Jay Trainer Band

Jay Trainer combines thick, prolific guitar riffs and stark lyricism, while drawing on the traditions of funk, rock, blues, and psychedelia to craft a modern classic. The singer/songwriter possesses a unique ability to effortlessly negotiate tone and volume, moving from a quiet, almost jazzy tone to a booming thunder at any given moment. The effect calls to mind the masters of several genres of rock music. To achieve this, Trainer pulls from his roots: blues revivalists, folksy protest songs, classic songwriters and classic rockers like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers Band. But the aspect that grabs both music lovers and critics is the additional elements ranging from the likes of Jeff Beck to Jeff Buckley. His unique combination of genre-defying compositions and free-form jams have been causing a stir in the local Bay Area scene. Having shared the stage with national acts including North Mississippi All Stars, legendary guitarist Dickey Betts, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress (founding member of The Greyboy Allstars), Eric McFadden (former touring member of George Clinton’s P-Funk All Stars), Cowboy Mouth and Vinyl, Jay Trainer has created a new foothold in the West Coast music scene with a rare combination of infectious backbeats and guitar driven grooves. The live show is what Trainer is known for. His performances are raw, personal and uninhibited. It is clear from his latest EP, simply titled Jay Trainer Band, that he has brought this same energy to the studio. Tracks like “Miss You Well” and “As The World Burns Down” capture the emotion and expression of his live performance. Tracks like “Maybe I’m Wrong” and “Run” show Trainer’s ability to use the studio like an additional member of the band. A veteran of countless recording sessions, his “get it in the first take” approach has paid off and is bringing back a great sense of honesty to Rock ‘n’ Roll. “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!

Gary Smith

For three decades, San Jose harmonica player Gary Smith has been an influential figure in the San Francisco Bay Area Blues scene. His band was the first to grace the stage at the inaugural San Francisco Blues Festival way back in 1973. Long regarded as the Godfather of San Jose Blues Harmonica, he really demonstrates his harp playing prowess and Little Walter influenced tone on Blues For Mr. B.
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Tip of the Top

Who says the good old days of the blues are over? "This music isn't long gone; it's alive and happening right here and now in Northern California! " says blues guitar virtuoso Kid Andersen. He's talking about Tip of the Top, the San Francisco Bay Area band that has taken the blues scene by storm since 2009. The band's musical style is reminiscent of the 1950's. Their live show delivers all the primitive pulsating rhythms, repetitive chord changes and gritty amplification that defines early American Rock 'n' Roll. But these bluesmen are no mere imitators. They feel this music to their core. They represent it with 100% authentic personal expression and deliver it with emotionally charged energy. Tip of the Top's debut CD, Depot Street Blues, and their second release, Rock Tonight, received rave reviews from fans and blues critics alike. Their latest release From Memphis To Greaseland features some of the band's finest original work and their unique, spontaneous take on blues classics. Engineered and produced at the world-famous Greaseland Studios in Campbell, California, this album is a MUST HAVE for any serious blues afficionado! If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Summertime - Big Brother & The Holding Co.

Had it not been for the melodic and accomplished guitar work of Peter Albin flowing out of an upper story window at 1090 Page Street in the early summer of 1965, there might never have been a Big Brother and the Holding Company. It was on that day that Sam Andrew happened down Page Street in San Francisco and was so impressed by what me heard, that he went in and introduced himself.

Peter was born on June 6, 1944 in San Francisco. He began playing guitar at an early age and became involved in the folk scene of the early 60s. While attending The College of San Mateo, Peter and his brother Rodney played in a bluegrass band called the Liberty Hill Aristocrats.

By the time Peter met Sam in 1965, he had aspirations of forming a band that would write and perform children's songs. One of the first songs he wrote while working with children at The Marin Jewish Community Day Camp, north of San Francisco, was "Caterpillar". This song went on the appear on the first Big Brother and the Holding Company Album.

But the guitarist who inspired the first meeting with Sam Andrew ended up making the transition to bass and has spent the majority of his career with that instrument. Although his fine guitar work can be heard on cuts such as "Coo-Coo", "Oh, Sweet Mary", and "Turtle Blues" and also on Big Brother LPs "Be A Brother" and "How Hard It Is".

