news

 

March 22, 2009
   
 
bay-area-bands.com news 01/09:

Welcome to the first update in 2009.

New Entry

  • Viva Brasil

    This band has been very important for the Brazilian music scene in the Bay Area for many years. They were almost forgotten until Michael Kirsch discovered their music again and helped to release old and new recordings on his label 7Bridges Recordings. Please check out this great band and help to support a more than historic Bay Area band.

    Special thanks to Michael Kirsch and RAD.

    Updates

  • Tower of Power

    Tower of Power have opened their archives and released Volume I in a series of concerts. This recording is amazing if one considers the circumstaces under which it was recorded. Definitely a must for all funk and soul fans.

    Plus, Tower of Power will release their upcoming CD "Great American Soulbook" in April. The album features many guest stars, including Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Huey Lewis and Sam Moore. I can assure you that you don't want to miss this album either. Please take a look at the updated entry.

  • Wet Nurse

    I have been waiting a long time for Ernie Stires to come up with a website for his old band Wet Nurse. He finally did and included two tracks on the website that were once produced by Huey Lewis. Please take a look at the updated entry and enjoy Wet Nurse ... I am sure you will like the lyrics ;) Thanks Ernie!!!

  • Alex Call

    Although he lives in Nashville now, we all know that Alex Call started his carrer in the Bay Area with Clover. Alex has now released a new album with his wife Lisa Carrie. The album features some very good music and musicians, so please check out this updated entry as well.

    New Link:

  • SF Music and Beyond/Keeper Of The Flame Music News

    Mike Somavilla has finally started his own website entitled SF Music and Beyond. The website is a tribute to the Bay Area's music scene in the 60s/70s and not only remembers but also helps to keep the music alive. Most interesting is the Keeper Of The Flame Music News - an online magazine that keeps you up to date with what is going on these days. Please follow the link above ... this one is way too cool to miss.

    Last but not least, the next update will finally feature the already promised new entries for Ray Obiedo, Pete Sears, Barry Flast and more.

    Enjoy the music!!!

    Stephan

  •  

     
    November 9, 2008
       
     
    bay-area-bands.com news 03/08:

    Welcome to the third update in 2008.

    New CDs:

    Here are some of the new releases the Bay Area has to offer.

  • Joe Louis Walker

    Joe Louis Walker who is one of the greates blues artists ever has released an astonishing new blues album that mixes traditional and modern blues and features famous guest artist like Shemekia Copeland and Duke Robillard.

  • Tuck and Patti

    Took them some time to come up with a new album but here it is. "I Remember You" features Tuck and Patti at their best. Check out the updated entry and enjoy this relaxing album.

  • Alien Cowboys

    The once instrumental only Alien Cowboys have released there first album that features "WORdS". This is a truly refreshing feel good album. Check out their updated entry.

  • Dan Hayes

    Dan Hayes has released a new album with Doug Adamz entitled "Blues Duo". This is a blues/folk album based on vocals, guitars and some harmonica.

    Free Music:

  • Huey Lewis and the News - "Your Love Is Killin' Me"

    Being a Huey Lewis and the News fan isn't easy as these guys take so long to come up with new album releases. To satisfy the fans they relased a rehearsal version of "Your Love Is Killin' Me' now which hasn't been on an album before. Cool stuff indeed - check it out.

  • Johnny Colla - Interview + 3 acoustic tracks

    Johnny Colla of Huey Lewis and the News has something to share as well, i.e. an interview with three acoustic tracks (support by no other than Stef Burns) for free download.

  • Sound Hole - Live at the Winterland, 1974

    Wolfgang's Vault has released another concert by Sound Hole. If you ever wondered what these guys, i.e Johnny Colla, Bill Gibson, Marion Cipollina, John Farey, Brian Hogan and Brian Marnell sounded like, this is your chance.

    New Links:

  • Keeper Of The Flame Music News

    Have you ever wondered how to get the latest news regarding Bay Area music? Well, of course you have this site but Mike Somavilla is doing even more magic with his Keeper Of The Flame Music News - what has once been a newsletter is now a website. Please follow this link and bookmark immediately ;)

  • Nick Gravenites

    Nick Gravenites has a new website with lots of digital downloads ... you have to pay of course.

    Last but not least, the next update is already in production and will feature new entries for Ray Obiedo, Viva Brasil, Pete Sears and Barry Flast.

    Enjoy the music!!!

    Stephan

  •  

     
    May 3, 2008
       
     
    bay-area-bands.com news 02/08:

    Welcome to the second update in 2008 - featuring one new entry and a few updates.

    New Entry:

  • Rob Owen

    A few weeks ago I stumbled over Rob's website and was more than happy about the music I heard. Rob is the most interesting new Bay Area artist I have heard this year. I very much like the album he released last year and enjoy listening to his latest single "Let's Just". I really hope that his upcoming album will attract the attention of a wider audience.

    Please check out his music and special thanks to Rob for his support in creating this entry.

    Updates:

  • Gail Muldrow

    I have been a great Gail Muldrow fan since she released her debut album in 2003 and was more than thrilled when I found out that she has released four new CDs in Italy within one year.

    I ordered the CDs from Italy's Feelin' Good Records and got them a few days ago. In the beginning I had some doubts if it is a good move to release four CDs in one year but once I listened to them I can surley say that it was a very good move in Gail Muldrow's case. Plus, these are not simple CDRs but well produced CDs that come along as Digipaks and with great liner notes. Kudos to Tano Ro and his Feelin' Good Productions.

    Please read the entry for further info on the albums and support the mighty Gail Muldrow.

  • David Hayes

    Another album I finally got is David Hayes' new CD "Soul Diver" and if you haven't done so check it out now. I already mentioned this release the last time but think it is so good that I should mention it again.

