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The Steve Carlson Band
The Hotel Cafe
Hollywood
Contact: Hotline, 323-658-8141
E-Mail: info@stevecarlsonband.com
Web: www.stevecarlsonband.com
The Players: Steve Carlson, guitar, vocals; Steve Dress, bass; Tim Jiminez, drums.
Material: Like a lot of the classic artists we’ve known and loved, Steve Carlson’s ensemble does what rock & roll did in the Fifties. He also delivers a sound that seems to draw from a vast pool of American standbys for rockers. Country, blues, rockabilly and funk all wind up in the mix, and it’s as accessible as Hootie & the Blowfish were several years back. Carlson is just a bit more gritty and dangerous than those boys, and the girls swoon a lot more because of it.
Musicianship: Carlson’s raspy blues voice manages to be both provocative and soothing at the same time. You’ll feel as if you’ve heard him before somewhere in your own subconscious longings. His guitar playing has a pulse that keeps climbing. Jiminez supplies the funk chops, and Dress is astoundingly animated (especially for a bass player) with skills that come from either heaven or hell on electric as well as acoustic instruments.
Performance: Carlson’s backup band was an ensemble of true performers and they didn’t stop until the sweat poured off their foreheads and dripped into their eyes. The set was high energy to begin with and continued to gather momentum as Carlson drove the audience into enthusiastic participation, with not a filler tune in his repertoire. The band lit up the stage with their explosive energy, going farther and farther over the top until no one in the room wanted the set to end.
Summary: Steve Carlson is a seasoned musician who has lived life and written parables that are almost visual. His own dynamic, combined with that of his collaborators, creates a presentation that brings stories to life. This band may or may not ever hit the fickle mainstream market, but they are certainly a treat to behold.
—Lauri Shaw
http://www.stevecarlsonband.com/review/clubreviews.lcgi.htm - Music Connection Magazine
Discography
"Rollin' On"- Released June 2005
1. Dynamite
2. Strange Way
3. Rollin' On
4. Wasted Jamie
5. Hummingbird Billy
6. Fade Away
7. Stop
8. One Thing
9. Rocking Chair
10. Nonstop Lady
11. Hotel Love
Photos
Bio
“Steve Carlson is a seasoned musician who has lived life and written parables that are almost visual. His own dynamic, combined with that of his collaborators, creates a presentation that brings stories to life.” - Music Connection 2005
Born and raised in Southern California, Carlson had a bohemian upbringing in an artistic family. He developed an appreciation for music early on and at the age of ten he began writing songs, playing guitar and eventually found himself performing in local bands throughout high school. A fan of artists that include many genres, Steve credits The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Taj Mahal, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Eagles, Van Morrison, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones as some of his biggest influences.
With a desire to travel after graduation, Steve moved to Maui, where he learned to play the acoustic slide guitar and the mandolin, both of which would eventually become a major influence in his songwriting. Carlson returned home to Los Angeles and in 2003 he released his first solo album “Spot in the Corner”, an entirely self-produced project that showcased his many talents.
“Though he evokes some of the best singers/songwriters of the seventies, Carlson has a modern edge and a neo-country aroma to his work that sets it apart. ‘Spot In The Corner,’ his full length CD, presents a thoughtful, skillful artist and hi backup players.” – Music Connection - 2004
In 2004, he formed The Steve Carlson Band along with bass player Steve Dress, a graduate of the Juilliard School, drummer Tim Jimenez, a California native who was an original member of the legendary 'Rave-Ups', signed to Epic Records, and saxophonist David Olivas, who earned his performance degree from the Berklee College of Music. Together they have become a constant on the L.A. club scene, selling out venues and awing both fans and critics alike.
“Like a lot of the classic artists we’ve known and loved, Steve Carlson’s ensemble does what rock & roll did in the Fifties. He also delivers a sound that seems to draw from a vast pool of American standbys for rockers. Funk, blues, rockabilly and country, all wind up in the mix, and it’s as accessible as Hootie & the Blowfish were several years back. Carlson is just a bit more gritty and dangerous than those boys, and the girls swoon a lot more because of it.” – Music Connection - 2005
With the bands’ highly anticipated album “Rollin On” due to be released in June of 2005, they are looking forward to showcasing their talents on a worldwide stage.
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