Witty and personable, Peter provided much of the on-stage commentary and also served as the liaison for the group with managers and promoters. Also, in the early days of Big Brother, before Janis, Peter did most of the lead vocals for the band. Among the many songs he sang were "Blow My Mind" and "Down On Me". Even after Janis, the first album finds Peter's lead on "Blindman", "Light Is Faster Than Sound", and "Caterpillar".

Peter's musical pursuits have also extended beyond Big Brother and the Holding Company. He has played with Country Joe and the Fish and can be heard on their 1969 Vanguard album "Here We Are Again". He later toured in an all-star band with Joe McDonald that cut an album outside Paris (Paris Sessions, Vanguard - 1973) in September of 1972.

In 1982, Peter was one of the founding members of the Bay Area super group, The Dinosaurs. Along with Peter, the group consisted of, John Cipollina, Barry Melton, Merl Saunders, Robert Hunter, and Spencer Dryden.

Peter has loaned many items to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. The most notable piece is his legendary psychedelic Fender Jazz Bass from 1968 which is now a popular museum attraction.

Today, along with keeping a regular tour schedule with Big Brother and the Holding Company, Peter serves as an advertising coordinator with City Hall Record Distributors.
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Americana/Blues Troubadour Jeffrey Halford Brings All-American Sounds To Armandos

"Hemingway With A Blues-y Guitar" - Dirty Linen

"Jeffrey Halford specializes in "swamp rock with soul," which means that Poor House Bistro, the valley's center for New Orleans food and music, is the perfect venue for the San Francisco singer/songwriter/guitarist and his band, the Healers." SAN JOSE METRO

"Jeffrey Halford and The Healers album, 'Broken Chord', does not hit your ears as much as it slinks, shutters, shakes and shimmies across the surface of your mind. Barrel roll pianos, big, fat swamp guitar notes and hard hitting rhythms push around Jeffrey's vocals. His voice comes on like a lyrical conversation as it snarls admonitions and finger points, naming names ("Louisiana Man", "Ninth Ward"), paints a picture of a hot rod pin up wife-to-be ("Rockabilly Bride") and offers a great visual of someone who looks like a barnyard feathered friend, forget about how he tastes ("Chicken Bones Jones"). THE ALTERNATE ROOT

Acclaimed Americana/Blues Troubadour Jeffrey Halford and the Healers Bring Their All-American Sounds To Armando's In Martinez - Friday, June 8 At 8:00 P.M.

(MARTINEZ) - Called "Hemingway with a blues-y guitar" by Dirty Linen Magazine, Americana/Blues singer-songwriter-guitarist Jeffrey Halford and the Healers plays a return engagement at Armando's, 707 Marina Vista, Friday, June 8. 8 p.m. $10. Info: (925) 228-6985 or log onto www.armandosmartinez.com.

Jeffrey Halford delivers a uniquely American melting pot of roots, blues, rock, and kick-ass pop - take some Southern soul, add a heap of Texas storytelling, a dash of Bay Area's freewheeling liberal spirit/literary leanings/seedier side, throw in some desert sunshine and dirt, then stir together with an architect's eye for detail and durability and you've got yourself an idea why Paste magazine recently named him to their "Ten Most Influential Artists of the Decade."

A guy who doesn't play favorites when it comes to words and music, Jeffrey Halford knows how to get his point across subtly, and he also knows when to hammer it home. But most of all, he knows how to craft music that grabs your attentionand keeps it - on record, but particularly on stage, where he and the band make you want to jump out of your seat..Jeffrey has shared the stage with Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, Guy Clark, Robert Earl Keen, and George Thorogoodto name a few. Turns out the streets of San Franciscomight have been the best teacher of all.

Watch Halford perform an intimate acoustic version of his poignant tune about the victims of Hurricane Katrina, "Louisiana Man," here:

Jeffrey Halford has been called "An Americana heavyweight" (MERCURY NEWS) for his heartfelt songs about the conditions of the everyday man and woman in America. Among his most memorable: "Cry of Hope," about Americans' need to keep faith in America; and "Louisiana Man," about the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster and our government's slow response to it. As validation of Halford's writing prowess, he won "2009 Songwriter of the Year" at the 5th Annual South Bay Music Awards. BROKEN CHORD went as high as #8 on the Americana radio charts.

