By Michael Botsford, Host of the Garage
SAN ANTONIO - Saxophone, trombone and some of the most soulful lead guitar in town -- plus a whole lot of pure punk rock. You put that all together and you've got the Uptown Creepers.
Click here to check it out…The Creeps have been around for a decade, but here lately their style has changed dramatically.
“We don’t really put a restriction on anything anymore. It’s not just punk. It’s not just ska. It’s whatever we want to play. Whatever we’re influenced by… jazz, blues, funk,” explained singer and guitarist Dave Cruz. “It’s no holds barred anymore. Nobody cares anymore about staying within a certain genre. We just want to play music.”
With his multi-effects pedal, Saxophonist Manny Sauceda is a
viral video just waiting to happen.
“I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time. I just finally – with this group – got the chance to do it,” said Sauceda. “I think Miles Davis was one of the first people to do it back with the wah pedal and a ring modulator that he used – that was back in the 70s.”
No boundaries and freedom to experiment is an ongoing theme with the Creepers.
Some drummers are too intimidated to use the double kick and china symbol, but not Jason Hernandez.
“I’ve been doing it for years. I do what I do. I play what I play,” said Hernandez with the passion of Confucius.
But what it all boils down to with these guys is having a good time.
“We click on a mental level -- and a creativity level as well. It flows better now. That’s why we have so much fun,” explained Cruz. “Everybody’s having a good time. We feed off each other’s energy.”
Although the Uptown Creepers have completed many EPs in the past, they will be releasing their first full-length CD on November 3rd. Joining them for the party at the Korova will be Bite Lip Bleed, The Lost Project and Bachanalian Bliss (Laredo).
This new CD is truly a DIY project.
“We did everything ourselves - self produced - we even did the art ourselves,” said Cruz.
But if you can’t wait until Novenmber, come see them tonight (Friday) at the Korova with The Toasters and Spies Like Us.
The Band…
- Dave Cruz: Vocals/Guitar
- Mike Chia: Trombone
- Jason Hernandez: Drums
- Manny Sauceda: Saxophone
- Nigel Barrios: Bass
On the web…
Are you in a band or know of somebody here in San Antonio that should spend some time in our garage? Please let us know! Email
MichaelBotsford@woaitv.com.
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