California

by JT GriffithCalifornia was founded by childhood friends John Gregory (on vocals and rhythm guitar) and Max M. (on drums) in 1996 in Los Angeles. The roots rock band, which also includes guitarist Steve Norton and bassist Joe Lester, prides itself on its back-to-the-basics rock & roll and what it calls its "uncompromising American spirit." John Gregory's vocals have hints of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp while guitarist Steve Norton reminds one of the Silver Bullet Band. California, first signed by Island Records and then dropped, had their long in-waiting debut, self-titled album bought and then released by Trauma Records on March 27, 2001. The 11-song album was produced by Eric Valentine (Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth, Citizen King) and captures a rare and almost dated sound. The band's debt to Joe Walsh, Bob Seger, Faces, and Humble Pie are largely acknowledged and embraced by the group. Michale Lord (named Best Songwriter at a recent Los Angeles Music Awards) played all the piano and Hammond B3 on the album and co-wrote the song "Driftin'." California spent the fall of 2001 as the opening act for Stevie Nicks. California's first single released to radio was "Rollin.'' The band's second single, "Is Everybody Happy Now," was also featured on TNN and its show 18 Wheels of Justice.