R.I.P. Fresno singer, poet, performer Lou Standifer

Also, a new(ish) EP from songwriter J.D. Garza and John Clifton's motorcycle adventures (now on Youtube)

I never knew Lou Standifer outright, but had met him on occasion while out about at shows and whatnot, as local musicians do; this being Fresno and the circle of performing/music folks being small.

Standifer died last week from complications of COVID-19. He had been in the hospital and on a ventilator for several weeks.

I remember Lou mostly from his time with the ska band Hobo Erotic, but those who knew or shared a stage with the man remember him as a dynamic open mic poet, performer, educator and musician.

The last time I saw Lou was at a run-through rehearsal for Vince Warner’s Buddy Holly tribute show in 2019. Lou was supposed to sing “Maybe Baby” and “Dearest.”

If I remember correctly, he didn’t end up making the show for whatever reason and Roger Perry took his place on the songs last minute.

Some will remember the social media campaign for Standifer’s son Jackson (or Jax), who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2014.

The family has created a fund to pay for Lou’s last wishes — a final motorcycle ride and memorial by the ocean — and to help support his son in the future.

(Photo of Lou courtesy of Rebecca Caraveo)

J.D., “Into the Woods”

“Into the Woods,” is the debut EP from Hanford singer songwriter J.D. Garza and a strong showing for anyone who’s into quiet, contemplative love songs that swell into louder, emotive love songs (outstandingly so on “Come Around” and the upbeat “I Try”).

Surprisingly, the album was produced by FAROOQ screamer Daniel Dominguez, who co-wrote and arranged the six songs and did the mixing and mastering. It was recorded in the hardcore band’s practice space with several of the band members putting in performances.

“So much FAROOQ happening, and you’d never know by hearing it because J. D. owns every note he sings,” Dominguez says.

Indeed, J.D.’s voice is the key here. The album’s best moments allow the instrumentation to almost becomes ambient support for his melodies.

See: “Weight of the World.”

The EP was released in November through On Captain Recordings, the record label imprint Dominguez runs with his “homie/engineer” Javi Garcia.

John Clifton: Blues Harp Biker

Like many touring musicians, John Clifton has had some time on his hands, what with the pandemic happening and live gigs being sidelined for the foreseeable future.

To fill the time he’s grown out his hair and a beard. He’s also created the Youtube channel Blues Harp Biker.

True to the name, the channel chronicles Clifton’s motorcycling adventures, though he assures us there will be music at some point. The four videos he’s uploaded so far are the kind of niche nerd stuff for which Youtube is famous.

It’s interesting if you, like Clifton, are really into motorcycle and motorcycle factoids (see his 1974 Honda CB125S project bike vid).

Or, if you’re like me and just like watching people geek out on things.

What am I missing? If you have anything you think I need to know, feel free to reach out: jtehee@gmail.com