THE FAR WEST

"Technically pure, slightly jaded, no-nonsense and honest with stellar storytelling for the every-man." The Far West came together in early 2010, each member having left other bands to pursue a unique sound they weren't getting elsewhere. Robert Black, hailing from Texas has played in dozens of bands from the plains all the way to the coasts (in both directions). In his Texas days he backed a number of bands in all day BBQ hoedowns and late night jam sessions. He even had a band share a bill with Townes Van Zandt. In Los Angeles, after working as a session bassist for several LA bands like Leslie & The Badgers, West of Texas & many others, he met singer Lee Briante. Briante comes from the fertile Hudson Valley of NY, by way of the rolling hills of Western Mass. His parents instilled a deep love of music in him from a very early age, taking him to see a wide variety of music like Arlo, Pete Seegar, Charlie Daniels and many others. Memories of rowdy irish bands burning through bow rosin in low ceiling riverside taverns stand out in his mind. Lee has been playing in bands since he was 15 or so, among others he played in the Northampton, MA ambient band paris., the Boston band 1986 and the LA based Queen Victoria. Ready to start a project of his own he made contact with Robert Black by posting a simple craigslist ad that consisted of nothing more then a Waylon Jennings video. James Williams, Keys, has played in Biirdie, the breakups, and SpongeBob SquarePants and the Hi-Seas. He has performed live on KTLA Morning News, KXLU, and KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic with Nick Harcourt. James has hared the bill with Mates of State, my ex-girlfriend's favorite band, thereby winning the breakup.His permanent medical records include that I drink cosmopolitans. Taylor Negron once called him a poseur. Virgina born guitarist Brian Bachman had been playing in several bands in LA, but after sharing a bill with The Far West, he wanted in. TFW wanted him too and once the timing worked out Brian joined up and added a depth and excitement to the sound that was greatly needed. After seeing Alabama native Alan F. Rogers drum in a downtown LA bar The Far West knew they had to have him. It turned out Alan was looking for something just like The Far West, and after some mutual appreciation smoke blowing, the lineup was solidified. The Far West have been working hard, gigging all across Southern California and the south west at places like El Rey, The Echo, The Satellite, Pappy & Harriets, Hotel Cafe, Cowboy Palace Saloon, Taix, Silverlake Lounge & many more. They've been winning accolades all along the line from bands and critics in all kinds of genres. In the summer of 2012 The Far West opened a sold out JD McPherson show at The Echo and a week later a sold out Nick 13 at the 1,000 seat El Rey Theater. They're debut album was recorded in Encinitas, CA where the American Legion Post 416 had become a familiar venue to them. The crew at the legion opened up the doors to the band, and over 3 days The Far West recorded their originals with he help of Engineer/ Producer Colin Mclean. Done live-to-tape with minimal overdubs this record captures the live energy and beautiful tone of the Legion Post. What others are saying: "Californiality is categorically labeling The Far West as "the best L.A. country music act of 2011," and here's why: The Far West takes country music where it should be by now in 2011 - technically pure, slightly jaded, no-nonsense and honest with stellar storytelling for the every-man. The songwriting, musicianship and production quality on The Far West album is superb, so nothing more needs to be said. It simply must be heard." "The Far West have an authentically Americana sound that’s been described as something like Waylon’s band jamming with Wilco. Their songs are highly personal, introspective and original and portray a deep love of American music." "Stopped by for a cold London's Pride and caught a set by LA's The Far West. I've know bassist Robert Black for some time, but this was the first time I've really kicked back and absorbed a set of their material. Singer Lee Briante has a kind of rangy Sam Shepard quality to him. (others have suggested a younger David Serby.) He sings in a kind of understated drawl that is a perfect fit for the material. And while I enjoyed the performance, I think it was the songwriting that really turned my head. Tunes like, "I won't have that far to fall" and "This is where I get off" are so expertly constructed classic country songs that you can't help but be drawn in by the storytelling. Robert chimes in at the perfect time with lazy harmonies and the whole thing sounds at the same time familiar and fresh. Guitarist/Pedal steel master Erik Kristiansen is a pleasure and turns a phrase with style and taste. When it comes to sitting down and listening to some heartfelt country music I highly recommend these boys."