So here it is the last weekend in July. So far it's been a great summer for the local music scene in OC. Three bands released or are releasing CD's, one has tightened their roots in the scene, another has shown us one of the best 4th of July shows I've ever seen and one of those CD's being released is about to open for one of my all time heros. Garrett Love.
    I caught up with Bryan at the brewery one night to talk shop, of course, but more to pick his brain on how one goes about getting the opening slot for G Love and the Black Keys. What I got was a lesson in the industry by one of OC's most seasoned players and an eye opening experience in what this is all about. The simple answer I received was ...  The songs.
    It seems Mr. Russo and I agree on one major subject at least and that is that the ego has a tendency to get in the way of good song writing. Some artists write songs for themselves. Some write for others. The good ones are written for both.
    I've heard my share of analogies and metaphors trying to explain the music industry or scene to those who don't enjoy it consuming their dreams. Brian's made more sense to me than any of them.
    "You see, playing music is like playing skee ball. If you’re in it for the tickets then you'll soon realize that the tickets aren't worth much even after all the time you spent collecting them. You really have to be in it for the enjoyment of playing skee ball".  I added in a literal sense that $600 spent accumulating said tickets still only gets you a prize worth $15. I guess that's why I don't play skee ball anymore.
    So it's established that Bryan Russo writes great songs and I can say that with certainty because I've heard a few off his new CD Sound the Alarms. A solid sonic journey of 8 songs to be released Monday, it includes the title track and my favorite, "Sweet Vintage Woman".
    As much as I enjoy riding down the road listening to good music, my favorite still remains the live show. Bryan's are certainly a trip into the deeper and sometimes darker part of the soul.
    It's often a misconception that a 2 piece band is a simpler version of a 3 or 4 piece. This is definitely not the case. The dynamic beauty of 2 piece bands is being able to fill the songs with enough sound that nobody even notices that there's only two people playing. Bryan Russo and Brett Conway (drums) do this very well with dirty licks, bouncing and swinging hooks delivered from either his strat or his keyboard.
    So there you have it friends. If you’re a local I hope you've received new information on a humble and local family man that is lucky and good enough to share the light with one of the nation’s biggest humble family men. The show is The Bryan Russo trio opening for G Love at Seacrets on Monday July 30th. Before you arrive take a moment to visit www.bryanrusso.com and come hollar for him in the front row with me. Also don't forget your copy of Sound the Alarms and enjoy the musical journey on a safe and sober drive home.