Showing posts with label California Honeydrops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California Honeydrops. Show all posts

Monday, January 17, 2022

The California Honeydrops - Covers From The Cave

Size: 81.1 MB
Time: 34:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues, R&B, Jazz
Art: Front

01. Tulsa Time (3:10)
02. That's Where It's At (3:00)
03. Fire And Rain (3:49)
04. Up And Down World (3:28)
05. Bloodshot Eyes (4:15)
06. You Never Can Tell (4:38)
07. Under The Boardwalk (Live) (2:54)
08. Ripple (5:24)
09. My Key Don't Fit (4:00)

The California Honeydrops celebrate their 12th year together with the ongoing release of cover singles from their forthcoming series collection, “Covers from the Cave” and return to live music with a national tour across the United States post the COVID-19 pandemic. This series follows the release of their live albums “Remember When: Vol 3” and “Honeydrops Live 2019,” and their first-ever double-album, “Call It Home: Vol 1 & 2” in 2018. Led by dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski, and drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, the Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows. They’ve taken the party all over the world, playing festivals of all kinds and touring widely across North America, Europe, and Australia. In 2016 & 2017 the Honeydrops were honored to support Bonnie Raitt on her North America release tour—and in the past have been privileged to support the likes of B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John. Whether in those high-profile performances or in more intimate venues where the band itself can leave the stage and get down on the dance floor, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remain: to make the audience dance and sing.

The Honeydrops have come a long way since guitarist and trumpeter Lech Wierzynkski and drummer Ben Malament started busking in an Oakland subway station, but the band has stayed true to that organic, street-level feel. Listening to Lech sing, it can be a surprise that he was born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised by Polish political refugees. He learned his vocal stylings from contraband American recordings of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong, and later at Oberlin College and on the club circuit in Oakland, California. With the additions of Johnny Bones on tenor sax and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beau Bradbury on bass, they’ve built a powerful full-band sound to support Wierzynski’s vocals. More like parties than traditional concerts, their shows feature extensive off-stage jamming and crowd interaction. “The whole point is to erase the boundaries between the crowd and us,” Wierzynski says. “We don’t make setlists. We want requests. We want crowd involvement, to make people become a part of the whole thing by dancing along, singing, picking the songs and generally coming out of their shells.”

Covers From The Cave MP3
Covers From The Cave FLAC

Friday, October 15, 2021

The California Honeydrops - Soul Tub!

Size: 105.7 MB
Time: 45:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Blues, Soul, Funk
Art: Full

01. Miss Louise (3:11)
02. Rain (3:36)
03. Soul Tub (6:10)
04. All You Got To Do (4:35)
05. Bye Bye Baby, I'm Gone (2:41)
06. Honeydrops Theme (2:45)
07. In My Dreams (3:16)
08. Squeezy Breezy (2:32)
09. Help Me Now (3:55)
10. All Night Long (4:24)
11. Cry For Me (3:30)
12. Soul Tub (Reprise) (4:20)

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.

Soul Tub! MP3
Soul Tub! FLAC

Monday, January 4, 2021

The California Honeydrops - Remember When: Live, Vol. 3 / Just One More And Then Some

Album: Remember When: Live, Vol. 3 Size: 157.3 MB
Time: 68:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2020
Styles: Blues, R&B, Soul
Art: Front

01. Junker’s Blues (Live Chicago, Il) (10:08)
02. Grazin’ (Live Austin, Tx) ( 9:37)
03. A River’s Invitation (Live San Francisco, Ca) (11:09)
04. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Live Portland, Me) ( 5:06)
05. Cry For Me (Live Chicago, Il) ( 6:13)
06. Cry Baby Blues (Live Washington, Dc) ( 8:26)
07. I Wanna Go Home (Livedenver, Co) (10:15)
08. Sit Down On It (Live Chicago, Il) ( 7:07)

The live album features recordings from live concerts nationwide ranging from Portland, ME to their most recent live show at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, CO on January 17, 2020.

“Each one of these tracks has something special, something we did that night and that night only,” says vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski of the new album. “Whether it’s a spontaneous crowd interaction, or and an ad-libbed verse or a little background vocal riff we came up with on the spot… You can hear us leaving the script and the show behind and diving into the spirit of that night, searching and finding the lil’ nuggets that make each night of live music with an interactive audience so special. Listening back to these tracks during quarantine, it’s hard to imagine that we even made these sounds. There are so much energy and joy it almost seems alien during these weird times.”

