Photo courtesy of Bryan Deister for West Coast Rocker

‘Spines of the Heart’ A Jagged But Satisfying Journey Through Bryan Deister’s Life

By DOTTIE PARIS – Where is the line between avant garde and experimental shoegaze? Bryan Deister proves that he can push those  boundaries and give listeners the luxury of not having to make those decisions. If Sonic Youth married Radiohead and made music, the result would be somewhat similar to Bryan’s latest 22-track fantasy, Spines of the Heart.  Throughout the journey, Bryan takes listeners from … Continue reading ‘Spines of the Heart’ A Jagged But Satisfying Journey Through Bryan Deister’s Life

John Mayall - Photo by Charles Bryant

Mayall The Master Bringing The Blues on Tour Throughout the U.S.

By CRAIG HAMMONS – John Mayall may be 83 years old, but “The Godfather of British Blues” played like he was a teenager at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Jazz, Blues and R and B Weekend. Mayall, long regarded as a master of blues, was joined by Charlie Musselwhite and three-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Bettye La Vette. Musselwhite opened with the barn burner “Good Blues … Continue reading Mayall The Master Bringing The Blues on Tour Throughout the U.S.

Rob Reinfurt and Night Marcher Take The Road Slowly with New Album, ‘Modern Maze’

By JOHN DALY – The band Night Marcher, featuring singer-songwriter Rob Reinfurt, is moving ahead despite having travelled some rough roads. The new album, Modern Maze,  is a reflection of many things, but mostly is an exercise in having faith and getting over regret. Rob saw his close friend go to jail for 30 months on marijuana trafficking charges. He wasn’t allowed to speak to … Continue reading Rob Reinfurt and Night Marcher Take The Road Slowly with New Album, ‘Modern Maze’

Guy Grogan’s ‘Dynamite Bouquet’ Album is One of Many Gifts this DIY Artist Brings to Table

By DOTTIE PARIS Guy Grogan’s powerpop indie style and range come through in his new album Dynamite Bouquet. This is something worth a listen if you’re in a reflective mood and need a pick me up, as the collection truly is like a musical bouquet. CHECK OUT DYNAMITE BOUQUET on Bandcamp. The Santa Fe-based songwriter is a one-man-band with big sound ideals.  He’s run the range, … Continue reading Guy Grogan’s ‘Dynamite Bouquet’ Album is One of Many Gifts this DIY Artist Brings to Table

Retro in Feel With Modern Technique, Monsterpalooza Takes Over Pasadena

‘The Monster was the best friend I ever had’ – Boris Karloff By CRAIG HAMMONS Zombies, ghouls and goblins walked the streets of Pasadena last week to get to their favorite show of the year, Monsterpalooza.  This was the first year it was being held at the Pasadena Convention Center. The move from the Burbank Marriott allowed for more vendors, monsters and stars without the feeling of … Continue reading Retro in Feel With Modern Technique, Monsterpalooza Takes Over Pasadena

Kim and The Created Rock the Echoplex, Bring Le Butcherettes for a ‘Female Future’

By DONNA BALANCIA Kim and The Created rocked The Echoplex Monday night in a party that was a physical accomplishment. The cat-suit sporting rocker who has just returned after being on tour with The Kills was celebrating a record release party for “Get It” a new 7-inch flexi disk. Kim puts on an amazing show, capturing the attention of the audience with great music as … Continue reading Kim and The Created Rock the Echoplex, Bring Le Butcherettes for a ‘Female Future’

West Coast Rocker - Mike Watt, Mike Doughty, Wayne Kramer by Donna Balancia

Wayne Kramer, Mike Watt and Frontman Mike Doughty – A Mini Supergroup?

By DONNA BALANCIA Little did we know when Wayne Kramer, Mike Watt and Mike Doughty hit the stage at Ultimate Jam Night at the Whisky a few weeks back, it was merely a dress rehearsal. The cool performance that brought the MC5 founder Kramer together with ex-Stooges player Watt and Soul Coughing frontman Doughty, is expected to be the first of many to come, sources … Continue reading Wayne Kramer, Mike Watt and Frontman Mike Doughty – A Mini Supergroup?