OUR SATORI: Press

OUR SATORI BY AMANDA MARTINEZ

Intrepid is the word that most readily comes to mind in describing the motivations of singer-song- writer Asher, frontman of the local band Our Satori. The characteristic strongly and consistently manifests both in the experiences he seeks and his willingness to express his emotions in his lyrics.

Picking up the guitar in June of 2000, Asher played solo for about six years, taking restaurant gigs, parties, playing on the street, “whatever I could get,” he says. His first disc, 2006’s Neptune’s Satori, an intimate collection of acoustic, alt-rock ruminations, started a buzz about town, but where the expectation might have been for Asher to strap in and start promoting himself, the young musician instead, took off to Europe, sans companions, for two and a half months. It was there, steeped in exotic isolation, that Asher, who attributes his staunch independence to his birth sign, the feisty loner, Aquarius, really came to grips with his longing for community. “I was sitting in the desert of Turkey and watching this beautiful sunset,” he recalls. “I’d just checked out this ancient town, and I was so sad and lonely ... That was one of the biggest things I learned—how much I appreciate community and being able to share moments with people.” Establishing that connection with others, the ability to share an experience, says Asher, is a huge part of why he writes and plays. “When people come up and tell me ‘oh, you did a great job, I really liked your sound,’ I’m always grateful for those comments,” he says. “But when they say they were listening to the words and it actually helped them in some way, that makes me feel better than anything.”

While many songwriters use their lyrics as a platform to dwell in reflection, Asher’s songs tend to hook into an immediate emotional moment (a choice to be made, feelings to be admitted) and then employ a strategy of calm reasoning that leaves the chaos of that moment behind in favor of a soul-settling, big-picture perspective. Says the songwriter, this approach comes from the band’s philosophy and namesake, satori, a Zen Buddhist term meaning “to reawaken to each moment” while maintaining a state of “continual awareness.” In truly capturing satori, Asher’s songs are often written “in a matter of minutes.” Concerts are also an opportunity to observe satori. “They’re a moment of awareness and escape, and a journey into this moment right now and right here,” he says. “People can come and enjoy themselves. They can escape from the bullshit they experienced today and that they’re going to have to experience tomorrow.” The band formerly known as Asher’s Satori has in recent weeks recast itself as Our Satori, a formal recognition of bass player Aaron Glass and percussionist Mike Pinette, and a group identity that Asher says has existed for quite some time. “It’s always been Our Satori. It’s always been more than just me.” The band plans to release a live EP soon, and as such, will record the entirety of this Tuesday’s gig in the hopes of harvesting “two or three performances that we’re really stoked on.” Asher has promised that all those in attendance who sign up for the band’s mailing list will receive a free copy of the recording. “We just want a lot of energy to be in that room,” he says, “because the more people are there, the better we’re all going to sound.”

"Our Satori’s singer often hears that he sounds like Jack Johnson, and it’s no coincidence.

“He definitely was an inspiration for me to mellow out from my punk-fanatic age,” said Asher Stern, who fronts the Santa Cruz trio that will make its Tahoe debut Friday, March 20, at the Divided Sky in Meyers."... (click the link for full article)

"Upbeat and catchy, like something off Jack Johnson's Brushfire Fairytales... They transform from laid-back pop to straight-ahead jazz-rock with a dynamic level Jack Johnson has yet to accomplish."... (click the link for full article)

Sunday, March 01, 2009

IF ASHER IS THE MAN WITH THE MESSAGE THEN AARON AND MIKE ARE THE DELIVERY MEN
Scott and I ran down to Santa Cruz for Our Satori's CD release party held at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center last Friday night, February 27, 2009. Asher Stern, Aaron Glass and Mike Pinette were guests on American Songwriter last fall. At that time, their plan was to move in together and practice, practice, practice -- which I learned from Mike they did. The result is "Remember to Breathe", an EP with six great songs. And they have developed many more original songs, which they performed during their 19-song set. They are going on a brief tour the end of the month, and they are ready.

It's hard to describe Our Satori. They are three guys who could make a living playing to the beach and the tourist crowd. They are laid back and I can hear the influence of California's beautiful coast and the beaches of Hawaii in Asher's lyrics and in some of the traditional surf riffs that "surf-ace" in their arrangements. However, they take their strong coastal influence and infuse it with rock, jazz, pop and world music elements. They have created a unique sound, very listenable sound. The sound was there last fall, but it is very defined now and so tightly delivered. I didn't want to step out and take a call coz I was afraid I'd miss something.

The production values on the CD are GREAT, but visually these fellows are riveting to watch and they are so different from one another. Very distinctive personalities on stage that mesh well. Mike Pinette is a drumming phenomenon. His stick work (can I say stick work) on Back into your Heart - which is NOT on the EP is amazing. He maintains intense energy and momentum while managing to keep the band locked down. If he didn't, bassist Aaron Glass would probably fly off the stage. The bass as a lyric instrument? Yeh, when Aaron's playing it, it has melody and presence due to unusually singable bass lines. Aaron has a way of stepping forward to the edge of the stage, sharing his love of the experience with the audience. Lead guitarist, principal songwriter and vocalist, Asher has the face of an angel that has seen some stuff. His voice is beautiful and expressive. His lyrics are straightforward with some startling subtleties that are well set up and flow effortlessly. He has a decided point of view and he is going to get it across to you in every song. Negativity is nowhere. And the sooner you can rid yourself of its influence the fuller your life will be. He sings with moving authority, a voice of experience, not world weary, but world wise. He's got that kind of message. If you like being down and depressed, steer clear, or better yet, come and be cheered.

The room was divided between people content to hang out at the cocktail tables on the sides of the hall and the crowded dance floor which pretty much undulated the whole night with enthusiastic dancers and fans who sang along. I sat next to a couple of out-of-towners who happened to wander in and they stayed the whole night. They were really pleased with their stumblebum.

Gianni of Jason Bond and the Committee, the band which opened for Our Satori sat in on "All I Need" both on the CD and on Friday night's performance. The classic sound of the Hammond brings a lot to the song and was a nice touch of support and comradeship. Asher's beautiful sister Chelsea joined the band on the last song and then sang a cover with the band for the encore. Chelsea has a beautiful voice and terrific stage presence. It was great to other members of Asher's family there supporting him and the band as well as all the enthusiastic fans who turned out for a great evening.

A WORD ABOUT THE COMMITTEE

Jason Bond and the Committee opened for Our Satori. Jason, Bobby, Nate and Gianni played original songs, primarily written by Jason, in a super tight R&B style. Their formal black suits and some derbys were a nice touch. A nice surprise for me, besides listening to some great blues/funk/soul wrapped around some good lyrics, was Gianni's Hammond organ with the Lesley in tow. You don't get to see that out as much as you used too and it has a sound like nothing else. So catch The Committee if you have a chance as well.