    More news:

    The Clover website has been updated as well because Wolfgang's Vault released a Clover concert recorded December 20, 1975 at the Winterland, San Francisco.

    They also released the famous Van Morrison/Sound Hole concert at the Orphanage - you can find a link at the bottom of Sound Hole's entry.

    Enjoy the music!!!

    Stephan

  •  

     
    March 20, 2008
       
     
    bay-area-bands.com news 01/08:

    Welcome to the first update in 2008. Yes, the site looks different now but as you know, the more something changes the more it stays the same, i.e. the focus remains on top Bay Area bands. I hope to add updates to the website on a regular basis again ... at least I found the time to update most of the existing entries and I added a new one.

    New Entry:

  • Rad.

    At the end of last month I was lucky enough to see Rad. at Hamburg's famous Fabrik. I enjoyed the concert very much due to the wonderful music and musicians. I really love to see bands that know how to keep you hostage during their concerts and make you forget whatever is on your mind - the guys in Rad. where more than capable of doing that. I loved it so much, that I bought several of Rad.'s CDs at the concert and even had the chance to exchange a few words with Rad. - special thanks to Rad. for being so kind.

    So please check out Rad.'s entry and support another great independent Bay Area artist by going to her concerts and/or buying her CDs.

    Updates:

  • Tower Of Power - I have seen TOP on their 40th anniversary tour at the same venue as Rad. and although they have no new album they sounded better than ever and you should really visit them if they come to a place near you. Biggest thrill for me was to exchange a few words with David Garibaldi after the show (and no I didn't mention the website). Please note that TOP's official website is up and running again.
  • Times 4 - They released a new instrumental album entitled "Relations". You can check out the new stuff on their official or their MySpace website.
  • Rhythm Doctors - They released "The Blues Ain't That Bad" and you can listen to all the tracks on their website.
  • David Hayes - David has been one of my favorite artist for many years and I am happy to see him back again after many years with a new album entitled "Souldiver" and a new website.
  • Ron Hacker - Ron has released two new CDs - one solo CD and one he recorded with the Hacksaws in Holland. You should check these out and visit Ron's website where you can buy his autobiography "White Trash Bluesman" as well.
  • Vinyl - Check out their latest release "FogShack Sessions #1" featuring Bernie Worrell - I really love these guys and hope that more people will discover their music.

    More news:

  • The Bay Area Blues Society will induct Freddie Hughes and Lady Bianca into the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 29. Special thanks to Jeanne Doan for this information. Don't forget to take a look at Freddie's entry as I added three links to "videos" that can be found on YouTube (see text and discography).
  • Mario Cipollina who once played with Quicksilver Gold and Huey Lewis and the News has a new website and is working on his first solo album which should be available sometime this year.
  • Last but not least, some sad news again. Martin Fierro who has been a Bay Area fixture for many years and a musician's musician, passed away March 13, 2008. Martin has been a founding member of Zero and played and recorded with many Bay Area artists, including The Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Merl Saunders ... full list can be found on his website. RIP Martin!

    That's it for now - I should mention though that the old Yahoo Group no longer exists as it was barely used. I hope that the MySpace addition will allow more interactivity between fans and artists.

    Happy Easter!

    Stephan

  •  

     
    November 28, 2007
       
     

    Rocky Sullivan 1948-2007

    Being young and angry in the 80s, one of my favorite rock singers was Rocky Sullivan. His LPs "Illegal Entry" and "Internal Affairs" kept spinning constantly on my stereo as his raw rock sound delivered enough energy to survive a bad day or make a good day even better.

    I discovered Rocky's music because I was a big Huey Lewis and the News fan and when I looked for albums Mario Cipollina played on, I stumbled over Rocky Sullivan.

    I remember when one of my friends said that Rocky sounded like Bruce Springsteen but I have to say The Boss already sounded too commercial in the 80s and with Rocky I always liked the roughness around the edges.

    Rocky's first album might contain too much of that raw energy for some, whereas his second album appears to be just right - it's more polished, the tunes are catchy and Rocky is the dominant figure. I will add two songs from "Internal Affairs" to the website for some time which will allow you to get an idea of what I am talking about.

    Many years later I was able to get in touch with Rocky through my good friend Mike Somavilla who is an outstanding supporter of Bay Area Music. Rocky was kind enough to allow an interview which we added to his entry on this website. An entry that has been on this website from it's very first beginnings which underlines how much I appreciate Rocky's music. Music that will last forever.

    Rocky Sullivan aka Anthony Galante passed away at the age of 59 on November 25, 2007. He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.

    Please learn more about Rocky Sullivan:

  • Rocky Sullivan's obituary at Marin Independent Journal.

  • Rocky Sullivan's Bay Area Bands entry.

  • Interview with Rocky Sullivan.

  • Picture of Rocky Sullivan at the 13th John Cipollina memorial.

     

  •  
    July 24, 2007
       
     
    New Entry:

  • John Lee Sanders

    John Lee Sanders has been living many years in the Bay Area and is a well known musician and composer. Although he has left the Bay and is living in Canada now, he deserves an entry at Bay-Area-Bands.com as his contribution to Bay Area music has been more than outstanding. Huey Lewis once even told the audience "this man has recorded my favorite CD of the last 10 years". So please check out John Lee Sanders' entry and enjoy his music.

     

  •  
    July 2, 2007
       
     
    New Entry:

  • The Rhythm Dukes

    The Bay Area has always had great bands that lasted only a few months/years. One of these bands has been The Rhythm Dukes, featuring members of Moby Grape and the Sons of Champlin. Recently the Rhythm Dukes released their first CD with songs recorded at the Church in 1970. Please check out the link and learn more about this outstanding band. Special thanks to John Barrett for writing up the Rhythm Dukes story.

     

  •  
    June 23, 2007
       
     
    Update:

  • Lady Bianca

    Lady Bianca has released another CD and maybe more important, was awarded the Best Blues Performer at the Bay Area Black Music Awards. Congratulations!!!