Based in San Francisco over the last 15 years, Halford's original roots rock 'n roll songs etch a uniquely American, and specifically California, landscape. Look for a new Jeffrey Halford and the Healers album to be released late in 2011.

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Everyday I Have the Blues - Hi Tide Harris

Hi Tide Harris was born either as Willie Boyd or Willie Gitry in San Francisco on March 26, 1946. He sang with doo-wop groups in his youth and in 1963 learned how to play guitar from Herbert Owens. The following year and through 1967 he toured the South playing in the bands of Johnny Taylor, Ella Thomas, Lowell Fulson, Jimmy McCracklin & Big Mama Thornton. From 1969 to 1971 he was a member of Shakey Jake's group. He toured The United States with Charlie Musselwhite in 1973, and in 1974 he was picked by John Mayall on a tour covering the U.S., Europe and Japan. (Recordings from this tour from Los Angeles have been released on a 2009 CD John Mayall:The Latest Edition). Harris composed the title song to the 1975 film "Mandingo", and provided the vocal tracks to the 1976 film "Leadbelly". Harris later relocated to Japan where he is a fixture on the Yokohama blues scene in present day.
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Dance To The Music - SLY & THE FAMILY STONE

Sly and the Family Stone were an American rock, funk, and soul band from San Francisco, California. Active from 1966 to 1983, the band was pivotal in the development of soul, funk, and psychedelic music. Headed by singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly Stone, and containing several of his family members and friends, the band was the first major American rock band to have an "integrated, multi-gender" lineup.

Brothers Sly Stone and singer/guitarist Freddie Stone combined their bands (Sly & the Stoners and Freddie & the Stone Souls) in 1967. Sly and Freddie Stone, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Gregg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham completed the original lineup; Sly and Freddie's sister, singer/keyboardist Rose Stone, joined within a year. This collective recorded five Billboard Hot 100 hits which reached the top 10, and four ground-breaking albums, which greatly influenced the sound of American pop music, soul, R&B, funk, and hip hop music. In the preface of his 1998 book For the Record: Sly and the Family Stone: An Oral History, Joel Selvin sums up the importance of Sly and the Family Stone's influence on African American music by stating "there are two types of black music: black music before Sly Stone, and black music after Sly Stone". The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

During the early 1970s, the band switched to a grittier funk sound, which was as influential on the music industry as their earlier work. The band began to fall apart during this period because of drug abuse and ego clashes; consequently, the fortunes and reliability of the band deteriorated, leading to its dissolution in 1975. Sly Stone continued to record albums and tour with a new rotating lineup under the "Sly and the Family Stone" name from 1975 to 1983. In 1987, Sly Stone was arrested and sentenced for cocaine use, after which he went into effective retirement.
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Bman's Exclusive Interview with Howard Bernstein - Album Cover and Poster Designer

Bman: How did you get hooked up with ESP Disk?

Howie: In 1966 I was living in a tenement building on Broome Street on the Lower East Side. Living in the apartment above me was Michael Solden, a friend of Jordan Matthews, who was the art director for ESP Disk. Jordan was looking for an artist to do the first album covers for ESP Disk. I worked at a drawing board in his apartment almost non-stop for two years. I had total freedom to create the artwork and was never given any input.

The poster shown here was designed by Bernstein and is available through Wolfgang's Vault (Bill Graham)

Bman: Looks like you did quite a few covers while you were there. How long was your affiliation with ESP Disk and who else were you working with?

Howie: Approximately three years. During that time I built a portfolio.

Bman: I have a number of the early ESP Disk covers that you designed available for viewing here. I understand that you actually did these by hand?

Howie: Yes, the first 200 album covers were hand silk screened by Jordan Matthews and me.



Bman: I understand that a few of these covers have other relevance other than just the art and the immediate music.

Howie: Yes, curiously enough. The Willow cover is Debbie Harry's first lp and Jean Erdman (who I did one of covers for) was married to Joseph Campbell.