Remember When: Live, Vol. 3 MP3
Remember When: Live, Vol. 3 FLAC

Album: Just One More And Then Some Size: 92 MB
Time: 17:24
File: FLAC
Released: 2020
Styles: Blues, R&B, Soul
Art: Front

01. Just One More (4:04)
02. Pocket Chicken (4:22)
03. Honey, Sugar (3:38)
04. Shack In The Back (5:19)




The rise in Americana music over the past two decades paired with select cultural moments such as the seminal Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? has resulted in quite a renaissance for traditional American music. From old-time to blues to bluegrass to second line, the styles and genres that were crafted by generations of Americans are blossoming into new and exciting forms.

One band that exemplifies this is The California Honeydrops, an overwhelmingly energetic and versatile group that originated as a busking act in Oakland, California. In the 13 years since their formation, the band has released a plethora of records that reimagine older styles for modern audiences. On June 26, the band released a new EP Just One More, And Then Some via Tubtone Records. Taking a step in a new sonic direction, the band opted out of the typical studio experience and instead recorded the EP almost entirely live in a living room. This method not only allowed the band to be more comfortable creatively, but it also allowed for the songs to more accurately convey the energy of a California Honeydrops show.

Just One More And Then Some

Friday, October 18, 2019

The California Honeydrops - Honeydrops Live 2019

Size: 164,5 MB
Time: 71:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues, R&B, Soul
Art: Front

01. Every Once In A While (Live In Crystal Bay, Nv) (Live) ( 5:45)
02. Here Comes Love (Live In Melbourne, Au) (Live) ( 6:01)
03. Live Learn (Live In Denver, Co) (Live) ( 7:41)
04. Come Back Baby (Live In Wellington, Nz) (Live) ( 4:17)
05. Starr Child (Live In Portland, Or) (Live) ( 9:33)
06. Carolina Peach (Live In Berkeley, Ca) (Live) ( 6:41)
07. Tell Me (I Wanna Know) (Live In New York City, Ny) (Live) (10:27)
08. Heartbreaker (Live In Portland, Or) (Bonus Track) (Live) ( 6:43)
09. Like This, Like That (Live In Fall River, Ma) (Bonus Track) (Live) ( 8:15)
10. Hey Now (Live In Wellington, Nz) (Bonus Track) (Live) ( 5:32)

The California Honeydrops celebrate their 11th year together with the release of their latest live album, Honeydrops Live 2019 and an international tour to Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This follows the release of their 7th studio album and first ever double album, Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2 in 2018. Led by dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski, and drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, the Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows. They’ve taken the party all over the world, playing festivals of all kinds and touring widely across North America, Europe and Australia. In 2016 & 2017 the Honeydrops were honored to support Bonnie Raitt on her North America release tour -- and in the past have been privileged to support the likes of B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John. Whether in those high-profile performances or in more intimate venues where the band itself can leave the stage and get down on the dance floor, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remain: to make the audience dance and sing.

The Honeydrops have come a long way since guitarist and trumpeter Lech Wierzynkski and drummer Ben Malament started busking in an Oakland subway station, but the band has stayed true to that organic, street-level feel. Listening to Lech sing, it can be a surprise that he was born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised by Polish political refugees. He learned his vocal stylings from contraband American recordings of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong, and later at Oberlin College and on the club circuit in Oakland, California. With the additions of Johnny Bones on tenor sax and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beau Bradbury on bass, they’ve built a powerful full-band sound to support Wierzynski’s vocals. More like parties than traditional concerts, their shows feature extensive off-stage jamming and crowd interaction.

Honeydrops Live 2019

Friday, March 15, 2019

The California Honeydrops - Honeydrops Live 2019

Size: 98,8 MB
Time: 42:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues
Art: Front

01. Heartbreaker (Live In Portland, OR) ( 6:43)
02. Starr Child (Live In Portland, OR) ( 9:33)
03. Carolina Peach (Intro) (Live In Berkeley, CA) ( 1:12)
04. Carolina Peach (Live In Berkeley, CA) ( 5:54)
05. Like This, Like That (Live In Fall River, MA) ( 8:14)
06. Tell Me (I Wanna Know) (Live In New York City, NY) (11:11)

The California Honeydrops celebrate their 10th year together with the release of their 7th studio album and first ever double album, “Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2” and continue to tour worldwide. Led by dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski, and drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, the Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows. They’ve taken the party all over the world, playing festivals of all kinds and touring widely across North America, Europe and Australia. In 2016 & 2017 the Honeydrops were honored to support Bonnie Raitt on her North America release tour—and in the past have been privileged to support the likes of B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John. Whether in those high-profile performances or in more intimate venues where the band itself can leave the stage and get down on the dance floor, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remain: to make the audience dance and sing.

