Bearcoon's "El Guapo" - Album of the Year

Bearcoon have created a truly remarkable debut record that is, in our opinion, this year's best album. The acoustic folk duo consists of Solange Kaye Marie Igoa on lead vocals and Andrea Walker on guitar and vocal harmonies. Their album titled El Guapo is a collection of poetic lyrics combined with spellbinding harmonies. Like all great recordings, several themes run through and bind the overall sentiment of relationships, love and loss. The redemption of hope is the silver lining in this profoundly heartfelt collection of recordings.

The theme of loss runs from the beginning track through to the end of the album. The tracks run the gamut from beautiful laments to intense anger. Cold Steel of Night, Darkest Corners, End of Days, Waking Eyes and Whiskey are sonic parallels to the emotional roller coaster ride that loss creates.

The silver lining is love compensating for loss. The redemption of love and hope can be found in the tracks It’s Just You and Me and Walk With Me. The latter includes the lyric, "I’m going nowhere but if you like, you can walk with me."  A great metaphor of the formative steps in a new relationship.

Buffalo is the hopeful, dark horse track.  A premonition track for the band as they keep the dream alive by taking the music on the road. The  beautiful, earwig melody sticks in your head. It's our favorite track on the record. For us it pinpoints hope as the catalyst to fulfillment.

The album was produced and recorded by Anthony "Antoine" Arvizu at The Compound Studio in Long Beach, CA. The recording session was a prize that the band received after winning Buskerfest (music festival)  in 2014. The record's success lies in Andrea showcasing her well rounded skills as both a classically trained guitarist and amazing picker, coupled with Solange's strikingly beautiful vocals. The two are authentic and highly skilled in creating some of the most spellbinding harmonies you'll ever hear.

After appearing live in front of a worldwide audience on Geek & Sundry's Twitch TV channel, the band sold out of physical copies of their music on the CD Baby website and also achieved the #1 position on Amazon's New Folk Releases chart. The band was so popular on the Twitch channel that they became the first act ever to be asked back for an encore performance.The band is currently on a west coast tour and are headed back to Long Beach to record their second album. They have already previewed some of the amazing new tracks in live performances. Bearcoon may very well have another Album of the Year contender.

FATHERS & SUNS TALK ABOUT NEW MUSIC, NEW BAND MEMBERS AND THE POWER OF THE NUMBER THREE

Live Rock Gig) You released three new songs back on June 16th. Can you tell us about those three songs and the strategy of releasing three tracks at a time?

Arturo Bandini) It sparked from the idea of simply sharing a song we each wrote (Arturo, Jesus and Luis). We agreed on just focusing on 3 at a time, that way there is no pressure of dealing with a whole album at once. In a way the concept of the album is to just do 3 songs at a time.

Benjamin Chadwick) I don't know if it's a strategy. I presume we are letting new ideas be heard in advance, in order to maintain interest among fans. The album is not complete and we get to hear feedback from the people who are looking forward to our complete release. It may even help sway which songs ultimately appear in the completed collection. Okay...maybe that is a strategy...

Luis Renteria) Much like our band name. I feel "3ness" implies a sense of spirituality. I don't know. At the time the concept was being thrown around, there were only three members in Fathers & Suns. Gabotron, who'll be directing all the artwork for the supposed vinyl release let me in on a lot of the concepts he's been absorbed in, which coincidentally are triangular in thought, and he'll be expressing this in his art. I'm really stoked on what he's done so far. So, as it goes, there will be 3 parts to "tRy", so to speak...tRy 1/3, tRy 2/3 tRy 3/3.

LRG) Can you tell us when we can expect the next three songs and when the complete album will be released?

AB) We haven't had much time in the studio to track the follow up but we are not over thinking things so it should get done fast next time we are in, I'm guessing late September.

BC) The next three songs are close to being released. I'm the new guy, so I don't have all the secrets. But as soon as I find out, I'll let you know..But you will probably find out before me!

LR) We've got a couple in the can but I'm not sure if those songs will be in the next batch of songs. It has been such a weird time for the band. We've all been really focused on our day jobs and trying to make sure we're happy with the financial side of our lives. Also, for the most part, we've needed a break from the band, from each other, perhaps. We've been spending more time together recently and luckily, we have a really great sounding studio and really do work fast once the ideas start flowing.

LRG) What format will the new record be available?

AB) Digital for sure, and there is the idea of pressing it on vinyl or cassette but for now for sure digital.