Bman: Joseph Campbell.... That's wild!
I found quite a few of your early posters on the internet. I have a few compiled here:



Bman: I also saw a newspaper article about your meeting with Salvadore Dali. Tell us about that.

Howie: Dali was my art hero during my teenage years. While I was living in NYC, a friend of mine, Jacqueline Battle, telephoned Dali at the St. Regis Hotel, and using her command of French and Spanish, managed to arrange an audience for us to meet Dali in the hotel’s King Cole Bar. Before the meeting with him I bought the Dali book, which he signed for me. Dali was more interested in examining and discussing our sketchbooks rather than talking about himself.

Bman: I also read that you did some book covers. One that comes to mind is the outrageous cover for Roger Zelazny’s book “Lord of Light.” Were there others?

Howie: Yes. I did numerous book cover illustrations that were published by Random House, Doubleday, Alfred Knopf, Ballantine Books, Herald Tribune, Village Voice, Evergreen Review, Cashbox and Billboard, including full-page ads for The Who’s “Magic Bus,” and also designed album covers for MGM, Capitol Records, RCA, DECCA, and Verve Folkways.

Bman: Now this was all in NYC. Then you moved to San Francisco?

Howie : Yes. I left New York City in 1969 and headed for San Francisco, but moved to the Napa Valley where I did a series of ten posters for Sausalito-based Tho-Fra (Tom Burke). Went back to New York briefly, then headed north to Canada and traveled across the Trans-Canada Highway, stopping in numerous cites before crossing back into the U.S. in 1970. Moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and lived at the Stable Art Gallery owned by Avis Reed, a legendary art dealer.



Bman: I’ve also seen a bit of work that you have done with a sharpie pen. In fact, I saw Don Heffington on the Tonight Show with drum heads designed by you if I’m not mistaken.

Howie: Yeah, I drew on his drum heads using a big black marker.




Bman: Those are really wild. I came up with this cool photo of Elvis Costello with Hef's drums. I'm sure that they get attention wherever Don Plays!

What really gets me going is your line work. I just love your sketches. You have taken this to a new level. Tell us about “Werner Von Burner.”

Howie: The heart of the subject matter on the wood comes from the night sketchbook with a micro-ball pen. It just flows. I’m very grateful for that.

Bman: I know you have been working for years with the Boys & Girls Club and love the interaction with the kids and young adults. . . . . . . . I remember seeing one of Werner’s pieces called “The Palms” which relates directly to your work with the club. Can you tell us about this exceptional piece?


Howie: This was the only piece that was a direct response to a street “moment” in the hood. I was working at a B&G Club in South Phoenix and witnessed a drug bust at the Palms Motel, home to drug dealers and prostitutes.

Bman: This is a powerful piece. It has the same intensity of your earlier work but your style has matured and obviously you have really honed your skill with burning instruments.

Howie: I had a buddy in San Francisco, Ron Armstrong, a guitar maker (ex Alembic, Stars Guitars), who told me to check out the Leichtung torch. This precision tool shoots out a butane flame that can be adjusted to a fine point, which allows me to shade the work.

Bman: You seem to have gotten it down to a science... just like drawing with a pen! Is there anything else that you’d like to share with your fans?

Howie: At the age of five I was on the kitchen floor pushing my toy truck. Dad came home from his law office, sat down, called me over and pulled out his fountain pen and drew a profile of a man’s head on his yellow pad. I never again played with a truck and Mom kept me supplied with art materials.

Bman: I'm guessing that your mom and dad's support of your interest in the arts is now being given back 10 fold to the community through your involvement with the young people. Thanks a lot for your time Howie.

Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! - Here

Bman's Exclusive Interview with Howard Bernstein - Artist - Album Cover and Poster Designer

Bman: How did you get hooked up with ESP Disk?

Howie: In 1966 I was living in a tenement building on Broome Street on the Lower East Side. Living in the apartment above me was Michael Solden, a friend of Jordan Matthews, who was the art director for ESP Disk. Jordan was looking for an artist to do the first album covers for ESP Disk. I worked at a drawing board in his apartment almost non-stop for two years. I had total freedom to create the artwork and was never given any input.

