National touring act and Southern California’s own, Jeremy Buck & The Bang, took an unfamiliar time slot on Saturday night at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. They played at 8pm for 40 minutes. This band who has toured extensively throughout the US including Alaska and who has shared the stage with artists such as Blues Traveler, found themselves kicking off a showcase night at popular Orange County venue, The Coach House.
First off, the Coach House seems it was plucked off the movie set of a German Oktoberfest film. Set up with long tables indicative of the hofbrau houses, the venue sports a large room with great lights and sound. Definitely a great place to perform. But 40 minutes at 8pm on a Saturday night is a rough slot for any band…any band that isn’t Jeremy Buck & The Bang.
Not put off by this “low man on the totem pole” slot or the fact that the band that followed them was a collection of local kids. And by kids, I mean ages ranging from 13-16 years old. Jeremy and crew took the stage just after 8pm and turned the Coach House crowd upside down. By the time they played the last note, if the room wasn’t already filled with JB&B fans, they were now as nearly half the house rose to their feet to applaud their appreciation for the show.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Jeremy Buck and The Bang and this was my first show seeing them with recent band addition, Ryan Kreiger, behind the drum kit. Jamband fans may be familiar with Kreiger from his time with Los Angeles’s own Big Organ Trio. Kreiger brings a jammy rock sound to the drum kit slipping beyond the pocket and finding rock grooves that take the JB&B music into fantastic new directions.
Jeremy Buck is the consummate performer delivering to his audience a complete show that goes beyond the music they’re playing. Originally a singing drummer, Buck has now stepped out from behind the drum kit taking his well deserved place as front man and ring leader of his own personal circus. Lead guitarist, Chris Hanna, Buck’s “Edge”, delivers the lead licks that keep your juices flowing and drive you out of your seat to dance. Not what many would call a “jamband” but certainly, these guys can JAM!
Buck and company play a regular rotation around the beach cites of Hermosa, Redondo and Manhattan Beach but they tell me that they’ve got plans to spend some more time playing some shows in Orange County. Keep you kaleidoscope eyes peeled for more JB&B shows behind the Orange Curtain in 2012. You’ll want to catch these guys next time they come around.
Also, check out their recent CD release “You Are A Star” available for download on iTunes or via their website, “www.jeremybuck.com”.