     

  •  
    May 5, 2007
       
     
    Update:

  • Clover

    Clover website update.

     

  •  
    May 4, 2007
       
     
    Updates:

  • Sound Hole

    I added two YouTube videos to the entry which feature Van Morrison and Sound Hole.

  • Danny Montana & Bar Association

    The Bar Association has several videos on YouTube as well, I added one to the entry and links to the others.

     

  •  
    May 1, 2007
       
     
    New Entries:

  • Big Walker

    Big Walker, a.k.a. Derrick Walker, has been living in the Bay Area for quite some time before he finally moved to Europe, Sweden to be exact. He is an outstanding harmonica/saxophone player and like so many musicians on this website deserves much more attention. Please check out his entry and learn more.

    Special thanks to Derrick for all his help!

    "Take all those guns and burry them in a big deep hole." (Drive By Blues, Big Walker)

    Recommended Links:

  • BarryFlast.com

    Please check out Barry Flast's website which has lot's of interesting information - especially interesting is Barry's interview with Greg Douglass.

    Special thanks to Barry and I hope that his Artists Archives which were once available through HBN News will soon be available somewhere else!

  • Rob Owen

    Here's another interesting link. Rob Owen is a singer/songwriter from the Bay Area and I hope to have more info on him and his music as soon as possible. Please check out the link and enjoy the music.

  • Gary Philippet

    Last but no least, Gary Philippet a.k.a. Gary Phillips, who was once a member of Copperhead passed away earlier this year. Please visit the tribute website and find out more.

     

  •  
    April 17, 2007
       
     
    Hello guys, I agree it has been a long time since the last update but here we go again. My apologies to all of you who sent emails and/or CDs and are still waiting to be added to the website. I will update the website on a regular basis again and add your info as soon as possible. Let me start this time with updates I already wanted to add last year before the ordeal of getting and securing a new job stopped my activities for so long.

    New Entries:

  • Freddie Hughes

    Jeanne Doan sent me "The Future Is Now" by The International Alpha Band featuring Freddie Hughes last year. I have to admit that this is one of the best soul CDs I have heard for quite some time. In addition to Freddie's voice it is amazing how tight the band plays together. Please follow the link and learn more about Freddie Hughes and his music. Special thanks to Jeanne Doan for her help and patience.

  • Danny Montana and The Bar Association

    Danny Montana and the Bar Association don't have a release yet but I want to have an entry for them on the website anyhow. Once I discovered that I was basically copying an article by Andy Jones I decided to add the original article and add some links to it. Please read more about Danny Montana's band and try to catch them live if you can.

     

  •  
    November 10, 2006
       
     
    New Release:

    Clover's new CD "The Sound City Sessions" - featuring Huey Lewis, John McFee, Alex Call, Sean Hopper, Johnny Ciambotti, MMickey Shine and Jeff Pocaro is finally available.

  • Check Clover-Infopage.com for more details ...

  • ... or order your copy from Sonic Past Music today.

     

  •  
    October 26, 2006
       
     
    Updates:

  • Tia Carroll

    Video added to Tia's entry - enjoy :)

  • Clover

    Clover's website has been updated as well.

     

  •  
    September 30, 2006
       
     
    Update:

  • Joe Louis Walker

    JLW has a personal website now. Check it out :)

     

  •  
    August 11, 2006
       
     
    Updates:

  • Joe Louis Walker

    JLW has released a new CD entitled "Playin' Dirty" ... wonderful blues that is.

  • Artist Archives

    Barry Flast who has been playing in many Bay Area bands has a new internet radio show and I highly recommend that you check it out (more on Barry coming soon).

     

  •  
    August 6, 2006
       
     
    New entries:

  • The Tazmanian Devils

    Voted the Bay Area's "Best Club Band" in 1981, the Tazmanian Devils released a new album after 24 years - take a look at the entry and learn more.

  • The Great! Society

    Finally one entry for one of the important historic SF bands.

     

  •  
    July 25, 2006
       
     
    New link:

  • You can listen to some of the tracks released on Sustainable Music @ MySpace.com now, i.e. Dan Hayes, Muskadine Blues Band and Clover:

    Sustainable Music @ MySpace.com
    http://www.myspace.com/sustainablemusic

     

  •  
    July 23, 2006
       
     
    Whew! Long time no additions ... sorry ... but here we go again with several updates and new entries:

    Updates:

  • Clover

    New Clover live CD available and information regarding yet another Clover CD release in August.

  • Sugar Pie DeSanto

    Sugar released a new CD which I highly recommend ... the older she gets the better it gets :)

  • Dan Hayes

    Dan's new CD "Big City Country Blues" is a true gem as the CD contains not only amplified version of his songs but also the unplugged versions and two bonus tracks ... that's 22 times great blues you shouldn't miss.

    New Entries:

  • Project Greenfield

    Here's another band that captures many of the Bay Area sounds ... check them out. Special thanks to Tim Cuny!

  • Drew Harrison

    If you like singer-songwriters check out Drew Harrison - he has been in the Bay Area for several years now and his music is outstanding! Special thanks to Jennifer Halpern!

     

  •  
    May 12, 2006
       
     
    Update:

  • Clover

    Update for real Clover fans ;)

     

  •  
    April 21, 2006
       
     
    Update:

  • Huey Lewis and the News

    There have been quite a few HLN Greatest Hits compilations so far but this one here - which will be released May 23 - features the videos as well, so pre-order now ... a link can be found at the bottom of the entry.

     

  •  
    April 08, 2006
       
     
    New Entry:

  • Frankie's Dream

    Here is another fantastic Bay Area band. I really recommend their latest CD (in my stereo for several weeks now). "I met a fish ... he was on a trip ... hey fish tell me about your progress ... he said it comes in waves .." - love the lyrics!!!