The poster shown here was designed by Bernstein and is available through Wolfgang's Vault (Bill Graham)

Bman: Looks like you did quite a few covers while you were there. How long was your affiliation with ESP Disk and who else were you working with?

Howie: Approximately three years. During that time I built a portfolio.

Bman: I have a number of the early ESP Disk covers that you designed available for viewing here. I understand that you actually did these by hand?

Howie: Yes, the first 200 album covers were hand silk screened by Jordan Matthews and me.



Bman: I understand that a few of these covers have other relevance other than just the art and the immediate music.

Howie: Yes, curiously enough. The Willow cover is Debbie Harry's first lp and Jean Erdman (who I did one of covers for) was married to Joseph Campbell.

Bman: Joseph Campbell.... That's wild!
I found quite a few of your early posters on the internet. I have a few compiled here:



Bman: I also saw a newspaper article about your meeting with Salvadore Dali. Tell us about that.

Howie: Dali was my art hero during my teenage years. While I was living in NYC, a friend of mine, Jacqueline Battle, telephoned Dali at the St. Regis Hotel, and using her command of French and Spanish, managed to arrange an audience for us to meet Dali in the hotel’s King Cole Bar. Before the meeting with him I bought the Dali book, which he signed for me. Dali was more interested in examining and discussing our sketchbooks rather than talking about himself.

Bman: I also read that you did some book covers. One that comes to mind is the outrageous cover for Roger Zelazny’s book “Lord of Light.” Were there others?

Howie: Yes. I did numerous book cover illustrations that were published by Random House, Doubleday, Alfred Knopf, Ballantine Books, Herald Tribune, Village Voice, Evergreen Review, Cashbox and Billboard, including full-page ads for The Who’s “Magic Bus,” and also designed album covers for MGM, Capitol Records, RCA, DECCA, and Verve Folkways.

Bman: Now this was all in NYC. Then you moved to San Francisco?

Howie : Yes. I left New York City in 1969 and headed for San Francisco, but moved to the Napa Valley where I did a series of ten posters for Sausalito-based Tho-Fra (Tom Burke). Went back to New York briefly, then headed north to Canada and traveled across the Trans-Canada Highway, stopping in numerous cites before crossing back into the U.S. in 1970. Moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and lived at the Stable Art Gallery owned by Avis Reed, a legendary art dealer.



Bman: I’ve also seen a bit of work that you have done with a sharpie pen. In fact, I saw Don Heffington on the Tonight Show with drum heads designed by you if I’m not mistaken.

Howie: Yeah, I drew on his drum heads using a big black marker.




Bman: Those are really wild. I came up with this cool photo of Elvis Costello with Hef's drums. I'm sure that they get attention wherever Don Plays!

What really gets me going is your line work. I just love your sketches. You have taken this to a new level. Tell us about “Werner Von Burner.”

Howie: The heart of the subject matter on the wood comes from the night sketchbook with a micro-ball pen. It just flows. I’m very grateful for that.

Bman: I know you have been working for years with the Boys & Girls Club and love the interaction with the kids and young adults. . . . . . . . I remember seeing one of Werner’s pieces called “The Palms” which relates directly to your work with the club. Can you tell us about this exceptional piece?


Howie: This was the only piece that was a direct response to a street “moment” in the hood. I was working at a B&G Club in South Phoenix and witnessed a drug bust at the Palms Motel, home to drug dealers and prostitutes.

Bman: This is a powerful piece. It has the same intensity of your earlier work but your style has matured and obviously you have really honed your skill with burning instruments.

Howie: I had a buddy in San Francisco, a guitar maker, who told me to check out the Leichtung torch. This precision tool shoots out a butane flame that can be adjusted to a fine point, which allows me to shade the work.

Bman: You seem to have gotten it down to a science... just like drawing with a pen! Is there anything else that you’d like to share with your fans?

Howie: At the age of five I was on the kitchen floor pushing my toy truck. Dad came home from his law office, sat down, called me over and pulled out his fountain pen and drew a profile of a man’s head on his yellow pad. I never again played with a truck and Mom kept me supplied with art materials.

