Common
Kingdom Come -- Jay-Z
Hip Hop Is Dead -- Nas
T.I. vs T.I.P. -- T.I.
Graduation -- Kanye West

COUNTRY FIELD
Nods for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals go to:
"Days Aren't Long Enough" -- Steve Earle & Allison Moorer
"Because Of You" -- Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson
"I Need You" -- Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
"Lost Highway" -- Willie Nelson & Ray Price
"Oh Love" -- Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood

For Best Country Song, the nominees are:
"Before He Cheats" -- Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
"Give It Away" -- Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon & Jamey Johnson, songwriters (George Strait)
"I Need You" -- Tony Lane & David Lee, songwriters (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill)
"If You're Reading This" -- Tim McGraw, Brad Warren & Brett Warren, songwriters (Tim McGraw)
"Long Trip Alone" -- Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley & Steve Bogard, songwriters (Dierks Bentley)

Nominations for Best Country Album are:
Long Trip Alone -- Dierks Bentley
These Days -- Vince Gill
Let It Go -- Tim McGraw
5th Gear -- Brad Paisley
It Just Comes Natural -- George Strait

JAZZ FIELD
For Best Contemporary Jazz Album, the nominees are:
Party Hats -- Will Bernard
Downright Upright -- Brian Bromberg
Re-Imagination -- Eldar
River: The Joni Letters -- Herbie Hancock
He Had A Hat -- Jeff Lorber

Nods for Best Jazz Vocal Album go to:
Avant Gershwin -- Patti Austin
Red Earth - A Malian Journey -- Dee Dee Bridgewater
Music Maestro Please -- Freddy Cole
Nightmoves -- Kurt Elling
On The Other Side -- Tierney Sutton
This year's Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nominations go to: Howard Benson, Joe Chiccarelli, Mike Elizondo, Mark Ronson, and Timbaland.
In the newly added Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album category, nominations go to: Le Cowboy Creole (Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie), King Cake (Lisa Haley), Live: Á La Blue Moon (Lost Bayou Ramblers), Blues De Musicien (Pine Leaf Boys), Racines (Racines), The La Louisianne Sessions (Roddie Romero And The Hub City All-Stars), and Live! Worldwide (Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience).
In the Latin Field, Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album has now been split into two categories. Nominations for Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album are: No Hay Espacio (Black:Guayaba), Adelantando (Jarabe De Palo), Amantes Sunt Amentes (Panda), Kamikaze (Rabanes), Memo Rex Commander Y El Corazón Atómico De La Via Láctea (Zoé). For Best Latin Urban Album, nods go to: E.S.L. (Akwid), El Abayarde Contra-Ataca (Tego Calderón), Residente O Visitante (Calle 13), El Cartel: The Big Boss (Daddy Yankee), and Vacaneria! (Fulanito).
GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 12 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 9, 2008, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the telecast.
The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director, Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer, and Tzvi Small is supervising producer.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit http://www.grammy.com/.

The Dear & Departed: '80s revisited in style

Photo credit: KEVIN ESTRADA

Orange County used to be the place where musicians would seemingly get their start and then move on in search of greater fame or a more prominent place to feed their artistic appetite.
The list of musical exports includes artists such as Jackson Browne, Gary Allan and leading members of No Doubt and Sugar Ray.

But times are truly a changing as artists from as far away as New Jersey (Walter Trout), New York (Lee Rocker) and Hawaii (National Product) now call Orange County home.

Add to that list a fantastic Australian export, the Dear & Departed. The quintet's inception and history is complex, but the members' various backgrounds include extended residences in England, Wales, New Zealand and – most recently – Australia before setting up sonic shop in Orange County in 2006.

The band's full-length debut "Something Quite Peculiar" was released by Science Records on May 22 and the group has found a growing audience for its accessible blend of '80s and '00s styles. Fans of the Cure, New Order and the Church, as well as modern rockers such as Placebo and Rock Kills Kid will enjoy the Dear & Departed.

