speed of dark

We saw The Weather Underground at the Echo last May and were so impressed we bought all their EPs on the spot. As is common, bands sometimes have to change in order to move forward. Guitarist Shoichi Bagley decided to leave the band amicably for pursuits outside music and Calvin J. Love, a native of Edmonton, Canada, replaced him on lead guitar. The new line-up has resulted in a new name, Red Cortez, and new songs.

Cortez, of course, is part of lead singer and songwriter Harley Prechtel-Cortez's name. I don't know for sure where Red comes from, but it is a color that connotes power, vibrancy, and luck.

Red Cortez will continue to play Weather Underground releases and will also appear on Daytrotter on November 5 for a session that was planned for WU, playing four of those songs. I hope one is "Fight Song (For the Desalojos)." It's probably my favorite from WU, but if the two I'm posting are any indication, Red Cortez is going to be even better.

In the photo above, from left, Cal Love, Prechtel-Cortez with new moustache and beard, bassist Ryan Kirkpatrick, and drummer Diego Guerrero.

Red Cortez:
All the Difference
World At Rest

These tracks were provided by authorized agents of the artists and/or their labels for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.

MySpace | | Website | Label: Independent
Buy Weather Underground: iTunes and eMusic

Shows:
November 11- the Echoplex with Earlimart and Afternoons

Photo by: Sonia Onate