Bman: I'm guessing that your mom and dad's support of your interest in the arts is now being given back 10 fold to the community through your involvement with the young people. Thanks a lot for your time Howie.

Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! - Here

New Recording Release; Electric Shepherd - Review

I have just had the opportunity to listen to and am now attempting to review the new Electric Shepherd recording. I've seen descriptions of the cd that didn't make it seem very attractive but I've got to tell you... this is really cool. Now I'll say that with a caveat. I really have broad tastes. I've heard references to Pink Floyd, Led Zep, Airplane... you name it. I don't hear it. I hear a fresh new sound that has roots in the 60's SF sound with heavy echo and reverb but also embraces modern free form players like J Beck, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, The Mars Volta, TU, and maybe with a twist of very early Santana rhythm in an sonic driven environment. This is really quite interesting and if you're up for an adventure...this may be your ticket!Tommy Anderson on bass, Sonny Pearce on drums and Mark Nelsen on guitar and vocals
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Last Night - J.C. Smith Band

J. C. Smith, 2006 Bay Area Blues Society West Coast Blues Band of the Year award winner is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. He is an outstanding performer noted for his energy and charisma. Prior to playing guitar, he was the drummer for the Back to Back Blues Band. In 2000, he emerged from behind his drums, armed with a Gibson 335. J. C. attacks the Blues as if he is being guided by the masters like T-Bone Walker, Albert King, and Johnnie Guitar Watson. The J. C. Smith Band’s current release "Defining Cool" is by far the best recording to date. Listed for the 52nd Grammy Awards for "Best Contemporary Blues CD," it entered the Living Blues Radio Charts at #16 and was a “Pick to Click” on XM Radio. After 20 weeks on the Roots Report, the CD climbed the charts as high as #25 nationally. In 2004, Smith released “That’s What I’m Talk’n ‘Bout,” co-produced by Grammy Award Nominee Joanna Connor. This CD shows masterful songwriting, outstanding arrangements, and traditional quality. It features a host of Chicago players including Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, who worked with the Muddy Waters Band for twenty years. 2001 marked the release of Smith’s first effort "Midnight Creeper" which brought him international attention. Smith has toured throughout the United States, Eastern Europe, Mexico, and South America to sell out crowds. He is also known as radio personality Johnnie Cozmik on KKUP F.M. J. C. feels that his goal in life is “To keep the Blues alive and take the message to the people.”

Donnie Green, (Drummer) toured Europe seven times before joining the JC Smith Band. Drumming professionally since the age of 12, you've got to hear this solid funk and blues drummer to believe him. He is as exciting to watch as well as listen to because of his style and showmanship.

Robert “Jay” Green (Bass). Jay joined the group with a very short notice yet rose to the challenge. Four days after accepting the offer from the band, he played a club date that served as a rehearsal, then three days later he was on tour in Southern California which included two performances at the NAMM show in Anaheim.

Abraham Vasquez (Sax) is one of the hardest working horn men in the Bay Area. His masterful solos and arrangements bring you back to the days of Louis Jordan, and Sam Butera. Vasquez and Smith first teamed up in the late 80's to form The Back To Back Blues Band. Vasquez has worked with the likes of Tommy Castro, Hall and Oates, Dr. John, and more.

Tommy “Tuesday” Maitland (Trumpet) rounds out the horn section. This former Radio Announcer for KFJC FM has played all types of music for years ranging from R&B to Reggae. The bands most noted are Inka Inka and Dub FX. His solos remind you of Al Hirt, Louis Armstrong, Harry James, and Miles Davis all wrapped in one.

Pamela Charles Arthur (Keys) is a remarkable artist and entertainer. This Grammy nominated artist is a great addition to the band’s sound and presence. As a blonde she proves to always have more fun.

