Chris Blackard and Astral Kitchen will perform in concer at the Sonoma Farmers Market, #1 Plaza, in Sonoma, Tuesday, July 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info: (707) 480-2696 or log onto www.vomcsm.com. The bands also performs at Steiners on the Plaza in Sonoma on August 12 from 9 pm-1 am.
ASTRAL KITCHEN formed in the mountains over looking the sleepy little town of Glen Ellen, Calif, the product of three creative Napa-based musicians tired of playing in cover bands and looking to make music of their own. After deciding their musical direction, they entered the studio, resulting in the self-titled Astral Kitchen being released in1991 (the album was subsequently digitally re-mastered and re-released in 2001, selling a remarkable (by indie standards) 20,000 units.
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Back in the studio to record 2003’s Dirty Things, the album ”reflects the emotional turmoil the world was feeling at the time,” recalls AK founder, Chris Blackard. By then known for it’s deep insight into subjects as diverse as spirituality and political trends, the band created a “Soundscape” of the invasion of Afghanistan with it’s classic “Lord of the Apes” and it’s cry for justice with the single “Help You Now.” The limited-addition CD (only 10,000 were pressed) sold out, and is now only available via digital downloads and some distribution outlets in Europe.
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Carrying on with the tradition of “outspoken” truths and observations, 2006 Gave birth to “Diabolic Design”, a eclectic mix of the powerful rock sound from the debut CD, and the Savvy follow up from 2003. A critic’s favorite “Diabolic Design” received praises from Rolling Stone, Billboard Online, No Cover, and several other major music magazines. The band was evolving into a powerhouse of Rock meets Pop, and gives birth to a lovechild named Progressive. Three years and three hundred shows later, a big change was about to happen.
FAST FORWARD to 2010, which was a year of both change and loss. The soon-to-be-released Elements, Astral Kitchen’s fourth recording, was cast of fire and blood. A fine blend of the group’s older signature sound merged with a new dynamic, Elements is destined to be a classic to the loyal Astral Kitchen fan base. Built around the richness of 12-string guitar and poetic story telling, Elements takes the listener back to a mystical time and place both spiritual and thought-provoking. For the first time in the band’s history, the women who influenced their writing have a huge presence in the story line of this chapter, and take the spotlight front and center.
The current incarnation of Astral Kitchen incorporates the talents of three very independent musicians all living in the same Northern Californian Wine Country area. Each brings a consummated career to the table, with a united vision to carry on a bold new chapter of the band in this era of cyber-entertainment. Chris Blackard (songwriter-producer-vocalist-drums-guitar-keyboards) is the cornerstone of this merging of musical minds. Randy McGowan (bass-vocals), with over four decades of music experience in the San Francisco Bay area, was a founding member of noted country rock band Memphis Exchange and met Blackard three years ago at a Half Moon Bay venue while performing with Frankie’s Dream. Larry Otis (guitar-vocals), master Lap steel, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar, B Bender Telecaster and Slide Guitarist, is one of the most respected guitarists in Northern California. He has added the texture and sound that give the current incarnation of Astral Kitchen a unique energy not heard of in contemporary Rock & Roll since San Francisco’s glorious Ballroom days Otis has worked with the likes of Ike & Tina Turner, as well as many Bay Area Bands like Commander Cody and Billy C. Farlow.
Together, these three musical comrades make up the force to be reckoned with known as Astral Kitchen. This ensemble has the goods and promises to deliver. Satisfaction guaranteed!