"I think we are playing just what comes out," said singer Dan Under in a phone interview earlier this week. The Dear & Departed also features guitarist Simon O'Gorman, drummer Joel Bourne, guitarist Darren Parkinson and bassist David Williams.
"We've all had an English music upbringing. My dad is responsible for getting me into music from a very young age," Under said when asked how a group of twentysomethings is so able to masterfully work in a genre first mined before they were born. In addition to the Cure and the Church, he also cites modern rock outfits like AFI, Placebo and Tiger Army as influences.
"As a whole, we look to the '80s," Under explained. "We did the Warped Tour (in June and July 2007) and we didn't fit in. We don't consider ourselves part of that scene but people definitely get it."

It only helps the Dear & Departed that Under lent his spellbinding vocals on AFI's 2006 release "Decemberunderground."

Having toured with well-known acts such as Avenged Sevenfold and AFI, the members of the Dear & Departed have found themselves the rare young rock troupe able to appeal to fans from several generations.
Under is excited that young fans are embracing the Dear & Departed, and he even salutes the sounds of "Down Under" with a moving version of the Church's 1987 classic "Under the Milky Way Tonight" that has him sharing vocals with fellow Australian singer Jessica Origliasso of the Veronicas.

"I was listening to a lot of the Church before we started to record ('Something Quite Peculiar'). It's such a timeless song; more people need to hear it."

Travis blows the roof off the House of Blues

Travis frontman Francis Healy, shown here performing in Switzerland in August 2007, and the rest of the Scottish band delivered a stirring performance Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at the House of Blues in Anaheim.

Story originally posted on the Orange County Register Web site on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007

Travis' opening at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Saturday night (Nov. 24, 2007) may have been one of the most appropriate in recent history. The house lights went dark and the recorded theme music from the movie "Rocky" was played over the sound system as spotlights suddenly revealed the members of Travis walking from the rear of the venue through the crowd dressed in colorful, Las Vegas-ready boxing robes.

The theatrical opening was not lost on the capacity crowd, which cheered loudly as the Scottish band made it to the stage.

The group opened with several strong cuts from 2007's "The Boy With No Name," both "Selfish Jean" and "Eyes Wide Open" providing the explosive one-two punch to drive the point that Travis is back.
In the late 1990s, Travis appeared to be poised to be a major force in rock. But after the success of "The Man Who" (armed with gems such as "Driftwood" and "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?"), Coldplay released "Parachutes" in 2000 and the rest – as they say – is history.
It didn't help Travis' case that 2003's "12 Memories" lacked the magic of 1999's "The Man Who" and 2001's "The Invisible Band."

But thanks to the group's solid appearance at Coachella in April and a consequent marathon-length tour (the members joked Anaheim was somewhere between stops 83 and 85), the band is better than ever.

Over the course of 23 songs, Travis proved it is not only ready to rumble, but can truly go the distance. Reflective rockers such as "Side," "Closer" and "Sing" showcased the band's love of powerful melancholy, with singer Fran Healy using his wonderful voice to bring beauty and emotion to every line.

Although the majority of songs were not offered up in ways dramatically different from on Travis' studio recordings, the enthusiastic audience packed in on both levels of the venue provided a dramatic element to the concert. "As You Are" attained the rage of an Oasis rocker, with guitarist Andy Dunlop hammering his guitar as much as strumming it.

The group's lengthy encore was particularly interesting, highlights being an acoustic and vocal harmony-heavy "Flowers in the Window" and night-ending "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?" that had everyone in the crowd singing along without the customary bullying from the band (usually pointing a microphone out into the crowd).

Maximo Park opened the show with an energetic 50-minute set that clearly impressed those who arrived in time to catch the outfit's lively rock that is in tune with many of the '00s most successful indie artists from across The Pond.
The five-man group recalls Franz Ferdinand's rapid-fire rock and that worked well in a live setting, with songs such as "Girls Who Play Guitar," "The Unshockable" and the set-closing "Our Velocity" offering solid punk rock-paced songs that were even more dexterous than the group's studio recordings.
The Newcastle quintet did hit a sonic drive out of the Mouse House with a strong performance of the original song "Books From Boxes," which showcased guitarist Duncan Lloyd and offered a more melancholy sound than the rest of the material.