This band of seasoned players is a true Blues band with one goal in mind…keeping the Blues alive.
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SF's Psychedelic Rockers Electric Shepherd Playing "Help Save KUSF" Benefit - Fri. Dec. 2 At Rock-It Room

SF's Psychedelic Rockers Electric Shepherd Playing

"Help Save KUSF" Benefit - Fri. Dec. 2 At Rock-It Room

"Warrior music...driving and strong...last two tracks, which happen to total over twenty minutes combined, are worth digging into and are where Electric Shepherd shines." SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"The Seventies are back with a vengeance. And jam-rock trio Electric Shepherd is perhaps the most staggeringly talented outfit in the local revivalist scene. Its members are innovators, rather than mere imitators, and their work vacillates from gnarly art-rock to loping, minimalist blues. "Mildred Harris" could hold its own against any Zeppelin tune." EAST BAY EXPRESS

(San Francisco) - "Help Save KUSF!" is the rallying cry; Bay Area psychedelic-rockers Electric Shepherd are there to answer the call. The trio performs at a "Help Save KUSF Benefit" at the Rock-It Room, 406 Clement St., Friday, December 2. Doors 7:30 p.m., Show 8:00 p.m.. $10. Info: (415) 387-6343 or www.rock-it-room.com. Also on the bill: John Trubee & The Ugly Janitors; Ants & Orchids; and Filter Bubble.

Recently back from their first U.S. tour, Electric Shepherd performed at high-profile psychedelic dance party Frisco Freakout in October 8 and the 34th Annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair this past June. The band also released a limited edition 12" Vinyl EP of the song "Chem Trails" in October of this year.

Read a recent article on the band by Tom Lanham in the San Francisco Examiner here: http://bit.ly/rpPpk8. The young trio whose progressive-aggressive psychedelic rock sound is described as "warrior music" by the San Francisco Chronicle's Tony DuShane consist of Mark Nelsen, guitars-vocals; Tommy Anderson, bass; and Sonny Pearce, drums. San Francisco born and bred, Electric Shepherd seamlessly blend the best elements of psychedelic, blues, and trance, in addition to a hearty dose of indie-rock. The group sports a very cerebral, jam-based musicianship. Found in their songs are intimate journeys of vast color and warmth - resulting in inspirational, operatic bliss with the occasional haunting pit stop. Along with bands such as Sleepy Sun, Wooden Shjips, The Gris Gris, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Ty Segall, Electric Shepherd are at the fore of this re-born, distinctly San Francisco sound.

Some Of The Most Memorable Rock Music came out of the much-loved psychedelic rock era of the '60's, circa San Francisco; bands such as the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Hot Tuna, Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Jefferson Airplane, and others mesmerized the music world with their melodic, hypnotic brand of what would later become known as 'Trance-Rock." Indeed, their music is still as popular today as it was some four decades ago - if not more so.

Electric Shepherd contain strong musical elements of the Doors, Blue Cheer, Cream, and Pink Floyd in their sound, heard to fine effect on such future classics as "ChemTrails" (which clocks in at 7:40), "Mildred Harris" (6:53), "Down the River" (6:09) and "The Misled Herd" (10:48). The music of Electric Shepherd is like a fine wine - made to be ingested slowly, not rushed, that grows on you more with each listen.

"Very authentic both in sound and style...8 (out of 10!)," muses English rock publication Metalliville. Rockwired Radio writes, "harboring an array of unique aesthetics painted into the jowels of modern confusion, Electric Shepherd masks the gaps between old and new, forgotten and undiscovered, with the hopes of destroying past lives and diverging from new ones; a forcible means to an end." CASHBOX concurs: "The vibes on this CD will make your freak flag fly and then some...I can tell you this... If Jim Morrison were alive, I'm sure he would approve."

Electric Shepherd were selected "Amoeba Homegrown Artist of the Month" in January by the influential San Francisco/Berkeley-based record store. The Deli Magazine in San Francisco also chose Electric Shepherd as a "Top 50 Bay Area Psychedelic Rock Act" in their recent poll.

Watch a recent performance by Electric Shepherd at the Knockout in San Francisco here:

Herd yourself through vibrant landscapes and forgotten passions with Electric Shepherd's self-titled debut album (available on I-Tunes).

