Nowhere Man

Thursday, February 14, 2008

By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register

While most modern rock outfits are focused on the future, there is increasingly a relevance given artists that embrace specific influences and styles that recall the past. There are several Orange County acts that are masterfully reinventing, reinterpreting and revising retro sounds in a way that will appeal to modern audiences.

Nowhere Man "Nowhere Man" (Independent/demo) – Although former Paul McCartney & Wings lead guitarist Laurence Juber has released several instrumental albums of Beatles-minded material on Seal Beach-based Solid Air Records, Rancho Santa Margarita-based Nowhere Man's sound offers an decidedly different approach to covering songs usually built around the distinctive vocally-rich sound of the Fab Four.

In fact, there is a good chance that Nowhere Man's instrumental arrangements of classics such as "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Can't Buy Me Love" will appeal as much to fans of electric guitar heroes such as Eric Johnson and Joe Satriani as to those who love the original Beatles recordings.

Guitar virtuoso Howard Siden's electric instrument is the most common weapon of choice (notably on "I Saw Her Standing There" and "I Should Have Known Better"), while on "Till There Was You" flamenco guitar is used to bring intimacy to the love song.

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Rusty Anderson, Laurence Juber. - OC Register

January 26, 2008

Hi Howard,

Again, just wanted to say thanks for the 5 song demo. When asked what my favorite Beatles song is, I usually reply, The night before...then add, by the Hollyridge Strings. Yeah, I'm a sucker for instrumental versions...good ones anyway. Your versions rank up on the high list. You added an edgy feel to the familiar version, yet with a great arrangement. Usually bad arrangements kill such covers.

Where the Stu Phillips of the Hollyrige strings succeed, and George Martin fairs to some degree, you actually pulled it off in my book! With a cool cover and 2/3's more covers, it would be a fun release on our Pepperland Music label!

Mike
- Pepperland Music

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

By ROBERT KINSLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO - Although former Paul McCartney & Wings lead guitarist Laurence Juber has released several instrumental albums of Beatles-minded material on Seal Beach-based Solid Air Records, Rancho Santa Margarita-based Nowhere Man's sound offers a decidedly different approach to covering songs usually built around the distinctive vocally-rich sound of the Fab Four.

In fact, there is a good chance that Nowhere Man's instrumental arrangements of classics such as "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Can't Buy Me Love" will appeal as much to fans of electric guitar heroes such as Eric Johnson and Joe Satriani as to those who love the original Beatles classics recorded in the 1960s.

Michigan native Howard Siden's strong display on his arsenal of electric guitars is the most common weapon of choice (notably on "I Saw Her Standing There" and "I Should Have Known Better"), while on "Till There Was You" flamenco guitar is used to bring intimacy to the love song.

In addition to Siden, Nowhere Man also features drummer Kofi Baker and bassist Tomo. The group's expansive set list also features Beatles gems such as "You Can't Do That," "Taxman" and "This Boy."

Wild Child and Nowhere Man will perform at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. Tickets are $20. Information: 949-496-8930.

- OC Register