Johnette Napolitano coming to San Juan Capistrano

Although Concrete Blonde is no longer together, the Los Angeles band's outstanding lead singer Johnette Napolitano is back.

Napolitano is not only out on the road, but has released her commercial solo debut on Hybrid Recordings, "Scarred." Recorded in London and Los Angeles, the 12-song collection showcases Napolitano's wonderful songwriting and affecting vocals that have been her trademark since audiences heard her on modern rockers such as "Everybody Knows," "Dance Along the Edge," "Your Haunted Head" and "Joey."

Napolitano penned most of the songs for "Scarred" at the rural California cabin that she now calls home, while the recordings on the disc were co-produced with Danny Lohner. Guitarist James Mankey, who was a member of Concrete Blonde, engineered and mixed the album.
While Napolitano's versions of Coldplay's "Scientist" and Lou Reed's Velvet Underground-era gem "All Tomorrow's Parties" may draw in some listeners, these are the 10 songs that Napolitano wrote or co-wrote that most fully showcase her artistry.

The confessional "Amazing," emotive ballad "My Diane," stark "Poem for the Native" and intoxicating title track are among the many highlights on one of the best rock releases of 2007.
Napolitano, David J and Cat Party will perform at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24. Tickets are $20.

Information: 949-496-8930.

OC's Social Distortion rocks the house in Anaheim

Photo by Joshua Sudock/OC Register

Social Distortion's performance in Anaheim on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 played out exactly how fans of the Orange County troupe might expect. There was a mix of old and new, with Mike Ness and company offering up 16 songs over the course of 90 minutes.

Kicking off a series of 15 shows by the band at the Mouse House that will include dates later this month, throughout December and in early January, Social Distortion is a band that feeds on its adoring audience. The capacity crowd Monday was just what the band ordered, singing along, pumping their fists in the air and – for a couple of dozen brave souls – slamming around in a giant mosh pit in front of the stage for most of the set.

And as fun as it is to watch the band's multi-generational audience get into Social Distortion's pioneering mix of early punk, Johnny Cash-styled country and roots rock, the five musicians on stage displayed that they are up to the challenge of fueling the crowd's thirst without ignoring their roles as musicians.

While the performance of the early '80s punk classic "Mommy's Little Monster" was strong, it was actually Ness' more recent and mature material that lifted the show to something far exceeding the group's shorter, more straightforward shows at Hootenanny.
The performance of "Reach for the Sky" and "Highway 101" offered the best one-two punch of the night, and elsewhere in the set "Winners and Losers" and the newly-penned "You Can't Take it With You When You Go" showcased Ness at his most reflective.
That is not to say Social Distortion didn't rock. The band did, with drummer Charlie Quintana's powerful style helping propel classics such as "Prison Bound" and "Story of My Life" with defiance.

Ness used his powerful baritone to sing the full-size rockers, but was surprisingly emotive while singing a piano-anchored version of Cash's "Ring of Fire" and the old Hank Williams nugget "Six More Miles (To the Graveyard)."

Like Ness, singer-bassist Lee Rocker celebrates his past even while moving confidently about in the 21st century. During his 30-minute opening set, the Orange County rocker focused on recent material that has continued to bring him out of the long shadow of the Stray Cats.
Opening with "Lost Highway" and "Gone" from 2007's "Black Cat Bone," his eight-song set also featured the beautiful "One More Night," a song as wonderful as anything released this year (now, if only commercial radio would champion his art).
Rocker also thrilled the crowd when he balanced on his upright bass like an acrobat while leading his solid four-man band through a wild "Crazy When She Drinks."

Remembering Lance "Romance" Faulk

Lance "Romance" Faulk, lead singer of the Attraction, died on Saturday night, Nov. 10, 2007.

