Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide
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Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide

Costa Mesa, CA | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF

Costa Mesa, CA | SELF
Established on Jan, 2013
Band Country Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide at Incahoots"

Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide at Incahoots January, 16th, 2015.



Last night I finally got to see another full band, full force Bona Fide show. The last time I saw the full band perform was September 11th, so I was anxious to see them again. Plus I kept missing shows in the meantime, much to my dismay. However, in that time I had forgotten how good they are! After last night, that will be the last time I forget…

The set was a little less than an hour-long at Incahoots in Fullerton, California. To keep things interesting, the set list was mixed with Bona Fide originals and covers. It can be the kiss of death when up and comings bands try to expose audiences with their own songs along with well-known covers because it instantly exposes how good or bad they hold up. I think it’s the perfect way to weed out what works with audiences and what doesn’t, as difficult that may be to the songwriters, but at least they are getting an honest response. If there are a lot of dancers on the floor while you’re performing “Drink In My Hand”, but they don’t return when you next play an original, the set list either needs some tweaking or the song needs to be axed all together.

Daniel and the Bona Fide fortunately did not have this problem last night with their originals! Not only did they stand up against the radio hits to my ears, the dancers thought so as well. The dance floor was very active with every song. BUT, as well all know, it’s not just about the song, it’s also about how well you work it. Daniel Bonte is the ultimate front man, he effortlessly worked the crowd by talking to the entire room, walking on the dance floor and even standing on a set of speakers! I could tell the entire band was having a blast on stage, with smiles from ear to ear they couldn’t stand still. Daniel Bonte’s high energy was very contagious.

I bought The Bona Fide’s EP Enough, all originals, and each song sounds great coming out of my car’s speakers!

Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide are playing with two other good friends of mine, Ry Bradley and Katelyn Marie on February 26, which is sure to be an amazing time! I’m anxious for this one. - Rock Meets Country


"Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide: “Enough” Comes Out Like a Shooting Star!"

Orange County’s newest country band, Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide are leading the charge to bring original and organic Rock Country to Southern California. Their sound has evolved from years of solo and collaborative songwriting, live performances, jam sessions after a double-shift, late nights with Jack Daniels, heartbreak, and feel good “Moments.” If you like rock & roll, soul, blues, and the stories of country music then the Bona Fide will get your stamp of approval.

This five-piece alternative County band is made up of Daniel Bonte(Vocals), Billy Ulrich(Electric/Acoustic), Mark Davidson(Bass), Chris Luebeck(Electric/Slide), Steven Musselman(Electric/Baritone) and Jeff Spurlock(Drums). The band has been seriously on the move in recent months. They Headlined at The House Of Blues in March. They havefounded a conglomerate of other local country bands called ‘California Country’ to help grow the local country music scene. Not overworked enough, the band also made time to release a video for their summertime single “Moments”. Last, but nor least in order, the band has been booked to play on the Country Splashdown in October!

To listen to Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide is an amazing experience. Blazing melodic guitars, terrific harmonies, technical virtuosity, and just plain out great rock n roll blended into a thousand names -Country, Rock, Blues and Soul!

I really believe the The Bona Fide is a top guitar-based unit. Their playing acumen, feel, speed and melody are all as good as it gets in this genre! And of course there are some great vocals, too!


The EP, “Enough” is their first offering, and it’s a very strong one. You get your radio play ready “Whiskey Friend” and “Moments”. You get your Party popper, “Talk To Me” and your slow-burning heartbreaker, wrapped-up with a scorching guitar solo and rollicking hard-rock riffs, in the form of the title track, “Enough”. There really isn’t a bad song on the EP.

The guitarists Billy Ulrich, Steven Musselman and Chris Luebeck ignite the energy in this band, while the engine-room of Mark Davidson on bassand Jeff Spurlock on drums keep the rhythms riding the high-wire. Ultimately its Daniel Bonte’s powerful,”real” country vocal style, that adds a uniquely, singular twist to this great crossover band.

The band is crisp and tight and the sounds surround you like a warm rug on a cold night. The musicianship, vocals, and songwriting are something to behold. On a scale of 1 through 5, “Enough” is through the roof.Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide have just the right mix of country and rock n roll on this, their debut Ep.

In a couple of tracks I was strongly reminded of Pure Prairie League, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels, Allman Brothers, The Band, Little Feat and many other great southern crossover rock acts; confirming that The Bona Fide’s unique blend of country, rock, great harmonies and awesome guitar should not be overlooked.

The amazing thing about the songs on “Enough”, is the first time you here each track it’s like you’ve always known them! This may be Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide’s debut EP, but it comes out like a shooting star! - Rick Jamm


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Still working on that hot first release.

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