     

  •  
    March 12, 2006
       
     
    New Entry:

  • David Nelson Band

    Here's some info on the David Nelson Band which I really like to listen to. Thanks to Michelle for the reminder :)

     

  •  
    March 10, 2006
       
     
    New Entry:

  • Creedence Clearwater Revival

    CCR have been a Bay Area band and thus deserve an entry here as well :)

     

  •  
    March 09, 2006
       
     
    More updates or should I say a new entry and one update?

  • The Doobie Brothers' entry has been updated ... although, the entry always contained little information and it is a real/new entry now.

  • Well and I managed to update the Clover website after more than one year today as well.

     

  •  
    March 05, 2006
       
     
    Long overdue updates - sorry life has been pretty busy for me lately.

  • John Cipollina's album "Raven" has been re-released featuring several bonus tracks. This album has always been one of my favorite Cipollina albums ... check it out. Plus, I seperated the John and Mario Cipollina entry - so take a look at Mario Cipollina's entry as well - though there is no news on what Mario does these days.

  • Sly Stone appeared at the Grammys - I added a picture and new links as well.

    Small additions ... mostly links to following entries:
    En Vogue
    ,
    Huey Lewis and the News

    San Francisco AllStars.

     

  •  
    January 02, 2006
       
     
    Happy New Year - 2006 has just started and here are three new entries covering several musical styles, i.e. Blues, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Rap and Hip Hop - all of the artists are highly recommended and belong to the best the Bay Area has to offer!

    New entries:

  • Tia Carroll is one of the great Bay Area voices - check out the link.

  • Times 4 is a new instrumental jazz band - read entry for further info.

  • Malika is definitely one of the hottest new artists the Bay Area has to offer.

     

  •  
    November 27, 2005
       
     
    New entries:

  • David K. Mathews

    The idea to feature David K. Mathews on this website reaches back to the year 2002 when I saw him tour with Pee Wee Ellis and later that year with Tower Of Power. There I got the chance to talk with Dave for a few minutes and he told me that he had released a solo album himself ... took me three years to get it. What do you learn from this? No, I am not lazy - I never forget a good musician if I hear/see one :) Please check out Dave's entry - you will love his music.

  • Kisha Griffin

    Another artist you will love is Kisha Griffin. Kisha is one of the Bay Area's outstanding R&B talents. She has written songs for artists like En Vogue and her solo album "Chit Chat'N" is much fun to listen to. Kisha is very dedicated to her music and I hope that she will be very, very successful. Please follow the link above!

     

  •  
    November 25, 2005
       
     
    Sad News:

    The Bay Area music community lost another accomplished guitarist:

    Mike Simon (February 4, 1953~November 21, 2005) passed away this month. Mike, who was an alumni of Berkeley College of Music, also played in the Dan Hayes Blues Band and Dan Hayes Group in the early 70s - see Dan Hayes' entry for further info and photos.

    Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Mike's online obituary can be found here.

     

     
    November 06, 2005
       
     
    New entry:

  • Tequila

    Music in the Bay Area includes Rap and Hip Hop music as well. It might be true that people rather associate these styles with cities like New York, LA or Miami but the Bay has a lot to offer as well. Let's start with one of the Bay's greatest female talents - Tequila. Check out her entry and listen to some of the tracks on her official website - you won't be dissapointed - just sit back and releax ;)

     

  •  
    October 20, 2005
       
     
    New entry:

  • Mz. Dee

    I am happy to present an entry for Oakland's Mz. Dee who is one of the best female blues artists the Bay Area has to offer. Mz. Dee has just released her first solo album a couple of months ago and it is good she did. Here is another independent release that is so much better than what major labels have to offer these days. Please read her entry for more details and get her album because it's hot, hot, hot!!!

     

  •  
    October 11, 2005
       
     
    Updates:

  • Alien Cowboys have released their fifth album "Zero Gravity" - highly recommended!

  • Lady Bianca has released her fourth album "Let Love Have Its Way" - check it out!

  • Greg Douglass has released two educational guitar teaching DVDs.

     

  •  
    October 06, 2005
       
     
    Update:

    Frequently I get asked the question where album "..." can be purchased and usually my answer is either CD Baby, Amazon, eBay, GEMM, the artist's website or any other online store.

    To make things easier I updated all website entries and added links/info where to buy/find the CDs/LPs. I hope this helps.

     
    October 01, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • The Links page has been updated - more links will follow.

  •  
    September 25, 2005
       
     
    New Blues Entries:

  • Henry Oden

    Henry Oden is probably best known for his work with Joe Louis Walker, there is more though as he belongs to the best blues bass players San Francisco has to offer. Please read his entry and find out more.

  • Ron Hacker And The Hacksaws

    The Bay Area is full of great musicians and this band belongs to this league as well. Their last two albums have been getting burnin' - want to say great - reviews. Check out their entry for more as well.

  • Rhythm Doctors

    The Rhythm Doctors have released only one album yet but belong to the San Francisco blues circuit since 1997 and are known for their outstanding concerts. The entry has more info.

    Special thanks to Henry Oden, Dan Popovich and Jimmy Cooper for their help.

  •  
    September 04, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • SVT (Jack Casady Band)

    SVT's music is finally available on CD. Rykodisc has re-released SVT's "No Regrets" album and added four bonus tracks and liner notes by Johnny Colla. Please read the entry for further information.

  •  
    September 02, 2005
       
     
    Sad News:

    The Bay Area music community lost two bass players last month:

    Byron Sutton passed away from liver cancer early last month. Byron, who went to Tam High with other musicans like Ben Perkoff and Steve Edmonson, played bass in many bands - including the Dan Hayes Blues Band. He is best remembered though for his work with Ron Thompson and the Resistors.

