Pablo Cruise
In 1975 Pablo Cruise released its first A&M album simply entitled Pablo Cruise. The album cover was shot in the tropical gardens of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and it featured a huge gorilla standing front and center. The band, David Jenkins (guitars, vocals), Cory Lerios(keyboards, vocals), Bud Cockerel (bass, vocals) and Steve Price (drums, percussion) were no where in sight. At that point there was a bit of a mystique surrounding Pablo Cruise and when asked what Pablo Cruise meant, the well-rehearsed answer went something like this: “Pablo”, represents an honest, real, down to earth individual, and “Cruise” depicts his fun loving, easy going attitude towards life: In essence that’s what Pablo Cruise music is all about.
Honest, real down to earth vocals, accompanied by fun yet elegant, infectious grooves. To hear Pablo Cruise on record is one thing, but to experience the band live is an exhilarating event!
From 1975 to 1985 the band toured the United States, Canada and Japan extensively, welcoming fans to “Climb Aboard The Good Ship Pablo Cruise.” Reaching the top 10 with mega hits like “Whatcha Gonna Do When She Says Goodbye?” and “Love Will Find A Way,”and several other top 20’s, the band went on to sell several million albums and singles collectively and established themselves as well respected writers and performers within the industry. They appeared on numerous TV shows, including Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, The Merv Griffin Show, The Dinah Shore Hour and in 1979 they broke Elvis Presley’s attendance record at the Sahara Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, becoming the first rock band to play a casino showroom. They also became the first rock band to grace the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, but by 1985 after completing several national tours and releasing 7 studio albums in all, the band decided to take a hiatus……one that lasted nearly 20 years.
Fast forward 20 years…..In 2005 a reunited Pablo Cruise picked up where they left off and today the band performs all over the U.S. and Canada and they’re enjoying it more than ever….Since getting back together, they have released two live CD’s and a DVD all through Sony Music documenting their exceptional live shows. “One of the great things about playing shows after all these years is that the core band, David, Steve and myself are still here and lovin’ it, says Cory! Going out and playing shows these days gives us the opportunity to not only pay tribute to our timeless repertoire, it gives us a chance to see old friends and fans from back in the day as well as gaining a whole new audience!” Today Pablo Cruise is bringing more energy and excitement to the stage than ever before and with the addition of Larry Antonino and Robbie Wyckoff, the band has never sounded better….. If you get an opportunity to see Pablo Cruise live, don’t pass it up…… ”IT’S GOOD TO BE LIVE” www.pablocruise.com
Start with Beatles harmonies and melodies add some Tom Petty song sensibilities and kick in the Foo Fighters to rock and you’ve got JD & the RetroRyders. Based in Huntington Beach CA it starts with JD – Joe DeMeo – born and raised on Long Island NY. After playing in clubs all over the NY area, he headed west like so many before him and set up shop in sunny Huntington Beach to write, record and perform. With numerous albums, CDs, tours and bands on his resume as well as a backlog of recorded songs, he had the recent epiphany to assemble this top notch band capable of bringing his songs alive. The RetroRyders represent his songwriting style which harkens back to the days of the infectious, positive vibe, three minute and thirty second power pop blast. Joing JD on stage starts with Al Lepson on lead guitar who brings to life the searing and tasty lines of his signature style with an assortment of classic six stingers. A fellow New Yorker, Al brings the street sounds to the group.
Vocals and harmonies are a big part of JD’s permanent marks and singing along are Nicole Kubis and Nicole Perreira. Their soaring harmonies and sizzling melodies fully complement and punctuate JD’s contagious songs. Providing the dynamic back beat to all this is the powerful rhythm section of Mike Willson on drums and Adrian Sanchez on bass. Topped off by JD’s sweetheart – yes a Paul and Linda thing – Wendy providing the ever present jangle on tambourine. This energetic mixture packs a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window and catapults the songs right off the stage and deep into the audience’s psyche. Real, seasoned players who know how to capture and uplift the musical moment in a song. JD & the RetroRyders - a potent mix of power pop-rock influenced by the rock greats that came before. The band is currently promoting the release of their new 2019 CD EP - “100% COOL” – available on line now everywhere! Follow them on Facebook and their web site for upcoming showcases and support dates.