The Royal Electric
Justin Bank might pose a bit of a conundrum for music writers who like to put singer-songwriters and their bands in neat “categories" or genres.
There are a few descriptive phrases, however, that definitely fit the bill when it comes to this seasoned musician: He's a gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist with a quirky-yet-infective sense of humor; and his updated-Dylanesque-Americana, roots-rock-flavored music has a broad variety of influences, but they all feel like, well, home.
Brendan Getzell (closing set)
Ever since his first piano lesson when he was a boy of 6, San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Brendan Getzell has lived and breathed music. You could go back even further, perhaps to all the Talking Heads, Gershwin and Willie Nelson his mother played around the house when he was very little. In the years since, detours of academics (UC Santa Barbara) and musical theatre aside, Brendan developed steadily as a musician and songwriter, picking up piano, guitar, drums, mandolin, and numerous other instruments. In those years, music has become both a pursuit and a pastime for Brendan; he once devoted an entire spring break to recording his own full-band version of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" all by himself, singing all the parts and playing all the instruments. His songs incorporate many elements and styles, including rock, pop, and hints of folk, blues and drama that evokes his theatrical background.
In 2014 Brendan released his latest album, Better Late Than Never, featuring local hits "Serenade" and "Missing a Cue". The exquisite, lush arrangements (created with producer Ashif Hakik) elevate the songs to goosebump-generating territory.
To get the full Brendan experience though, you have to see him perform his songs live (which he does all over the San Francisco Bay Area, and far beyond), where his sense of humor, charisma and storytelling lend even deeper elements to the listening experience.
You can find him every Monday night, hosting the world-famous Hotel Utah Open Mic (500 4th St, San Francisco).
Also be sure to ask him about his appearance on Jeopardy! (short answer: "I lost" slightly longer answer: "I was really good! then i lost")
The Royal Electric
Justin Bank might pose a bit of a conundrum for music writers who like to put singer-songwriters and their bands in neat “categories" or genres.
There are a few descriptive phrases, however, that definitely fit the bill when it comes to this seasoned musician: He's a gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist with a quirky-yet-infective sense of humor; and his updated-Dylanesque-Americana, roots-rock-flavored music has a broad variety of influences, but they all feel like, well, home.
Brendan Getzell (closing set)
Ever since his first piano lesson when he was a boy of 6, San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Brendan Getzell has lived and breathed music. You could go back even further, perhaps to all the Talking Heads, Gershwin and Willie Nelson his mother played around the house when he was very little. In the years since, detours of academics (UC Santa Barbara) and musical theatre aside, Brendan developed steadily as a musician and songwriter, picking up piano, guitar, drums, mandolin, and numerous other instruments. In those years, music has become both a pursuit and a pastime for Brendan; he once devoted an entire spring break to recording his own full-band version of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" all by himself, singing all the parts and playing all the instruments. His songs incorporate many elements and styles, including rock, pop, and hints of folk, blues and drama that evokes his theatrical background.
In 2014 Brendan released his latest album, Better Late Than Never, featuring local hits "Serenade" and "Missing a Cue". The exquisite, lush arrangements (created with producer Ashif Hakik) elevate the songs to goosebump-generating territory.
To get the full Brendan experience though, you have to see him perform his songs live (which he does all over the San Francisco Bay Area, and far beyond), where his sense of humor, charisma and storytelling lend even deeper elements to the listening experience.
You can find him every Monday night, hosting the world-famous Hotel Utah Open Mic (500 4th St, San Francisco).
Also be sure to ask him about his appearance on Jeopardy! (short answer: "I lost" slightly longer answer: "I was really good! then i lost")
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