    Doug Kilmer passed away from cancer August 29th. Doug used to play bass for many bands as well - including Nick Gravenites, Blue Gravy and John Cipollina (to name a few).

    There will be a memorial gathering for Byron on September 4th and there are plans for a memorial concert for Doug Kilmer (date yet to be announced).

    Our thoughts are with both families.

     

     
    August 22, 2005
       
     
    New Entries:

  • Sugar Pie DeSanto

    Here we go again, this time I would like to start with an entry I wanted to do for some time now, as I do like the music of Sugar Pie DeSanto very much. Although there hasn't been a release latley - except maybe her track on Vinyl's last album - I think Sugar Pie, who will celebrate her 70s birthday this year, deserves much more attention. So please take a look and find out more about one of the Bay Area's most talented female musicians.

  • Jim Inscore

    Compared to Sugar Pie Jim Inscore can only look back on five years of playing music but his first release "Dangerous World" sounds like he has never done anything else in his life. His album is the most fun album I have heard in quite some time - it really makes you feel good. In addition it features Bonnie Hayes (vocals/producer).

    Please follow the links and find out more.

  •  
    June 27, 2005
       
     
    New Exclusives/Updated/New Entries:

  • Dan Hayes and Bay-Area-Bands.com are proud to present the next two CDs which are exclusively distributed through this website. Especially, as one of the CDs represents another missing link in Bay Area bands' history.

    The Church - Recording Studio Retrospective features 12 tracks that have never been available before. 6 tracks were recorded in 1969 by the Muskadine Blues Band, which somehow would evolve into Sound Hole - a band that played with Van Morrison and which had some members that would start Huey Lewis and the News with Hugh Cregg. It's amazing how the players in this band manage to achive such a tight band sound at such a young age - their mixture of blues & jazz sounds as if they have been playing together for all of their life.

    The same is true of the Dan Hayes Blues Band. Dan had some great Bay Area musicians in his band in 1973/74 - Mark Adams, Ben "King" Perkoff, Larry Holman, Byron Sutton & Derrick Walker. Thus, like Muskadine, the sound of the band is unbelievable good.

    Last but not least, there are 4 tracks that feature Dan Hayes on acoustic guitar and harmonica. Since Dan was living in the Church for many years he really new how to use his time. Plus, the artwork on the CD is true art by Kevin Haapala.

    Dan Hayes & Juke Joint "California" is the second CD release. In 1994 Dan met with his long time pals Mark Adams, Larry Holman and Bruce Gapinski and recorded one of the mellowest blues albums I have ever heard. Two things are almost unbelievable (1) that the whole CD was recorded in a kitchen and (2) that no label has ever released this music. Please listen to the sample tracks available on the website and you know what I mean. This music deserves to be heard - so please check out the entries above.

    Special thanks to Dan Hayes, Mark Adams, Kevin Haapala & Lane Hirabayashi for all their time and input.

  •  
    May 16, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Huey Lewis And The News

    "live at 25", which will be released in the USA May 17 (and in many other areas of the world one month later), is the 25th Anniversary release from one of the best Bay Area bands ever. Huey Lewis and the News have always recorded high quality albums and subsequently had tons of hits during the first half of their career. Although they are no longer on top of the charts nowadays, they still produce great albums and know how to raise the roof during their live shows.

    "live at 25" is HLN's first official live album and features the band's music past and present - not only do I recommend to buy the album/DVD, but dare to say that if you don't buy it, none of the music on this website can be interesting to you.

  •  
    May 11, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Joe Louis Walker

    I had a fun time at one of Joe Louis Walker's concerts on Monday. Special treat on this tour is Willie Hayes on drums in addition to JLW's outstanding guitar (Ken Faltinson plays bass). Try to catch one of the shows if you can - a link with tour dates has been added to JLW's entry.

  •  
    May 06, 2005
       
     
    New Entry:

  • Blue Gravy

    Here's an entry for the short-lived band Blue Gravy aka Nick Gravenites & Blue Gravy. This band should have done much better and is another underrated Bay Area band. If you don't believe, listen online to one of their concerts - see entry for link.

    Special thanks to Mark Adams for his help (info & pictures).

  •  
    May 03, 2005
       
     
    New Entry:

  • Ben "King" Perkoff

    It's a pleasure for me to introduce 'The "Honker and Shouter" of Berlin'.

    Berlin? ... Bay Area???

    Please read the entry for more info and you can bet that I highly recommend all of his albums :)

  •  
    March 28, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • The Outfit

    Added some pictures and a summary of the band's history - for all who don't have the time to read Alec Palao's long and interesting article.

  • The Tiny Hearing Aid Company

    Added some poster scans and short band info. Wish I had some pictures of the band as well.

    Thanks to Terry Hansen for one of the poster scans and to Mike Somavilla who supplied a scan of The Outfit's debut coupon.

  •  
    March 26, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Mario Cipollina

    Discography update. Mario plays bass on Melvin Seals' 2005 release Melting Pot. Mario can be found on three tracks and most fun seems to me "Reggae World". There's lots of groovy stuff on this album though and it's worth checking out.

  • Gail Muldrow

    Gail, who is working on a new album, has been playing some concerts in Europe (Italy/Switzerland) recently. Check out some pictures.

    Talking about Gail - if you wonder what the most visited entries on this website are - or should I say coolest albums to have:

    1. Alex Call "Incredibly Thick"
    2. Gail Muldrow "Cleen Spirit"
    3. Vinyl "All The Way Live"

    Happy Easter!!!

  •  
    March 21, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Hereford Hartstringers

    Took me some years to update this entry and if it wasn't for Terry Hansen and Danny Morrison the page would still be blank. So special thanks to both of them. Thanks also to Mike for the Hartstringers handbill.

  •  
    March 20, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Flying Circus

    Discography update and two poster scans added - one is true art by Kevin Haapala and always a pleasure to look at.

