VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 8 | August, 2021
BRIGHT WEST
AUGUST 2021 BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM
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What’s In A Name?
Bright West
Formerly known as Malachi Henry and the Lights, with a lineup change, this soulful rock trio is now known as Bright West. Featuring Ben Hernandez (lead vocals, songwriter), Kevin Spencer (guitars, vocals) and Scot Smart (guitars, bass, vocals), they released their debut EP, Breakers, earlier this month with new music already in the works. “The name change was a long time coming,” said Hernandez. “At the time, I needed a name for the band immediately, and although it still carries a lot of meaning (that’s a story for another time), it was just too long: Malachi Henry and the Lights. It was difficult for people to say, spell, or remember.” The latter was a particular sticking point. “I would watch the enthusiasm drain out of people’s faces when I would tell them our band name,” he continued. “I knew instantly that
there was no way that they would remember it! I was on the hunt for something simpler; one or two words. Easy to remember. We eventually landed on Bright West.” As for the lineup change, “it came mostly out of necessity, Hernandez said. “Scot and I each had another child in the thick of the pandemic and I also went back to school.” Meanwhile, as with everyone, the pandemic caused disruption. “A couple of us also didn’t feel comfortable being indoors together rehearsing because of the virus and vulnerable family members. Then we watched venue after venue shut down. I just sort of let everything go during that time. I felt so overwhelmed with things at home that I just kind of fell off the face of the earth and didn’t keep very consistent contact with the band.” Eventually, it was decided to disband Malachi Henry and the Lights as it was, with five members, and concentrate more on the 3 founding members - Hernandez, Spencer and Smart. “Our drummer, Cheyne Dolly and bass player Aaron Hook, were still finding gigs and working because they’re amazing musicians, but we weren’t. So there wasn’t much point to keeping them on, for a band that didn’t really exist. With all of that, it was just a perfect time to start over. New name, new
music, new direction. Why not?” In addition to Hernandez work with Bright West, he also has sung with with legendary singer Mavis Staples. “I toured as a backup singer with Mavis for about six weeks during the summer of 2019, then again recently for their first show back after the shut-down in June at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival,” he recalled. “These were some of the most amazing experiences of my life that I’ll cherish forever. Mavis is one of my musical idols, so it blows my mind when I can look over on stage and realize that I’m up there with one of the greatest! But it’s equally as earth-shaking when I’ve had quiet moments, off-stage with her, talking about new music she’s into, what her daily life is like, or hearing first hand stories about times with Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin or Martin Luther King, Jr.” Hernandez is looking forward to more touring and touring, the new streamlined band, Bright West has him re-energized and ready to make music. “Now we get to work at our own pace,” he said. “We can record from our own homes. We will eventually live stream some stuff. Put out some videos. Record more stuff. We’re not in a hurry and that feels very refreshing.” www.brightwest.bandcamp.com
JERRY RANEY
SDMA 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award Jerry Raney
San Diego’s music community comes together on August 24 for the San Diego Music Awards, taking place at Humphrey’s Concert’s by the Bay. Trophies will be handed out on the night in nineteen categories with money raised at the showcase concerts going to the San Diego Music Foundations Music In Schools programs. The night will feature performances from The Frets, Ed Kornhauser, Brisa Lauren, Cindy Lee Berryhill, Marujah, Electric Mud and Chickenbone Slim, with a special pair of songs from this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, guitarist Jerry Raney. Currently performing with The Farmers, Raney has been a staple of San LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com
Jerry Raney by Dan Chusid
Diego’s music scene since the early 1960’s, playing in a string of bands that’s seen him tour the world, including The Roosters, Glory and The Beat Farmers. “Of course I feel honored by the award,” Raney said good naturedly. “It’s actually a little humbling, as I feel I could have accomplished more, but, I yam what I yam.” Raney has been a regular attendee of the SDMA’s, taking home a couple of awards with his bands over the years, most recently The Farmers with “Best Rock Band” in 2018, so even sans
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trophy, the night is something he considers special. “I always look forward to seeing musicians and friends that I don’t see every day,” he said. He notes the real action is at the venue’s back bar. “Everyone is busy with their own thing most of the time and don’t always make it to each other’s shows. I think that’s why it ends up being so loud, most people are partying and talking, and that’s cool with me. I know it irritates some people, but we’re a bunch of musicians, what do they expect? It’s all good in my
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opinion, if your friend is next to you and doesn’t hear that he won, tap him on the shoulder and send him up. I needed that in 2018. Ha!” Bringing his career full circle, Raney will be joined by his son Nathan for the band’s two songs. “I’m not sure what they will be yet. Riverside will probably be one of them though.” Raney is proud to have his son join him onstage anytime, but in particular for this performance. “Not only is Nathan talented as can be, he has a wonderful exuberance about being able to be on stage and do what he does,” Raney said. “He has a blast, and it shows. He belongs up there.” Reflecting back on a lifetime in music, does it feel like time has passed or has rock ‘n’ roll kept him young? “I do feel that playing rock n roll keeps me young,” Raney said. “I’m still a teenager in my mind.” www.thefarmersmusic. com
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