"Partyers took to the tabletops, dancing and singing along to a set of songs that felt familiar to the soul. You should have been there." -The San Francisco Chronicle
"A Breath of Fresh Air." -Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters)
"They have baby faces, but play like old souls...Lech plays that horn like Louis Armstrong. And I wouldn’t throw that around lightly." -Folk music legend Maria Muldaur
"This is funky, good time music from the roots in New Orleans to the dance floors of today. It's irresistable, it's timeless." -Angela Strehli
The California Honeydrops were formed in November of 2007 playing in the subway stations of Oakland, CA. Playfully crossing genres from roots and blues to R&B and soul, The California Honeydrops’ sound is tied together by their unique instrumentation, soulful vocal harmonies, and a funky, good-times New Orleans style. The Honeydrops’ more unusual instruments include a home-made gutbucket bass, jug, and washboard. Their greasy down-home rhythms are punctuated by joyous blasts of trumpet, rollicking piano riffs, and passionate bluesy vocals. The only band of its kind, The California Honeydrops’ live shows have quickly gained a reputation as the best party in the Bay Area.
Born in Warsaw, Poland, band leader and front man Lech Wierzynski started playing blues and jazz as a teenager at after-hours jam sessions in Washington D.C. After studying trumpet with Marcus Belgrave (Ray Charles), Lech launched his own career in Oakland. Having accompanied artists such as Maria Muldaur, Dan Hicks, and Jackie Payne, Lech has been schooled by some of the biggest names in American music and grown equally adept as a trumpeter, singer, and guitarist.
The vibrant rhythm section of The California Honeydrops is fueled by the barrelhouse style of Oakland piano veteran Chris Burns (Albert Collins, Freddie Hughes, Maria Muldaur). Rotating between tub bass, jug washboard and drums are Nansamba Ssensalo (Jug Free America, Blue Roots) and Ben Malament (Terry Reid, The Marvelettes, Dale Spaulding).
Digging deep into the traditions of American music, the California Honeydrops bring to the stage not only an unmatched level of musicianship and authenticity but also a funky good time that’s hard to beat. Ripping through classic material as well as their own original songs, The California Honeydrops will get any crowd on its feet, dancing and singing along.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FROM YOUR HEART! Wasza muzyka jest wspaniała, dajecie radość i ukojenie dla serca:)ciesze się, że mogłam się o Was dowiedzieć poprzez polską telewizję:)mama nadzieję,że kiedyś odbędze się Wasz koncert na Mazurach w Polsce:)Serdecznie pozdrawiam:)
Greetings good friend, I pray you are saturated with contentment, joy and laughter perpetually. Nothing but the best for you and those you care for, from The Holy City Of Oakland, Always, James :)
You've got some great music and a great page here! Thanks for your friendship, and welcome aboard the Redline ship. Looking forward to sharing the journey ahead with you. Take Care, and thanks again. Have a wonderful day. Peace,
Hi,Through music I would hope to spread love throughout the world. In New Orleans we have a way we do things, and I would like to extend my hand of friendship. Always, Melvin
i was blown away by the big bill broonzy youtube clip of "freindless blues", that was tight !, way to go :), and thanks for listening, ill update my channel soon I have a lot of new stuff to upload...
Hi and best wishes from bad oeynhausen - germany. Your cd is phantastic. See you at Lagerhalle Osnabrueck next month. Thanks for the add and all the very best. Ulli
What’s Crackin’ The California Honeydrops! ? We’re hitting back our myspace folks to let you know that your prayers have been answered. What prayers, you may ask. Well, today my friends, the good reptiles over at Bossasaurus (namely the ones writing this message) have teamed up with Murs (Living Legends, Def Jux, 9th Wonder, etc.) to, for the first time ever, offer you a taste of our music with an emcee over them. If you hate emcees and were feeling the tranquility of our un-defiled instrumental works than we sincerely apologize for our critical error in judgment. Otherwise come on over and check out our Murs feat. James Blunt 'Everything' remix.
Online Now!