Lance "Romance" Faulk of Huntington Beach, the lead singer of the popular local band the Attraction, has died at age 36. According to the group's Web site, Faulk died Saturday of a heart condition he had suffered from for some time.

"Lance was living on borrowed time, having had heart problems for many years. Somehow this is of absolutely no comfort to me." Martin Brown wrote in an e-mail to music on Monday. Brown is the founder and producer of the Orange County Music Awards and was at the Grove of Anaheim earlier this year when the Attraction picked up best punk band honors at the 6th annual ceremony.

On Oct. 25, the Attraction celebrated the release of the group's sophomore CD "The Attraction Presents …" with a show at Hurricanes in Huntington Beach. The band's debut "Step Right Up!" was issued in 2006.

Although he had suffered from heart-related illness since 2003, Faulk was an energetic and talented frontman for the Attraction (the band's always-the-same lineup featured drummer Humper T., guitarist Chris Master John and bassist Beaver), one of Orange County's best modern rock outfits.

The Attraction performed its show at Gallagher's in Huntington Beach on Oct. 11, 2003, and built a strong and loyal following through a combination of hard-hitting and theatrical-styled live shows, a popular MySpace site and radio airplay (including on Los Angeles' Indie 103.1 FM).
"He was really the heart and soul of the band," guitarist Master John said of his friend. He added that it was Faulk who founded the group four years ago and set the tonewith his fun-loving, dynamic personality.

Brown of the Orange County Music Awards agreed.
"In conservative Orange County, where even musicians blend in easily with the standard crowd at generic restaurants and bars, Lance stood out. His preference for makeup and hats, à la 'Clockwork Orange,' made him noticeable in a positive way. He was having fun at the world's expense," Brown wrote in his e-mail.
"As the lead singer and main songwriter of his band, Lance will – I fear – be irreplaceable. But, more than this, he will be missed by his young son Wylan, who was such an important part of Lance's life."
Faulk is survived by his 12-year-old son, Wylan, longtime girlfriend Vicky Bedrosian, father Richard Faulk of Dana Point, mother Emma Faulk and brothers Jason, Jeff, Richard and Mark Faulk.

Services for Faulk include a 9 a.m. visitation, followed by an 11 a.m. mass at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, 5448 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, on Nov. 15.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/theattraction or www.theattraction.net.

One honors U2 in a full tribute to the Irish rockers

Photo cutline info: Kenny Hale portrays Bono in the U2 tribute band One. The group will perform a benefit in support of underprivileged Ugandan children at OC Pavilion in Santa Ana on Nov. 17.




One (tribute to U2)
Where: OC Pavilion, 801 N. Main St., Santa Ana
When: 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007
How much: $35 (orchestra), $30 (balcony), $25 (theatre)
Online: www.ocpavilion.com.
Call: 714-550-0880



Anyone not content to patiently wait until the opening of the highly-anticipated film “U2 3D” in late January 2008 might want to consider catching the acclaimed U2 tribute band One when the Orange County-based quartet headlines at OC Pavilion in Santa Ana on Nov. 17.

“Regarding the fans, we have a pretty strong fan base from the Web site and definitely from our MySpace page,” said bassist Damon Tucker, who has portrayed Adam Clayton in One since early 2006.
“We sound just like the band; this is no watered-down version of the real thing. The people who continue to come to the shows over and over and visit the Web site and Myspace are a testament of that.”

Indeed, since One launched its Myspace page (www.myspace.com/u2tributebandone) in May 2007, the band has recorded more than 245,000 visits to the site.
“We get emails and postings from all over the world regarding the band,” Tucker said.
Not only does One recreate the magic of a U2 concert and play the music with mirror-minded precision, but the band’s charitable aim is pointed in the same direction as the Irish troupe. Proceeds from the upcoming concert will go to support needy children in sub-Saharan Africa.