The Honeydrops have come a long way since guitarist and trumpeter Lech Wierzynkski and drummer Ben Malament started busking in an Oakland subway station, but the band has stayed true to that organic, street-level feel. Listening to Lech sing, it can be a surprise that he was born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised by Polish political refugees. He learned his vocal stylings from contraband American recordings of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong, and later at Oberlin College and on the club circuit in Oakland, California. With the additions of Johnny Bones on tenor sax and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beau Bradbury on bass, they’ve built a powerful full-band sound to support Wierzynski’s vocals. More like parties than traditional concerts, their shows feature extensive off-stage jamming and crowd interaction. “The whole point is to erase the boundaries between the crowd and us,” Wierzynski says. “We don’t make setlists. We want requests. We want crowd involvement, to make people become a part of the whole thing by dancing along, singing, picking the songs and generally coming out of their shells.”

Honeydrops Live 2019

Monday, April 9, 2018

The California Honeydrops - Call It Home Vol. 1 & 2

Size: 81,7+77,2 MB
Time: 34:44+32:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Blues, R&B, Funk, Soul
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Call It Home (4:08)
02. Coming Around (6:48)
03. Cry For Me (3:23)
04. Standin' Still Blues (3:53)
05. Hold It Down (3:46)
06. Your Sweet Love (4:02)
07. Those Days (4:05)
08. Live Learn (4:35)

CD 2:
01. Only Home I've Ever Known (4:06)
02. Silicon World (3:46)
03. Tell Me (I Wanna Know) (4:39)
04. Drop By Drop (3:26)
05. Good Good Lovin' (3:00)
06. Things We Used To Do (3:36)
07. In My Baby's Arms (3:40)
08. Starr Child (6:31)

Personnel:
Lech Wierzynski — lead vocal, trumpet, guitar
Ben Malament — drums, washboard, percussion
Johnny Bones — tenor saxophone, clarinet
Lorenzo Loera — keys, melodica
Beau Bradbury — bass, percussion

The California Honeydrops celebrate their 10th year together with the release of their 7th studio album and first ever double album, “Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2” and continue to tour worldwide. Led by dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski, and drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, the Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows. They’ve taken the party all over the world, playing festivals of all kinds and touring widely across North America, Europe and Australia. In 2016 & 2017 the Honeydrops were honored to support Bonnie Raitt on her North America release tour—and in the past have been privileged to support the likes of B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John. Whether in those high-profile performances or in more intimate venues where the band itself can leave the stage and get down on the dance floor, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remain: to make the audience dance and sing.

The Honeydrops have come a long way since guitarist and trumpeter Lech Wierzynkski and drummer Ben Malament started busking in an Oakland subway station, but the band has stayed true to that organic, street-level feel. Listening to Lech sing, it can be a surprise that he was born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised by Polish political refugees. He learned his vocal stylings from contraband American recordings of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong, and later at Oberlin College and on the club circuit in Oakland, California. With the additions of Johnny Bones on tenor sax and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beau Bradbury on bass, they’ve built a powerful full-band sound to support Wierzynski’s vocals. More like parties than traditional concerts, their shows feature extensive off-stage jamming and crowd interaction. “The whole point is to erase the boundaries between the crowd and us,” Wierzynski says. “We don’t make setlists. We want requests. We want crowd involvement, to make people become a part of the whole thing by dancing along, singing, picking the songs and generally coming out of their shells.”

Call It Home Vol. 1 & 2

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The California Honeydrops - A River's Invitation

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:16
Size: 115.1 MB
Styles: Southern soul, Funk, Delta blues
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[6:07] 1. A River's Invitation
[3:31] 2. When It Was Wrong
[6:03] 3. Brokedown
[4:49] 4. Cry Baby Blues
[3:47] 5. Jolie
[3:55] 6. Crazy Girls
[3:38] 7. On A Rainy Day
[4:42] 8. This Time
[3:52] 9. Lead Me Home
[4:13] 10. Rockaway
[5:34] 11. Long Way

Lech Wierzynski — lead vocal, trumpet, guitar; Ben Malament — drums, washboard, percussion; Johnny Bones — tenor saxophone, clarinet; Lorenzo Loera — keys, melodica; Beau Bradbury — bass, percussion.

The California Honeydrops don’t just play music—they throw parties. Led by dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski, and drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, the Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows. They’ve taken the party all over the world: on 9 European tours, featured slots at such premiere festivals as Monterey Jazz, High Sierra, and Outside Lands, and recent performances supporting B.B. King, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. Whether in those high-profile performances or in more intimate venues where the band itself can leave the stage and get down on the dance floor, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remain: to make the audience dance and sing.

A River's Invitation mc
A River's Invitation zippy