BC) We're toying with the idea of releasing these songs in bold print. Really dark like the future.

LR) I definitely want to do vinyl. Gabotron art in 12 inches, muy bueno!

LRG) Can you tell us the meaning of the new album "tRy"?

AB) I'm afraid that I can't put it into words.

BC) I suppose it's open to interpretation. I've decided to me it means, "don't give up."

LR) Initially, word play for Tri. But tRy really gives it much more meaning, doesn't it?

LRG) Where are you recording the new tracks and who produced the record?

AB) We are recording it ourselves at the little studio we like to call FatSun Studio. Luis is taking the lead on producing, recording, mixing and mastering.

BC) We've been recording in our rehearsal space. Ideas seem to flow freely there. From my perspective, it's all new, but I feel as though it's a good atmosphere for everyone. Arturo and Jesus are a great team and probably could come up with interesting melodies and songs, anywhere they went.

LR) I used to record a bunch of death metal bands about 10 years ago on the east side of Long Beach. After that experience, I hated anything to do with production. Recently I got the bug again. It's been a lot of fun. A lot of learning...continual learning.

LRG) Tell us about the newest member of the band.

AB) Luis has known Benny for many years and we've played alongside his other band New Maximum Donkey several times and we've gotten to know him well. I actually recall seeing him a few years ago perform with Luis and he was on keys and I asked if he wanted to join the band, he turned me down in the nicest way possible, but all is good, he's with us now and he's been great, Extremely talented, get's along with everyone, Benny is great!

BC) What do you really want to know..I mean he's a real nice guy...'
That's usually what comes out of one musicians mouth to another, when they're trying to tell you that someone is a lousy musician. "How's Steve as a guitar player?"
"Oh, he's a really nice guy..."

LR) Benny's a really nice guy.

LRG) Since your lineup has changed a little has your songwriting changed from past recordings?

AB) I don't think so, it seems we still have the same approach. Luis has been experimenting on drum machines and stuff but I don't believe that had to do with the lineup.

BC) I think it's safe to say my influence on songwriting thus far, is very minimal. For me personally, the idea is to stay out of the way. I try to keep things as simple as possible unless the song calls for something more. I just want to be part of the solution, you know?

LR) Different from the "Mama Provides," our first album, was written. We rehearsed a lot back then. We enjoyed the wafting breeze that came through Arturo's apartment at The Chestnut House. However, it is pretty much inline with the way we wrote "&"...half idea, or fully formed ideas come in, then a song is churned out. Recently, I was playing with the drum machine and Arturo just kicked in with some chords and a fully formed vocal melody. It's very Kid A ish. Can't wait to get that one complete.

LRG) You recently won the battle of the bands in Costa Mesa; Did that help spark or fund any new projects?

AB) It helped us pay our studio rent that funds our album and everything else we do as a band in that space. It was a blessing.

BC) It helped fuel my addiction to gasoline! I just can't stay away from that stuff! My family tried to host an intervention, but I never showed up because I was at a gas station spending my winnings!

LR) Yes, typically any money we make goes to rent and gas. We've been really lucky. I can only remember once, maybe twice, that we've had to pay for gear, or studio rent, out of pocket. A blessing indeed.

LRG) Can you tell us about any new shows or appearances in the near future?

AB) Nothing booked now, just focused on recording these new tunes.

BC) Maybe...

LR) We love Wade and The Prospector. I'm sure each time we release a batch of songs, we'll have a little get together with our friends there, Hopefully when the vinyl is pressed, we'll bug Rand, yet again, and he'll let us play at Fingerprints at the end of the year.

LRG) Where can people buy your new songs?

AB) Our website at www.fathersandsuns.com
That is best, it directly supports us.

BC) I don't know, but if someone tells you, can you tell me?!

LR) You can also stream it there. tRy before you buy! ;)

TOP 10 LOCAL SHOWS OF 2014

2014 was a fantastic year for live music in Long Beach. From large festivals to small club shows there seemed to be something for everyone. Here's our list of the 10 best shows of the year in alphabetical order.

Jay Buchanan & Derrick Brown - Expo Arts Center -10/24  

This is our pick for the best show of the year. The entire night felt like a dream that you never wanted to end. Derrick Brown opened the show with his rock star brand of poetry that sent the crowd into a frenzy. By the time Jay Buchanan took the stage the place bursting at the seams with a standing room only crowd. Jay hadn't performed a solo show in several years and this was a genuine treat for his hometown fans. Here's a video we shot of Jay's opening song "Post Coital Kiss."

