Salinas is probably the last place you'd find a band like us.
The migrant knows this town for work. The literati know this town because of John Steinbeck. Servicemen remember Salinas because it was every soldiers destination upon leave from Ft. Ord. Youve probably had a salad with components from the Salinas Valley. James Dean died on his way to a race here.
But all that is neither here nor there. The fact is, none of Rum & Rebellion grew up in Salinas. But this town is where were at right now, and thats reflected in our music.
Were part of the towns migrant tradition. We didnt come here to work the fields, but we did come to Salinas because of work. Just like every other migrant, we brought along our memories and traditions and sought out a community familiar to the ones we left behind. Like the others, we found a community in the bars and the shows and over time, we became part of something that exists, happily, on the fringe.
There arent any established English-language acts here. Most touring bands skip this town altogether. For shows, weve got house parties, a few friendly community spaces, and an all-ages café run by some down folks. Most of the records that come out of this town are done without the help of a label. And thats all right. Theres no standard that casual observers expect the bands, poets and emcees to live up to. After a few shows, all the faces quickly become familiar. Sure, weve had some scraps at the shows, but theres also an intimacy, respect, and care because the shows are all weve got.
Our songs are political and heart felt. After all, what is politics without love and what is love if not a political stance, a declaration of one's self-determination? Our inspiration is equal parts Ian McKay and Alejandro Escovedo, hardcore and the Harry Smith Anthology of American Folk Music, with the boom-chicka-boom of Luther Perkins for fun. (Truth be told, Rum & Rebellion came together in the wake of the Lucero/Against Me! tour in 2004.)
In July, a friend asked us what we call our music. Straight from the heart and bit from the hips.
Take a listen to the record. We recorded it with Craigums at the new Dutch Oven in Alameda, CA one weekend in April. Weve also got a song, The San Luis Waltz, on the Someday Coming Round: Deviant Twang Revisited compilation put out by our friend Paul Davis of Mule Train in Santa Cruz, CA.
Youre invited to the next show at the Cherry Bean in downtown Salinas, our home outside of the practice spot. Afterwards come along to where ever we end up and have a drink with us. When you drive through Salinas, dont be a stranger. Theres so much to be lost by keeping yourself to yourself.
COME LISTEN TO THE SWEET REGGAE MUSIC OF THE MIDTONES...PLUS SANTA CRUZ'S FAVORITE ARTIST JIMBO PHILLIPS WILL BE THERE SIGNING POSTERS,POSTERS WILL BE SOLD AND ARE NOW SELLING FOR $10.00 CONTACT MIKE AT 831.331. 6721 THANKS
Miss you, miss you, miss you. Holidays seem less jolly without some shared joviality from your neck of the woods. Hey, I recorded a new song - when Gustavo gets me the finished producto, I will put it in your stocking! xoxo One word: BOLIVIA.
I miss you guys! And I can't find my copy of your CD at the moment... I'm pretty bummed about it. But, if you guys play any more shows, I have a few coworkers up here in San Jose who are excited to meet you. :) Hope everything is going well!
Iiiiiiiii get to seeeeeee Geeoooooorge, IIIIiiii get to seeeee Geeoooooorge!!! My knickers are just in a bunch, goshdangit! We're going to make a live recording of Reed serenading the Tamale Lady...
That's right, you heard it at the Conspiracy BBQ first: Clarissa says I'm her favorite member of the band!!! What! It's true! Finally, some acknowledgement and unconditional love...
When, oh when, dear Gods of Rock shall the uber-group Evil Rebellion join together to devour this great land? Come on boys, let's rock the little girlies like they don't already know they're coming home with us.
Hey, Sanchez, thinkin' bout you. Boys, take care of my compa... -sunny bunny
ps- recording next weekend at a place called Cine Paradiso - ever heard of it?
My new coworker said she saw you guys play in Soledad a long while ago. She loved you guys. I need to get another copy of your cd to give to her. She was really sad that she hadn't heard about your last show. Next time though, for sure. :)
I know it's a little late on the comment here guys, but the show you played at the Cherry Bean was insane! I loved it! I'm glad I got to see you guys play again. Thanks for playing here again.
Hey guys! I know you've asked me in the past if there's any show openings at the Koyote. There's an open slot if you want to join the show this Sunday or just come and check it out! Peace and love.
In honor of the R&R tatz Scott and George got last week I want one that says, I 'heart' R&R.
It was so good to see you guys back together for one night in the ultimate 831 venue.
