Bihlman Brothers/ Los Gatos

Aug. 15, 2007

Rock & roll is a fickle bitch... you work, you slave, you pander and moan -- nothing. And then she turns around for a big wet kiss on the lips right when you think you’re history.
That’s the scenario for The Bihlman Brothers, who are back on top after taking several years hiatus from performing. Suddenly, it’s raining opportunities.
“We’ve been trucking along for such a long time, but this time around is technically effortless -- everything’s just lining up,” says drummer Scot Bihlman by phone from Los Angeles. Scot is half the core of the group with his brother Jeff “Jabo” Bihlman of Interlochen.
The Brothers recently recorded their first new album in several years, “751 Fairfax,” at the legendary Cherokee Studio in L.A. The studio produced over 300 gold records in its heyday, with artists ranging from The Doors to Guns ‘N’ Roses. Signed for a record deal by producer Bruce Robb on Quarter to 3 Records, The Bihlmans titled their new CD after the address of the Cherokee Studio, which is slated to be torn down in September. They’ve also signed a music publishing deal with Warner/Chapel.
Eleven of the songs on the album are planned for inclusion in a new film, “Love and Dancing,” starring Amy Smart. The film comes out next year with a big splash for the new album.
Scot has also been on a roll with acting and drumming opportunities. He’s presently drumming with Dido, Joachim Phoenix, and Pink, among other artists. Acting-wise, he’s being considered for a major role in the new HBO show, “Weeds,” starring Mary Louise Parker. You can also see him in the current Burger King “Simpsons” commercial, in which he morphs into Otto the bus driver.
Meanwhile, Jeff remains active with the Online National Guitar Workshop and with solo gigs in Petoskey and TC. Catch him while you can, because next year, there’s talk that The Bihlman Brothers will be on tour with The Dave Mathews Band, or some other big act.

Cool Cats:
Los Gatos
F
ew places on earth seem more musically-inspired than the island of Cuba, where Latin rhythms and cool jazz seem to resound when the sun goes down. It’s a land of house parties, rum, and dancing to smokin’ beats long after midnight.
For a taste of that experience close to home, check out the Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz band Los Gatos this Sunday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. at the InsideOut Gallery in Traverse City.
But don’t be surprised if there’s a touch of the Midwest in those rhythms: Los Gatos was formed 10 years ago by drummer/percussionist Pete Siers of Ann Arbor, and the band has performed in that city’s Firefly Club since 2001.
Los Gatos is built from the “old-school” Latin jazz values set forth by artists such as Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente and Joe Cuba. The band’s use of call-and-response vocals throughout their repertoire adds a touch of drama to their music.
The band includes lead singer Al DiBlassio, timballero Pete Siers, vibraphonist Cary Kocher, pianist Brian DiBlassio and bassist Kurt Krahnke, At their InsideOut show, they plan to showcase their new “Insight” album. The emphasis of the CD’s 16 tracks is on smooth Latin jazz, including boleros, pachangas, mambos, the cha-cha, and Afro/Cuban rhythms. Los Gatos is presented by the Northwest Michigan Jazz Experience and WNMC-FM. The InsideOut Gallery is located in the warehouse district, just west of downtown TC. Tickets for the Sunday, Aug. 19 show at 3 p.m. are $15 advance, and $20 at the door. For info, see www.insideoutgallery.com