Buskerfest - East Village Arts District - 9/6

Now in it's 6th year, Buskerfest just seems to get better with age. This year featured another incredible lineup of the best local talent including Jesse Daniel Edwards, Thy Squid, The Ziggens, So Many Wizards and the winners of Buskerfest, Bearcoon. The evening ended with an amazing finale jam session with Fathers & Suns and Riot Stage.

THE REST OF THE BEST

Chrissie Hynde at Fingerprints Music - 9/29

Dancing In The Streets- Downtown Promenade 6/28

Folk Revival Festival - Rainbow Lagoon Park - 9/27

Live After 5 Kickoff Event - Federal Bar - 11/13

Rival Sons-New Years Eve on Pine Avenue -1/1

Tijuana Panthers - Live at The Pike & Bixby Park - 7/26

Twisted at the Pike - The Pike at Rainbow Harbor - 7/11

Weezer at Fingerprints Music - 10/8

AN EVENING WITH JAY BUCHANAN AND DERRICK BROWN - SWOON + CROON - RECAP WITH VIDEO - LONG BEACH - 10/24/2014

Attempting to write about the experience of listening to Jay Buchanan on stage is a daunting task. It's like trying to explain metaphysics. Intensity, pristine tone and profound power are the closest descriptors for the incomparable musician who performed last night at the hidden gem that is the Expo Art Center in beautiful Bixby Knolls. 

Derrick Brown, who is fittingly touted as one of the top five poets in America, wrangled a boisterous crowd into submission with his poems that defy labeling...Poetry? Comedy? Rock N' Roll? Although it's not the first time he has been on the bill with a musician(s), this particular pair go way back to the early beginnings in their art forms. During the evening, Jay Buchanan credited Derrick for supporting and inspiring him to perform his solo music again (also not the first musician to credit Derrick with being inspirational).
Although we've watched the two artists perform repeatedly over the past 2 decades, tonight would be different. They've successfully traded up to a large clamoring crowd in contrast to the distant past of having small venues filled like The Hub in Fullerton, The Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest or Linda's Doll Hut in Anaheim. 

Jay Buchanan on stage

After a comedic introduction by Derrick, Jay took to the stage. He lit what we would suspect was a smudge stick and carefully crafted the ambiance that would result in pure musical ecstasy by the end of the evening. The tone changed in the room. The collective energy in the room was palpable, then began the beguine with "Post Coital Kiss." 

With sage hanging in the air,  the intensity grew soul with "Roll with Me."

"Thankful" was both the song and sentiment that ended an euphoric night of pure art. We began the evening with thought provoking laughter and ended

the evening spellbound and spent. What began with the beautiful power of words ended with a collective euphoria that clearly affected even Jay  Buchanan, himself. A night no one in that room will soon forget, if ever. 

Left to Right - Jody & Judy (of Live Rock Gig) with Poet Derrick Brown

RIVAL SONS - GREAT WESTERN TOUR TRIFECTA - ORANGE COUNTY, LA & VEGAS - PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND SETLISTS

We have never been shy about our love for the Long Beach band Rival Sons. We have written about them on this blog more than any other artist. Their new album "Great Western Valkyrie" was released back on June 10th in the US and since then we have been waiting patiently for an American tour. Once the dates went on sale we decided to see as many shows as possible. Here's a recap of the three shows that we were lucky enough to catch. 

The Observatory - Orange County, CA - 9/19/2014

The first stop on the west coast tour was at The Observatory in Orange County, California. The 500 capacity venue sold out the night of the event with all the walk up patrons. The opening acts for all the west coast dates were the rock duo Sir Madam and San Francisco psychedelic rockers The Soft White Sixties. Check out the videos that we shot of The Soft White Sixties and Rival Sons rocking the OC. It was a really unforgettable night.

SIR MADAM

THE SOFT WHITE SIXTIES

 Singer Octavio Genera of The Soft White Sixties


RIVAL SONS

Jay Buchanan of Rival Sons

Jay and Scott of Rival Sons

Rival Sons - Orange County Set List

The Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA - 9/26/2014
The legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood hosted the sold out Rival Sons show exactly a week after the Orange County show. The enthusiastic audience was unlike anything that we've seen at an LA concert. The Los Angeles crowds are generally very reserved until they see something that really impresses them. Tonight's show gave them exactly what they had been dying to see. Please check out the video below of the unreal performance of "Burn Down Los Angeles." 

