Patrick Contreras is back with a new album and a rare live-band performance
Plus, new music from J.W. Falco and Pair on Fire.
Patrick Contreras has always been hard to classify.
He’s a well-seasoned performer, whose created a niche on the county fair circuit as a roaming solo violinist, known for wild jumps through musical styles. You want a Zeppelin cover? He’s got you. Same with Too Short, or like, Ramon Ayala.
None of which should take away from his original music or his recorded catalog, which includes “A Little Night Music.” Released in 2020 the album topped iTunes and Amazon charts and was No. 9 on Billboard’s classical crossover. Not bad for an unsigned artist with zero record label support.
Contreras is set to release a new album, “Rhapsody in Red,” on streaming platforms Jan. 19, with a live-band performance at the Siren in Morro Bay. He plays the following night at Fulton 55. A limited run of physical copies of the album will be available at both shows.
I chatted with Contreras in advance of the release.
Tell me about the album.
“The album was recorded and put together in Sanger. I began production in late 2022 and we worked all of 2023 shaping it. There are 16 original tracks. We have a wide array of musicians, from local to national players.
Guitars: Fernando Jimenez, Jairus Mozee, Agape Jerry, Chris Payton.
Bass: Marcus Phillips
Trumpet: Arnetta Johnson
Accordian: Martin Hernandez
Keyboard: Isaiah Velaso and Austin Hernandez
Talkbox: Steven J Collins
Drums: Darius Lynch and Aaron ‘Stix’ Smith
The album was co-produced with Louie Lou of Reel Fonky Productions.”
Musically, where does this sit compared to your last release and other stuff you’ve put out? Was there something you were trying to accomplish with this time around?
“This is a continuation of my last record ‘A Little Night Music,’ a album rooted in smooth Latin pop/soul and R&B (with moments of rock as an ode to my past).
My goal with this album is to make great violin led music, but also to further establish this artistic direction.”
You last album got a great reception. What is the expectation for Rhapsody in Red?
“I think it may be bigger. A lot has happened since the last album and my base is even bigger. However, even if we sell 15 copies, I’m really proud of this record.”
Tell me about the release show.
I have a full band of all my favorite local heavy hitters. Edward Murray III on drums; Fernando Jimenez on guitar; Quetzal Andrade on bass; Cesar Enamarado on keys, Omar Nare on rhythm guitar and Carlos Rodriguez on percussion.”
[Editor’s note: expect music from both records and maybe a few special encores.]
You’ve created a niche for yourself playing country fairs. How has that affected the rest of your music career?
“Yes! It’s taken my all over. From Spokane to Salt Lake City to Phoenix. It’s made me stronger. Testing yourself in different markets really sharpens you up. It’s slowed down traditional venue playing, but as a performer it’s made me better.
Wherever I go, though, I’m so proud to say I’m from Fresno. This is where I learned music.”
New music: J.W. Falcon, ‘Who You Are’
J.W. Falcon is the solo project from Anton Tilgren, a multi-instrumentalist who spent ten years as a rock drummer in Los Angeles before relocating to Fresno and hooking up with the likes of The Cody Allred Band.
He is also the Falcon part of the rock duo Pedro and the Falcon.
As J.W. Falcon, Tilgren has released a pair of singles on which he is the primary song writer, producer and engineer (also guitarist, vocalist, bassist, drummer and keyboard player).
“Choices,” was released last month.
“Who You Are,” was released last week and is available now across platforms.
It’s a piece of well constructed power pop.
New music Pt. 2: Paris on Fire, ‘It’s Alright’
Paris on Fire released its three-song “It’s Alright,” EP just before the New Year, which means it may have gotten lost some in the post-holiday shuffle.
This is the new stuff from Exeter folk-punk singer (and Pagan Holiday front man) James Rice. Paris on Fire keeps some of that punk edge, but adds 2000s-style indie dance rock and Lana Del Ray sultriness from Kay Noelle’s vocals (especially on the title track).
For fans of Metric or Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
That’s it for this week. Remember you can now hear me on the Homegrown Show Sundays at 8 p.m. on New Rock 104.1 FM. Tonight I’ll have From Flowers to Flies in studio to talk about their new album and release show. Follow my other writing at The Fresno Bee. If you have anything you think I need to be looking at or listening to, feel free to let me know: jtehee@gmail.com