THE NEW RECORD
"We just wanted find the right context to tell the stories in the songs" the band explains.
The result is a rich text of instrumentation, intricate horn melodies, and a rhythm section based strictly in the tradition of rock n roll. The backdrop for the recording sessions, which lasted 9 months, was Herbie Herbert's Syklopps Studios in San Francisco, a former rehearsal hall for San Francisco legends Journey. The space was converted by Herbert, their former manager, into a state of the art recording facility. The studio was layered in rock history, gold records, and vintage gear from the all great acts Herbie had worked with. "I remember seeing a hand written poem by Roger Waters just hanging on the bathroom wall," recalls bass player Ryan Feves, "That place was nuts," . As the initial tracks were laid down, the decision to sell the studio had been made. The debut album by the Estate was the last ever recorded at Syklopps Studios.
Several notable musicians contributed to the record. The band brought in friend Eric McFadden to lend a hand on mandolin, guitar and vocals. Some highlights are Eric's singing on Heavy Heart, and his dueling guitar work with Mike Irwin Johnson on the epic Boxes and the Boston style rocker Fall Apart.
When a string of shows brought The Estate to New York City last year, the band booked a day at Mercy Studios. They used the opportunity to bring in vocalist Sasha Dobson and acclaimed southern bluesman Jimbo Mathus. Jesse had met Jimbo a few months earlier backstage at the Warfield Theatre where he was playing in Buddy Guys band. "We heard on the radio he was playing at the Rodeo Bar on 3rd Ave. I called him up and an hour later his bus pulled up to the studio," tells Jesse. "We spent the afternoon drinking whiskey and telling stories, the tracks came out great." The recording became an even bigger collaboration back in San Francisco with pedal steel wizard David Phillips, and singer Chelsea Glavinovich offering impressive contributions. THE ESTATE (2006) is now available.
THE BAND
The Estate begin after Jay Sanders (piano, trumpet) and Jesse Tyre Karp(guitar, vocals)became friends hanging out, drinking and playing music at the now defunct Blue Lamp Lounge, a dive blues bar in San Francisco. Often nights at the bar would lead to later nights with several people partying and playing music at Jesse's apartment, located conveniently next door. It was at these gatherings that the idea of a putting together a band came about.
Jesse had written a good number of songs since the breakup of his former band COOL WATER CANYON, and the was eager to put together a new project. Jay is part of a community of young San Francisco jazz musicians including; Mike Irwin Johnson (guitars), Dayna Stephens (sax), Scott Larson (Trombone), and Seth Ford Young. They quickly recruited Jesse's Cool Water Canyon band mate Ryan Feves (bass), and Kevin Rapley (Drums). Rehearsals and early gigs proved to be a new and exciting experience, and the Estate was born.
People often make comparisons after seeing the band's live show to Van Morrison, Joe Cocker, or even early Springsteen. "We've got 7 or 8 guys on stage. There's a lot of energy, but there’s a lot going on as well. We're very conscious of each other. Theses guys grew up learning to play together", tells Jesse. Over the past year THE ESTATE has headlined several clubs in Northern and Southern California, and was well received during runs to New York City, Colorado, and the Mid-West. The band has recently shared the stage with legends like Dickey Betts and Melvin Sparks. Combining high energy, danceable rock n roll with a heavy horn section, THE ESTATE has carved out their own sound and found a loyal audience.
