"Spokane’s best band (maybe ever?) is about to release their sophomore album. They are about to go on a west coast tour. They are about to prove themselves capable of what all in the local music scene have suspected them to be. And now rumors are starting to circulate of their demise.
Flashback to four years ago. Three boys meet in the dormitory hallways of Gonzaga and start a band. The lineup shifts, they become the talk of the campus, then take to the Spokane music scene and find themselves not only readily accepted, but adored. Critical darlings, crowd favorites since the start, this has been the course of Seaweed Jack.
With the release of their debut album, The Captain, in 2005, Seaweed Jack - singer / multi instrumentalist Geoff Doolittle, drummer Anthony Stassi, guitarist Brian White and bassist Jack Sheehy- set out to leave an impression on Spokane. And they have. They’ve been local heroes for the past two years, leading Spokane at the forefront of a movement to save the local music scene with good music, and even better showmanship. With a live show unlike anything else seen in this city, Seaweed Jack has long been Spokane’s "as good as it gets", the band to which all others are compared.
Now preparations should be made for their newest disc, HAUNT. All signs indicate the album will be what many have been waiting for - a step in a new direction, and a show of the bands growth. "Our music was once described as ’carnival graveyard jazz, and that hits the nail pretty close," Doolittle says of the material. "I think it sets a mood and keeps it, something I really like." And while there is ultimately much pressure to be placed on Haunt, the band is staying focused on giving it it’s own time to breathe. "I don’t think we feel any pressure," says Stassi, "This album is for us more than anybody." Doolittle agrees, "Regardless of expectation, we’re still going to do what we want to do."
So do what the boys of Seaweed Jack are planning - ignore rumor, and focus for the summer on the music. If Seaweed Jack is new to you, then take it upon yourself to discover them. And if you’re a tried and true fan, enjoy them. No matter what path the future of Seaweed Jack takes, rest assured you’ve not heard the last of this crew."
i played in an acoustic showcase a few months ago. kelly lotze from erc booking booked the event, and collected cover. friends/family/fans paid to come here a friend and i play. we haven't seen a dime. moreover, kelly hasn't made any effort to pay us after being asked about it over the last few months. but this isn't really about getting paid a measly $20. this is about kelly lotze and erc continually screwing over bands in spokane. so i posted some posters, kind of like this, around town.
i sent him a message asking about when he's going to mail me a check. here is his reply:
"its not coming. after you chose to post those bulletins around sfcc that was the final straw. That was very unprofessional. thers is no point in trying to mend anything here. ive not talked to a single person who sides with you and you have only tarnished your own name now..
Kelly"
musicians, we don't need kelly lotze and others like him to book shows. there are good guys in town who help book shows and promote, who don't stiff bands or take unreasonable cuts. kelly lotze isn't one of those guys. help me out-
i too agree..i think it would be a great day in the boring life of most of spoknites musical ears///we need talent and we need the real deal..when u playing?..i will even buy a shot for every member...free booze and a gig...what could be wrong with that... come back,,my wish for my bday was that u would play again here...and u wouldnt want a wish to come true would you...;p lol... we miss you...i miss you...my cd skips because i listen to you all the time,,,lol
SHE IS RIGHT!!! SPOKANE NEEDS YOU!!! and how bout some t-shirts.even better, you guys should make seaweed jack hats and buttons. any whozl, you guys rock. your my fav live band!!!
hey super good friends, i'm married now... i miss you guys, any of you in the bay area? what's the dilly? i'm in brazil and will be back the 18th, holla if you hear me!!!!