Marquee Outside The Troubadour

Rival Sons Rocking LA

Dave, Mike and Jay

Jay on stage in LA

Los Angeles Set List

Electric Man

Good Luck

Secret

Play The Fool

Good Things

Torture

Jordan

Manifest Destiny Part 1

Burn Down Los Angeles

Tell Me Something

Get What's Coming

Rich and the Poor

Face of Light

Open My Eyes

Pressure and Time

(Drum Solo)

Keep On Swinging

Vinyl - Hard Rock Hotel - Las Vegas, NV - 9/27/2014
Just one day after the Troubadour show, the band crossed the desert to play in Las Vegas at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel. This was the third time that the band has played at Vinyl, the hotel's newest concert venue. Check out the video we shot below of their ballad Jordan.

Standee Outside Vinyl in Las Vegas

Jay and Scott

Dave and Mike at Vinyl

Rival Sons on stage in Vegas

Vinyl - Las Vegas Set List

WEEZER - LIVE AT FINGERPRINTS MUSIC - LONG BEACH, CA - 10/8/2014

We have witnessed an array of incredible in-store shows at Fingerprints Music over the past 20 years or so. Heck, just two weeks ago we were lucky enough to be in the crowd for an intimate acoustic performance by Chrissie Hynde. That was a night that neither of us will ever forget. Where do you go from there? Bam! The email hit our mailbox announcing an all acoustic performance by a little band named Weezer. Are you kidding? We thought for a minute that we were dreaming. We knew we had to act fast since Weezer has legions of devoted fans that would do anything to get into this show. After an afternoon of dialing the store non-stop, we finally got through on the phone lines and secured our spots by purchasing their great new album "Everything Will Be Alright In The End."

Weezer had originally booked one show at 8pm, but a second show at had to be added at 7pm due to the overwhelming demand. About 250 fans packed each show to a cozy capacity. We were lucky enough to get a nice spot on the side of the stage for the late show. The band played a short set which included 5 powerful songs from their new release "Everything Will Be Alright in the End." Weezer invited their fans on stage during both "Go Away" and "Foolish Father" to act as the backing chorus. It was an impressive testament to the band and their passionate fan base. Many had already memorized the music and lyrics within the 24 hours of their record being released. The best thing about attending the late show was the fact that the band stuck around for over an hour to sign autographs and chat with their fans. It really made for another unforgettable night at Fingerprints. 

Their latest record has critics and fans agreeing that it is a return to their garage rock sound that established them as one of the most influential bands of the 90's. As the lyrics to the new song "Back To The Shack" say "Take me back, back to the shack. Back to the Strat with the lighting strap. Kick in the door. More Hardcore. Rockin' out like it's 94'. Turn up the radio." Weezer is back!

INAUGURAL 1ST SATURDAYS MUSIC AT BIXBY PARK RECAP- 8/2/2014

What a great day for local music in Long Beach! The long dormant Bixby Park band shell received new life with the inaugural 1st Saturdays Music at Bixby Park. The shows are put together by local residents Eric Gray & Melissa Escalante in partnership with Friends of Bixby Park. In addition to bringing the band shell back to life, the shows also give Long Beach musicians another venue to perform in front of their hometown crowd. 

BEARCOON

The first act to kick-off the new music series was the acoustic folk duo, Bearcoon. This pairing includes powerful lead vocals by Solange Kaye Marie Igoa and the fierce guitar slinging of Andrea Walker . The spellbinding tone of their harmonies are so entrancing that you hope they never stop. If you haven't had a chance to catch a live show, find one. In the meantime you can catch their performance at 2013's Folk Revival Festival here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDEebesuskQ..

SECOND WIND

The quartet Second Wind took the stage next and delighted the crowd with a combination of folk, bluegrass and pop. The band consists of the husband and wife team of Pattie and Marc Davidson on vocals and guitar, David Noferi on accordion and Tom Gallo on drums. The band's playlist covered music from the 1930's to present and included many well known standards.

MOVE

The last band to take the stage was the Long Beach musical collective known as Move. They have a rotating list of band members that is a whose who of local music talent. Today's version of Move included Jon Zell on guitar and vocals, Freddie Joseph Dilworth on guitar, Michael Malinowski on drums, Greggory Moore on percussion and vocals, Rachel Star Albright on vocals, Brendan Vasquez on bass and Steve Rice on organ. The band is known for their musical spontaneity and tight musicianship.

Be sure to catch the next 1st Saturdays Music at Bixby Park on Saturday, September 6th from 3pm-6pm.