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EDIT: We previously stated that James Keltner would be performing with the trio, but that is incorrect. Stephen Hodges is the drummer.
Saturday night at Will’s Pub (Website), the band MSSV (Bandcamp) will be playing. This is a show that I’ve been waiting for.
MSSV (Main Steam Stop Valve) is comprised of three rock stalwarts with a strong jazz background, the most well-known being Mike Watt on bass.
Watt was well-known in Los Angeles’ late 70s and early 80s punk scene. His band, the Minutemen, was on the SST label, arguably the most prominent label in that scene at the time.
Watt’s next band was Firehose; he has played with a who’s who in rock, doing stints with Porno for Pyros, Henry Rollins, Eddie Vedder, Frank Black, and several others. More recently, he’s played with Iggy Pop and the Stooges. I spoke with Watt a couple of years ago. He clearly loves free jazz, especially John Coltrane.
Guitarist Mike Baggetta’s (Website) background is primarily in jazz, but like Watt, he’s played many genres and seemed to make his own. He has played instrumental versions of Patsy Cline and done interpretations of Ornette Coleman. He plays beautifully, with lots of improvisation.
Stephen Hodges, the drummer, is known for his work with Tom Waits, Mavis Staples, T Bone Burnett, and film director David Lynch.
James Keltner is a month shy of his 83rd birthday. He doesn’t look his age, and he’s still touring. He started as a jazz drummer. Bob Dylan said of Keltner, “the leading session drummer in America.”
Their music can be dreamy, noisy, and beautiful. At times, it sounds like Tom Waits. Punk rock and free jazz influences are evident, along with hallucinatory storytelling. It will be a performance by three brilliant musicians. Their sound is among the most refreshing and interesting in contemporary music.
Will’s Pub offers the intimacy that works best for MSSV. You should check it out.
Tickets are $15 and available for purchase HERE.