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Electric Shepherd Back From "Awaken Sleeping Nations" Tour, Playing Frisco Freakout Saturday, October 8

Electric Shepherd Back From "Awaken Sleeping Nations" Tour, Playing Frisco Freakout Saturday, October 8

"Warrior music...driving and strong...last two tracks, which happen to total over twenty minutes combined, are worth digging into and are where Electric Shepherd shines." SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"The Seventies are back with a vengeance. And jam-rock trio Electric Shepherd is perhaps the most staggeringly talented outfit in the local revivalist scene. Its members are innovators, rather than mere imitators, and their work vacillates from gnarly art-rock to loping, minimalist blues. "Mildred Harris" could hold its own against any Zeppelin tune." EAST BAY EXPRESS

"Down The River" and "Mildred Harris," the true gems of the album, both lay down the blueprint of the band's genius: a trance-like electric rock euphoria that passes over like a swift breeze, pulsating between hard drum beats and slow/guitar bass jams." CULTURE MAGAZINE

(San Francisco - WE'RE HOME!!!) - Just back from their successful 17-city "Awaken Sleeping Nations" Tour, SF native sons Electric Shepherd perform at high-profile psychedelic dance party Frisco Freakout, @Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St., Saturday, October 8. 1:30 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. All ages. $15. /Bar with I.D. Info: (415) 252-1330 or www.friscofreakout.com. The festival-friendly group also played the 34th Annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair this past June.

Read a recent article on Electric Shepherd by Tom Lanham in the San Francisco Examiner here: http://bit.ly/rpPpk8.

Electric Shepherd played cities across the U.S. including New York, Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Portland, Austin, Los Angeles and others on their just-completed sojourn. The young trio whose progressive-aggressive psychedelic rock sound is described as "warrior music" by the San Francisco Chronicle's Tony DuShane consist of Mark Nelsen, guitars-vocals; Tommy Anderson, bass; and Sonny Pearce, drums. San Francisco born and bred, Electric Shepherd seamlessly blend the best elements of psychedelic, blues, and trance, in addition to a hearty dose of indie-rock. The group sports a very cerebral, jam-based musicianship. Found in their songs are intimate journeys of vast color and warmth - resulting in inspirational, operatic bliss with the occasional haunting pit stop. Along with bands such as Sleepy Sun, Wooden Shjips, The Gris Gris, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Ty Segall, Electric Shepherd are at the fore of this re-born, distinctly San Francisco sound.

Some Of The Most Memorable Rock Music came out of the much-loved psychedelic rock era of the '60's, circa San Francisco; bands such as the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Hot Tuna, Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Jefferson Airplane, and others mesmerized the music world with their melodic, hypnotic brand of what would later become known as 'Trance-Rock." Indeed, their music is still as popular today as it was some four decades ago - if not more so.

Electric Shepherd contain strong musical elements of the Doors, Blue Cheer, Cream, and Pink Floyd in their sound, heard to fine effect on such future classics as "ChemTrails" (which clocks in at 7:40), "Mildred Harris" (6:53), "Down the River" (6:09) and "The Misled Herd" (10:48). The music of Electric Shepherd is like a fine wine - made to be ingested slowly, not rushed, that grows on you more with each listen.

"Very authentic both in sound and style...8 (out of 10!)," muses English rock publication Metalliville. Rockwired Radio writes, "harboring an array of unique aesthetics painted into the jowels of modern confusion, Electric Shepherd masks the gaps between old and new, forgotten and undiscovered, with the hopes of destroying past lives and diverging from new ones; a forcible means to an end." CASHBOX concurs: "The vibes on this CD will make your freak flag fly and then some...I can tell you this... If Jim Morrison were alive, I'm sure he would approve."

Electric Shepherd were selected "Amoeba Homegrown Artist of the Month" in January by the influential San Francisco/Berkeley-based record store. The Deli Magazine in San Francisco also chose Electric Shepherd as a "Top 50 Bay Area Psychedelic Rock Act" in their recent poll.

Watch a recent performance by Electric Shepherd at the Knockout in San Francisco here:

Electric Shepherd will release a Limited Edition 12" vinyl EP of "Chem Trails" on October 14. Herd yourself through vibrant landscapes and forgotten passions with Electric Shepherd's self-titled debut album (available on I-Tunes).

UPCOMING ELECTRIC SHEPHERD LIVE SHOWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Oct. 8 (Sat.) FRISCO FREAKOUT San Francisco, CA

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