  •  
    March 18, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Greg Douglass

    Got news from Mike Somavilla that RD Records released Country Weather on vinyl - please see Greg Douglass entry.

  •  
    March 14, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Chris Michie

    On March 27th it will be 2 years that Chris Michie left us. In 2000 Chris met film-maker Judy Irving and soon after that started working on the soundtrack for her documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. Chris finished his work six weeks before his death - knowing that it would be his last work. As the film opened in cinemas now the soundtrack is available as well and we can finally enjoy Chris' last work on CD.

    The film is dedicated to the memory of Chris and I highly recommend that you watch this documentary and/or buy the soundtrack which is available through Chris' wife Deborah. Please follow the link above for further information. Thanks.

  •  
    March 03, 2005
       
     
    Update:

  • Dan Hayes Group

    This is a special update for Bay-Area-Bands.com. Not only does it feature the first release of the Dan Hayes Group ever, the CD release is also a website exclusive and will be distributed through the affiliated website Sustainable Music.

    It is a great pleasure to release music that has been recorded 35 years ago and has never been available in any format before. It is even more thrilling because this release fills a gap in Bay Area music history.

    Please read the entry for further information. Special thanks to Dan Hayes and Mark Adams!

  •  
    February 20, 2005
       
     
    New Entry:

  • Jessica Knox

    So far many of the artists featured on this website are well known artists around the Bay Area. But what about the more than often underrated musicians and all the newcomers? It would be difficult to feature all of them here but why not give it a try from time to time - especially if the music is so nice. So please check out the entry for Jessica Knox.

    Other newcomers I would like to recommend are:

    Trip - a Bay Area band since 1997 with a lot of jazz and funk to their music.

    Boshuda - another new SF band with an interesting website :)

    Cradle - for those who like it a little bit harder.

    These links can also be found on the links page. Special thanks to Toni Jansen, Mike Rognlie, Sarah Jane Fairless and Katy.

    Last but not least, check out Gail Muldrow's official website - everything has been updated. Plus, don't forget to get her new CD which is all worth the price.

  •  
    February 17, 2005
       
     
    New Entry:

  • Kingfish

    Finally an entry for Kingfish - a band that definitley has its place in the history of San Francisco rock music. Thanks to Mike Somavilla for some of the band pictures.

  •  
    February 01, 2005
       
     
    New Entry:

  • J.C. Flyer

    Here is an entry for another great Bay Area artist. Although J.C. Flyer's album "Movin' On" was already released in 2003, I still like to recommend it to you. Please follow the links provided, take a listen and happily buy "Movin' On".

  •  
    January 21, 2005
       
     
    News:

  • Bard Dupont

    Sad news reached me today - Bard Dupont who was the original bass player in The Great Society and later manager of The Outfit passed away on Thursday 20, 2005. He was 64.

    Our thoughts are with his family and in remembrance you might want to read an article Alec Palao wrote on Bard and his connection to The Great Society and The Outfit. Just follow the link above.

    Pictured right: Bard Dupont, December 1965 (Photo: Herb Greene)

  • Bard Dupont
     
    January 18, 2005
       
      Update:

  • En Vogue

    Good things come when you least expect them, like this new DVD/CD set by En Vogue. Although this show is from 2002, it is more than entertaining to watch it or listen to the CD. Plus, the DVD includes lots of bonus stuff like backstage footage and interviews - did you know that Cindy Herron-Braggs was Miss San Francisco and Miss Black California before she joined En Vogue? Please read the entry for further information.

  •  
    January 13, 2005
       
      Update:

  • Huey Lewis and the News

    In anticipation of the band's 25th Anniversary the introductory paragraph and the discography have been updated/extended. The connected entries for Monday Nite Live and American Express have been updated as well. Special thanks to Dan Hayes for the Monday Nite Live scan.

  • Clover

    An article from 1978 has been added to the press archive.

  •  
    December 20, 2004
       
      New Entry:

  • Dan Hayes Group

    Looks like I couldn't sleep last night - so here's another new entry. The entry is for the Dan Hayes Group who played the Bay Area in the early 70s. Thus the entry could be seen as another attempt to introduce one of the many 70s SF bands. On the other hand, Dan Hayes is still around and giggin'. So the entry - which gives us some interesting insights into Dan's life - is more about Dan Hayes today than yesterday. If possible, try to catch one of his gigs and someone out there please release his music!!!

    Because Dan has one track on Taxim's Bay Area Blues compilation (Volume 3) I would also like to draw your attention to Taxim's Talking With The Blues series (Bay Area Blues Volume 1-4) - featuring some of the artists already listed on Bay-Area-Bands.com and others who might follow.

    Special thanks to Dan for his help!

  •  
    December 19, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Greg Douglass

    In case you missed the Greg Douglass/Mistress CD "Free Flyte", it looks like a few more copies are available via CD Baby (see entry or store). Well and don't forget Greg's Christmas CD.

    Merry X-Mas and A Happy New Year to all of you!

  •  
    December 08, 2004
       
      New entry:

  • Gail Muldrow

    Finally an entry for Gail Muldrow - an idea I already had a few months ago, but never managed to do because I thought that she hadn't released any of her own music yet. Totally wrong! Just now I discovered that she has already released a solo album last year. The album is very good and certainly shouldn't be one of those under-the-radar releases. So please check out the entry and CD. "Cleen Spirit" is fun to listen to and has many layers to it. Thanks to Gail for making her music available on CD!

    Update:

  • Quicksilver Gold

    I had great hopes that this band would be around much longer. Well, I added some finishing touches to the page (which can always be reversed though:).

  •  
    November 28, 2004
       
      New entry:

  • Vinyl

    It's a pleasure for me to add an entry for Vinyl to Bay-Area-Bands.com - here we have a band that knows how to fire up one's internal groove system. Please check out their latest release "All The Way Live" - a double CD set that includes guest appearances by Huey Lewis, Bernie Worrell, Rob Wasserman, Sugar Pie De Santo, Terry Haggerty, and many others. I love the Bay!

