Sol-O in Californ-I-A - July 15, 2010
California has so many songs written about it. It's easy forget why that is until you come out here to be reminded what an exceptional and impressive swath of land it is. One minute you're at the beach, the next you're surrounded by farmland. Then you're cruising the strip in LA or climbing the hills in San Francisco. Also, who booked this tour? OK, so my map plotting skills were never great. But the upshot of a bunch of back and forth driving is that I've seen beautiful things and met beautiful people. I've heard wonderful new music and played with some top notch performers. I've played an amazing assortment of venues (rock club, coffee shop, public park, DIY art space: have guitar, will travel). I've rendezvoused with the Cali-Mates, the sainted and talented creatures Antonette G and Tippy Canoe, who will be playing with me for the remainder of the tour. You can check out some photos here, and check back here for a periodically updated tour blog. Here's a sampling so far:
Who have I met?
Oswaldo, the Peruvian-Japanese owner of Pacific Auto Rentals. Speaker of five languages of which, he lamented, Chinese was not one. “There is such a strong population of Chinese here in Oakland. When you know a language, you understand a culture in a way that you never could from the outside,” he ruminated while he filled out my rental car forms.
Amaris, the teenaged or recently unteenaged gypsy, and her less dramatic friend, Bridget. Whimsical but savvy Amaris with her long black hair and her heavily make-upped eyelashes. Bridget with her hooded marsupial sweatshirt and sensible blonde ponytail. Amaris, who was going to college in their small California hometown for theatre and drama. Bridget, who was going to the local community college for social science. What were their plans? Amaris only said, “I am a gypsy. I will get by whatever I do. Very rich or very poor, I will be happy.” Bridget who responded, matter of fact: “I would like to teach college.”
Mike Atta, former lead guitar player of California hardcore punk band the Middle Class. “We’re known for being the first to play hardcore punk,” he told me over the counter of his vintage store. “Other groups claim they were the first but it was really us. Our old EPs go for a lot of money now. You know, because they didn’t press very many of them. People are always offering us a lot of money to play now, because we’re a lot more popular than when we were a band. But we think it’s better to keep the mystery alive.”
John, the 19-year-old Fullerton University student with burn scars on his face and a job at the local music instrument emporium. “So, you stayed through the summer?” I made conversation while he watched me strum an expensive guitar. “What?” “Well, you don’t have classes now, it’s summer,” I prompted. “Do your parents live here?” “I don’t talk to my parents,” he told me. “I come from Westminster.” I shook my head. “Have you ever heard of Little Saigon? That’s what they call it. It’s the largest population of Vietnamese in the United States.”
Josh, a stylish young man who approached me after my set at the Continental Room in Fullerton. “So, what are you doing? I mean, what’s your plan? Do you have management?” “Why? Do you know someone?” I responded to his question with a question. His face, full of swagger and confidence at his approach, relaxed. “Who me? No. I mean maybe. Listen, I’m a nobody. I’m a drummer. I like to write songs and I was hoping we could do songs together. Hey, you know what? I’ll Myspace you.”
Who have I heard?
Jody Mulgrew, a real crooner. I love Jody's style and his compact, melodic songwriting. Also, did I mention how handsome he is? Also a gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for his hometown of San Luis Obispo. Check out his music here.
The Bye Bye Blackbirds played with me on my first night in California. What a treat! They played acoustic, three guitars and three part harmonies with a precision you don't much hear. One part Everley Brothers, one part Elvis Costello, one part completely their own, they may well be my new favorite band. They can be heard here.
Tippy Canoe, aka Michele Kapel-Stone. Tippy Canoe is an angel sent to me, and she sings like one. Baltimore born, Oakland dwelling Tippy has been helping me book this tour and at some point she and her friend Antonette offered to play drums and bass, respectively, as the Cali-Mates. !!! Here is her old timey pop music.
Antonette G, the other half of the Cali-Mates. Antonette is a fantastic human being with a gift for melody. I've only heard her play once, when she came to the Velvet Lounge in DC. That will all change later tonight at the Hemlock. But for now, here she is.
Fort Wife, a duo from Long Beach. Really cool atmospheric music with some stellar guitar playing by one Elise Ewoldt. If you're in a mood or you like Land of Talk, click here.