“The main thing is to bring awareness and tie that in with U2 because of Bono’s commitment to Africa,” said Kenny Hale, who portrays U2’s famous lead singer in One. The Edge is played by Aaron Broering (who recently released his strong solo effort “Reason to Believe”) and the role of drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. is played by Dave Goode (who is the touring drummer for Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush). The aforementioned Tucker is also a member of the outstanding original rock act Parkaimoon.

Hale noted he is a worship leader at his Costa Mesa-based The Crossing; that church supports a program titled Compassion (www.compassion.com), which provides food, medical care and other needed services to children in Uganda, as well as Mosaic Vision (www.mosaicvision.org), specifically geared toward assisting many of the estimated 1.8 million Ugandan children who are orphans because of the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Ian Stevenson, pastor of outreach services at The Crossing, was the one who saw the obvious link between the growing popularity of One and an organized benefit to assist Compassion and Mosaic Vision.
“We’re going to give people at the concert a chance to make a difference,” said Stevenson, noting they are assisting an area where it is estimated that 30 percent of the population suffers from HIV or AIDS.
“There is a clinic we’re working on (expanding) to turn into a hospital.”

He added he was attending a concert at OC Pavilion a few months ago and ran into Hale at the show. It was there he realized the benefit of staging a tribute to U2 that would celebrate both the Irish band’s music and long-time commitment to helping children in Africa.
“I said ‘You have to do something for Africa. That’s what Bono is all about’, “ Stevenson recalled.
“We do U2 songs at our church. He (Hale) is phenomenal.”
Stevenson said one of the things that really impresses him about the work of Mosaic Vision is how the group works with so-called “double orphans,” children who have lost both parents and aunts and uncles so they are truly on their own.
“People have a chance to get personally involved,” said Hale, who also fronts the Kenny Hale Band. Hale opened for Shaw-Blades (Styx’ Tommy Shaw and Damn Yankees’ Jack Blades) at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Nov 8.
“It’s something easy to do and it’s fun,” said Hale, of the ability for music fans to help underprivileged children in Africa.
“When kids get help, they flourish.”

For more information on One and to hear the band perform solid versions of several U2 classics, visit www.myspace.com/u2tributebandone.

Dada, Gin Blossoms showcase melodic rock

Intelligent power-pop and well-crafted melodic rock will be showcased at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano this weekend, thanks to the arrival of Dada on Saturday, Nov. 10, and the Gin Blossoms on Sunday, Nov. 11.
Those who initially labeled Dada (seen here in a 2004 photo) the Police of the 1990s haven’t kept up with the Los Angeles-based trio. Dada’s astounding blend of melodic songcraft, smart lyrics and propulsive rhythms shares the same daring arc drawn by the Police in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, but Dada’s original blend of melodic choruses, smart lyrics and propulsive rhythms is as strong and inventive as any act in memory.
The band’s collection of wonderful CDs includes 1992’s “Puzzle,” 1994’s masterpiece “American Highway Flower” and 1996’s “El Subliminoso.” More recent titles include 1998’s self-titled “dada” and 2004’s 13-song genre-defying “How to be Found.”
The group’s most recent commercial release, 2006’s “A Friend of Pat Robertson,” finds Dada continuing to be masters of melodic rock (“7 Dot 1”), as well as able to blend jazz (“72 Hours”) and psychedelic flourishes (“Emily Sang to Me”) into an intoxicating mix.
Even various side projects have resulted in winning efforts that ultimately further the legacy of Dada. Singer-guitarist Michael Gurley and drummer Phil Leavitt released “Napalm Springs” under the Butterfly Jones moniker in 2001, while singer-bassist Joie Calio released a wonderful solo disc titled “The Complications of Glitter” in 2003 and more recently launched X Levitation Cult.
The Gin Blossom’s 1993 debut “New Miserable Experience” and 1996 sophomore effort “Congratulations…I’m Sorry” propelled the Arizona band into the forefront of the 1990s music scene.
Songs such as “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” “Lost Horizons” and “Follow You Down” still enjoy frequent airplay and are favorites at Gin Blossoms concerts.
In 2006, the Gin Blossoms released the epic comeback “Major Lodge Victory,” a full-length disc featuring infectious songs such as “Learning the Hard Way,” “Heart Shaped Locket” and “Come on Hard.”
Dada and Vesper will perform at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on Nov. 10. Tickets to that show are $20.
The Gin Blossoms and Beyond 7 will perform at the same venue at 8 p.m. on Nov. 11. Tickets are $29.50.
Visit www.thecoachhouse.com or call 949-496-8930 for more details.

