Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Old Californio at The Echo Sept. 13

You can't toss a rock without hitting a good review of Old Californio's record, "Westering Again", their sophmore debut full of bucolic rock and roll influenced as much by Moby Grape, Crazy Horse and The Grateful Dead as by the chapparal canyons and ungovernable San Gabriel Mountains. The album feeds from bright guitar-driven melodies with complicated and earthy arrangements mixed in with a little down-home country twang and dovetailing instrumental jams that venture to the psychedelic/philosophic.

Old Californio has had a great summer playing out and opening for like-minded bands such as The Sadies and Magnolia Electric Company. Now, these Pasadena boys will be playing the album in its entirety live at The Echo on September 13th. That means you will also hear the soaring trumpet of Slim Zwerling and the rousing accordion of Deb Tala, both guests on the record.

Bryan Thomas (Rhino Records) describes Old Calfornio's music as such: "This is spirited music friends, music that stirs up a presence you can actually feel, just like (Raymond) Chandler's red winds, a kind of palpable sensation, like the warmth of the sun on your face..."T

hey will be playing as part of the free Sunday afternoon series at The Echo, The Grand Ole Echo. The show is all ages and starts early...doors open at 5:30. There is also BBQ and acoustic music on the 'back porch'.

Sunday, September 13th
5:30-9:00
with Guests: Eagle Winged Palace, The Whispering Pines
1822 Sunset in Echo Park, CA 90026

Old Californio is comprised of:
Singer/Guitarist, Rich Dembowski (The Ben Vaughn Band), Drummer Justin Smith (The Seeds, The Watson Twins), Guitarist Woody Aplanap (Bobby Womack, Nels Cline), Bassist Jason Chesney (The Watson Twins) and Keyboardist Levi Nunez. All members contribute vocals.

"It's too bad the magazine No Depression is no more, as Old Californio would surely be one of its cover stars. Led by songwriter Rich Dembowski, the Pasadena band masterfully blends folk, country and pop into a rich, satisfying brew."-Michael Toland, The Big Takeover

"Old Californio play the type of alt.-country that can be found on Uncle Tupelo and early Wilco records, but with a bit of a “summer of love” vibe...This is a solid alt.-country record with great musicianship and fun melodies"-Eric Claesson, LA Record

"On stage, the quintet's positivity - so evident in their rambling "Mother Road," as well as the more down-home "Just Like Joseph Campbell

" - was infectious. There were hints of Grateful Dead-style filigree that flashed in the guitar work of Dembowski and Woody Aplanalp and the roiling sound of keyboardist Levi Nuñez. And the dynamic instrumental interplay between bassist Jason Chesney and drummer Justin Smith on the rumbling "Harmony" inspired memories of The Who's rhythm section John Entwistle and Keith Moon at full throttle."-Mike the Knife, MOG music live review

For more information: http://www.oldcalifornio.com

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