  •  
    October 02, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Clover

    Clover's 1977 album "Love On The Wire" has been released on CD for the first time - featuring Alex Call, Huey Lewis, John McFee, Sean Hopper and Johnny Ciambotti! Please follow the link and find out more.

  •  
    August 24, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Joe Louis Walker

    JLW has a new label and new album in stores. "New Direction" sounds good to me and I am sure it doesn't need much promotion as Walker is already a blues legend, thus the album will sell like hot cakes.

  • Clover

    Because I would like to see that Alex Call's new album sells like hot cakes I updated the Clover website as well.

  •  
    August 17, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Alex Call

    Alex Call's new album "Incredibly Thick" is finally available. Although it took Alex six years to come up with a new album the result proves that it was all worth the waiting. No doubt, Alex is one of the best singer/songwriters around and he is also one of the few able to write deeply meaningful songs of love and the human condition. Please follow the link for further information.

    Since Alex has released this album all by himself I ask everyone to support Alex. If you only buy one album this year, please let it be this. First of all you won't be disappointed and making this independent release a success might shorten the time Alex needs for the next album :)

  • Tower of Power

    Another DVD has been released by this outstanding Bay Area band - see discography for further information.

     

  •  
    August 4, 2004
       
      New entry:

  • Tuck & Patti

    Since their new album "A Gift of Love" has finally found a release in the USA, it is a good time to add this successful Bay Area duo to the website. Please check out their new album - you won't be disappointed.

    Other news:

    The style of the page has been updated and I added two new links.

    Store --> Here you will find all the albums recommended so far.

    Although you will find "Buy" links on every artist page, which might link to websites like Tower Records or CD Baby, I want to mention that I don't get any financial or other benefits from these sites. These are just suggestions and depending on wherever you live on this beautiful planet there might be better ways buying these albums.

    Group--> I built a Bay Area Bands group at Yahoo Groups and hope that it will be useful in discussing Bay Area music.

     

  •  
    June 15, 2004
       
      Update:

  • David Hayes (picture added) - Thanks to Mike Somavilla!

    Don't forget to visit Alex Call's website - new CD coming soon!!!

     

  •  
    May 14, 2004
       
      New:

  • Here's a new website part. The Forum contains some concert promotion.

     

  •  
    April 27, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Stoneground

    After 22 years one of San Francisco's legendary bands is "back with a vengeance". Stoneground have just released their new CD - a real rocker and highly recommended!

     

  •  
    April 10, 2004
       
      New entry:

  • Lady Bianca

    It's a pleasure to add an entry for Lady Bianca. Her latest album is highly recommended - simply because you will hardly find a female blues artist who sings the blues like Lady Bianca does. Blues at its best!

     

  •  
    March 22, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Huey Lewis and the News

    DVD releases added to entry. Just a few days ago HLN's famous 1984 Rockpalast gig has been released on DVD. The DVD features two complete concerts - the other one being HLN's gig in Cologne in 1991 (Hard At Play Tour). Attention: Region Code 2 (Europe/Japan) - code free DVD players recommended!

     

  •  
    March 06, 2004
       
      Update:

  • En Vogue

    Their new independently produced album 'SoulFlower' is finally available. Hopefully this new album - full of irresistible soulful tracks - can beat some of those major label releases chartwise.

    'SoulFlower' is highly recommended - Oakland's funky ladies did it again!

     

  •  
    February 23, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Alex Call

    Alex Call's ARISTA Biography from 1983 has been added - see Alex Call's first solo album entry.
    Some links have been added as well - check out the webcast featuring Alex.

     

  •  
    February 05, 2004
       
      Update:

  • Stoneground

    Tim Barnes reformed Stoneground with new members. Please take a look at Stoneground's entry which has further information and a link to Stoneground's new website.

     

  •  
    January 30, 2004
       
      New Entry:

  • Alien Cowboys

    Here is an entry for an outstanding instrumental rock band.
    Their latest album 'Lift' is highly recommended!

    Update:

  • Quicksilver Gold

    There are some line-up changes.
    If you haven't bought their latest CDs yet you should think about it now.

     

  •  
    January 21, 2004
       
      Update:

  • En Vogue

    En Vogue will release their new single "Ohh Boy" January 26th.
    Read more about their new album and take a chance to listen to their new single.
    Well and if you can support our ladies - they deserve it!

     

  •  
    January 01, 2004
       
      Happy New Year! Here are this years first updates:

  • Greg Douglass

    Greg has released a new solo acoustic guitar album featuring his favorite holiday songs. Get yourself a copy for Christmas 2004 while supplies last :)

  • Clover

    The Clover Infopage has been updated as well, please take a look.

     

  •  
    December 06, 2003
       
      New Entry:

  • En Vogue

    A new entry for one of my favorite groups. Enjoy!

     

  •  
    November 27, 2003
       
      Discography update:

  • Joe Louis Walker (new live CD)

     

  •  
    November 17, 2003
       
      Clover's third album Unavailable is the first Clover album to be re-released on CD. The CD can be ordered now. More information on the Clover website.

     

     
    November 13, 2003
       
      New entry:

  • Quicksilver Gold

    Please read more about this new San Francisco band and don't forget to buy their new CDs. You won't be disappointed!

     

  •  
    November 9, 2003
       
      New entry:

  • Sly and the Family Stone

     

  •  
    November 8, 2003
       
      The Clover website has been updated - just follow the link. 

     

     
    August 11, 2003
       
      Discography Updates:

  • Chris Michie (Mendelbaum single added)
  • Rocky Sullivan (2 singles added)
  • Tower Of Power (new DVD added)

     

  •  
    July 13, 2003
       
      Update:

  • Frank Biner

    Discography update.