Springsteen tribute to benefit L.A. Food Bank

Audiences who caught Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band at the L.A. Sports Arena on Oct. 29 and 30 undoubtedly noted the Boss’ vocal support for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Now a group of area artists are paying tribute to the music of Springsteen at a special Nov. 8 concert that will honor New Jersey’s best-known rocker while simultaneously benefiting the fight to stop hunger.

Organized by Huntington Beach-based roots rockers the Fallen Stars (pictured here), the lineup also includes Newport Beach-based Sue Paine, Surf City outfit Johnny 99, and Los Angeles’ Phil Cody and Nobody’s Darling. Several businesses have already stepped in to co-sponsor the event, including OC’s own Backyard Drums and Lindell Productions (a commercial recording studio in Westminster).

“It’s a Springsteen tribute night where eight different bands each play three Springsteen songs and one original,” said Bobbo Byrnes, singer-guitarist of the Fallen Stars and organizer of the upcoming show.

The show will be held at DiPiazza’s, 5205 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8. Admission is $7 and all proceeds will go to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (www.lafoodbank.org).

For more details about the upcoming concert, visit www.myspace.com/TheFallenStars.

Rosie Shipley and Gerry O’Beirne to perform Nov. 3

There will undoubtedly be plenty of sonic magic when Gerry O’Beirne and Rosie Shipley perform two special shows together in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday evening, Nov. 3, 2007.

O’Beirne, that rare singer-songwriter who is also a virtuoso guitarist, and much-admired fiddler Shipley will perform as part of the ongoing Music at the Library concert series.

Born in County Clare – located on Ireland’s music-steeped west coast – O’Beirne grew up in Ireland and Ghana in West Africa, and has since lived in England, California and Mexico. His music is rooted in traditional song craft, but both his songs and instrumental works have a timeless sound that draws comparisons with the early work of Bruce Cockburn, Don McLean and Nils Lofgren.

Songs such as “Darkness Now,” “The Holy Ground” and “Half Moon Bay” (the title track on his solo debut release) are dazzling, and O’Beirne’s poignant lyrics are just as effective.
He is also an incredible instrumentalist, as evidenced by the beautiful “Off the Rocks at Clahane,” which showcases his expressive touch playing a 6-string guitar and melodica.
On “When You’re Gone I Say Your Name,” O’Beirne’s ability to layer his playing of Spanish guitar and steel guitar achieves similarly-enchanting perfection.

O’Beirne has been a touring member or recorded with a number of well-known groups, including Patrick Street, the Sharon Shannon Band, Midnight Well and the Waterboys.
Shipley embarked on her recording career with the release of 2002 CD “At Home,” which teamed her with pianist Matt Mulqueen, as well as with her brothers Peter Shipley (fiddle) and Trevor Shipley (uilleann pipes, flute, whistle). Rosie Shipley is a talented fiddle player, able to lend her four-stringed instrument and bow to wonderful displays on jigs, reels and waltzes.
She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and began taking violin lessons at the mere age of three. By age 8, she was already learning traditional tunes from fiddler Brendan Mulvilhill.
In 2003, she teamed with singer-songwriter Lisa Moscatiello to record a full-length CD titled “Well Kept Secrets,” which blended Shipley’s fiddle playing with Moscatiello’s alto soprano on a collection featuring traditional and contemporary songs from Ireland, Scotland and North America.

Gerry O’Beirne and Rosie Shipley will perform at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, San Juan Capistrano, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2007.
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children (12 and under).
Information: 949-493-1752.