Friday, Aug. 22, 2008

Wenatchee band a blending of sounds

By Dori O'Neal, Herald staff writer

WENATCHEE -- A Wenatchee musician with a taste for blending sound headlines the Tumbleweed Folk Music Festival on Labor Day weekend.

Michael Carlos weaves his music savvy through several instruments -- he plays piano, guitar, harmonica and accordion, as well as sings. Combine that mix with his seven-piece band, and you have a sound that will rock and soothe your soul at the same time.

The 33-year-old musician is of Spanish-American decent but was adopted by a couple with Eastern European roots and raised in California's San Joaquin Valley. That fusion of heritage could have something to do with his eclectic taste in music.

He blends punk, Latin, blues, country, alternative, jazz and folk as well as something he calls "cheesy classic rock." This creates a live stage show that could lead to anything.

His band is made up of bassist Eric Frank, Vern Smith on percussion, Darren Reynolds on drums, Sergio Cuevas on guitar, Andy Cuevas on violin, Cathie Lau on cello and Angel Saavedra on percussion and backup vocals.

The Michael Carlos Band was named northcentral Washington's favorite musician/band in 2005 in a Wenatchee World readers poll. He's performed as a solo acoustic folksinger as well as played with a number of bar bands around the Northwest before forming his own band a few years ago.

Carlos released his debut album in 2004 titled Yesterday's Icons. That was followed by last month's Damage and Remainder, which included music evoked by tragedies in his life -- the death of his father and a car accident that nearly cost him his life but killed his girlfriend.

Jambands.com calls Carlos a reincarnation of Warren Zevon, minus the chemical self-destructiveness. Zevon is a Grammy-winning musician known for his cynical view of life, which at times brought a dark, sometimes humorous side to his music.

Carlos doesn't really appear to be so cynical when you listen to his music or watch his videos on YouTube.

But you can judge that for yourself Aug. 30 at Howard Amon Park. The evening concert starts at 7 p.m. The Michael Carlos Band will wrap up the Tumbleweed evening following the music of Dan Maher, Hot Heads of Gypsy Jazz and Uncle Bonsai.

*Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com