     

  •  
    June 26, 2003
       
      Update:

  • Mario Cipollina

    Discography and Link update.

    Don't forget to visit his new band's website: Quicksilver Gold

     

  •  
    June 22, 2003
       
      New entry:

  • Joe Louis Walker

    New entry for one of San Francisco's most important blues musicians. All of his albums are highly recommended!!!

     

  •  
    June 5, 2003
       
      One new entry:

  • Tower of Power - New entry for this great East Bay band. Try to get their new album!

    You should also take a look at this 'new' band's website: Weather (Country Weather!). Yes, they are back and their story is worth checking out!

     

  •  
    April 18, 2003
       
      One new entry and three updates:

  • Chris Michie - New entry for the late great singer, songwriter and guitarist!
  • Rocky Sullivan - Discography update!
  • Bonnie Hayes - Discography/text update!
  • Clover - Website update!

     

  •  
    April 4, 2003
       
     
    Chris Michie
    Chris Michie 1948-2003

    Today sad news reached me: Chris Michie passed away at the age of 55 years on March 27, 2003. He is survived by his wife Deborah and his daughter Claire.

    Chris will be missed - not only as singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer - but also as one of the nicest guys around.

    Chris, let me tell you again - like I once wrote in an email to you - your music got me by the heart. On one of the album covers you signed for me you wrote: "Thanks for Listening. Keep Rockin'!" - Chris I want to thank YOU for YOUR music and please keep rockin' wherever you are now!

    Stephan

    PS: Please visit Chris' website, read his memoirs and enjoy his music.

     

     
    March 29, 2003
       
      Great news at the end of this month:

    Bonnie Hayes has just released her new album:

    'Love In The Ruins'

    Highly recommended!!!

     

     
    March 26, 2003
       
      Want to recommend this link today:

    United for Peace

    Clover Infopage updated as well.

     

     
    March 16, 2003
       
      Rocky Sullivan (discography update)

     

     
    February 27, 2003
       
      Rocky Sullivan interview added!

    In this February 2003 interview Rocky talks about his musical past, present and future. Things you probably haven't heard before. Special thanks to Rocky!

    Plus two small updates:

  • David Hayes (discography)
  • Terry Dolan (new web site link)

     

  •  
    February 18, 2003
       
      Three new entries:

  • Zero
  • Greg Douglass
  • David Hayes

    Two updates:

  • Clover
  • Sound Hole

    Special thanks to Mike for Zero influence!

     

  •  
    January 19, 2003
       
      Sad news today:

    Bob McFee 1948-2003
    Bob McFee
    October 6, 1948 - January 17, 2003

    On Friday 17, 2003 Bob McFee passed away at the age of 54 years.

    Bob was born October 6, 1948 in Santa Cruz, California. He is known for his work with The Tiny Hearing Aid Company, The Flying Circus and Norton Buffalo.

    Bob is survived by his wife Michelle, his son Brian and his brothers John and Don McFee.

    Bob will be missed by his family and friends.

     

     
    October 28, 2002
       
      Two small updates:

    Mario Cipollina entry --> article on his family

    Stoneground entry --> links, pictures

     

     
    September 21, 2002
       
      The Cipollina entry has been updated:

    John Cipollina --> press article, interview by Mike Somavilla, pictures

    Mario Cipollina --> discography, picture

     

     
    September 14, 2002
       
      The Sound Hole entry has been updated. Info on Van Morrison's "Live at the Orphanage" concert can be found in discography and text now.

     

     
    August 25, 2002
       
      An entry for the late Frank Biner has been added - a true 'musician's musician'!

     

     
    August 12, 2002
       
      The Clover Infopage has been updated - just follow those Clover links on this site.

     

     
    July 26, 2002
       
      The Johnny Colla & The Lucky Devils entry has been updated.

    Information can be found on how to buy Johnny's new album 'Lucky Devil'.
    Bay-Area-Bands.com highly recommends this album - a must for true fans of Bay Area music!

     

     
    July 22, 2002
       
      Following entries have been updated:

  • San Francisco AllStars (band picture, text)
  • Southern Pacific (albums added)
  • Stoneground (album entry update, picture)
  • SVT (two more articles, pictures)

     

  •  
    July 9, 2002
       
      Hello - this time no update on the web site but a call for help. Francis Rocco Prestia Tower of Power's bass player is very very ill and urgently needs a liver transplant. Please visit the link underneath and inform yourself. Maybe you can help too - every dollar counts!

    More information at www.francisroccoprestia.com.

     

     
    June 19, 2002
       
      New Entries for:

  • Huey Lewis and the News
  • Johnny Colla & The Lucky Devils

     

  •  
    June 6, 2002
       
     

    Welcome to BAY-AREA-BANDS.com!

    Just a few introductory notes. This site has originally been a part of the Clover Infopage. The basic idea was and is to give more information on bands which can be linked to Clover in various ways. In addition all those bands with a link to Huey Lewis and the News are listed. Most of these bands are from the Bay Area or if they are located elswhere some of the band members come from the Bay Area. That's the reason why this part of the Clover site was called Bay Area Bands Page from the beginning.

    Lately bands got listed with only a slight connection to Clover/Huey Lewis and the News and it was time to either stop adding those bands to the page or even better start a 'new site' dedicated to Bay Area Bands. And that's what happened.

    It has to be said that the Clover/Huey Lewis and the News family is the starting point for this site and will always be a main focus. Over time some more bands/musicians will be listed but the editor of this site will always be biased - so don't expect too much on the Grateful Dead :)

    That's enough talk for now. Just take a look around. There are changes to all entries. This is just the start - more will be coming soon.

    Musically,

    Stephan Petersen
    editor@bay-area-bands.com

    PS: Special thanks to Mike Somavilla for his help!!!

     

     

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