About the Label
Founded by pianist and composer Rob Catterton, Sonoma Coast Records is an artist-run indie label based in Sonoma County, California. The label's catalog features improvisational piano, straight-ahead jazz tenor sax, psychedelic rock, and poetry set to music, rooted in the creative environment of Northern California.
Six acts call Sonoma Coast Records home
Rob Catterton
A classically-trained improvisational pianist, Rob is known for his album of original compositions, "Calico Cat." His first solo piano Grateful Dead album, "A Grand Piano Tribute to the Grateful Dead" was featured on the syndicated Sirius XM show, "Tales from the Golden Road," and "The Grateful Dead Hour." The second, "Live in The Redwoods," also drew critical acclaim from David Gans, who called Rob "a worthy practioner (of the solo piano Grateful Dead genre)." Rob also has a solo piano album of Beatles covers, "All You Need Is Love," and a collection of singles ranging from reggae to bebop. Available on all streaming platforms, or please visit robcatterton.com for downloads, free listening, and CDs.
Sonny Lewis
From Paris to New York to San Francisco, the great tenor saxophonist and flutist has played with Bud Powell, Art Blakey, Barry White, and Merle Saunders. Sonny has five albums currently available on Sonoma Coast Records: "Back In The Sixties," "Fillmore Street Live," "No Greater Love," "Live in San Francisco," and "Electric." All of these albums, and several singles, can be streamed on all platforms, and are available for downloads and free listening at sonnylewis.com. Featuring Percy Scott, piano; Harley White, Senior, bass; and Paul Smith on drums, Fillmore Street Live can also be purchased on CD.
Lush Catt Park
Lush Catt Park delivers a psychedelic rock groove and jam energy to the Sonoma Coast label. The group features Jamie Parker, a virtuoso guitarist with deep family roots in the Grateful Dead tradition. Chris Lushington brings a heavy bass foundation to the group, echoing the melodic basslines pioneered by Jack Casady and Phil Lesh. Chris was a founding member of the "Tribal Hippie Under Ground Zone (THUGZ)," and played with them for many years at the Rio Nido Roadhouse. The keys are manned by Rob Catterton, whose piano lines intertwine with Parker and Lushington to create a sonic dreamworld that is faithful to the vision of the Grateful Dead. Their first release is available on YouTube.
Sylvan Glade
Sylvan Glade is a group featuring poet Gwynn O'Gara and keyboardist Rob Catterton, complimented by the rich sonic textures provided by Jamie Parker on guitar and Chris Lushington on bass. Gwynn's poetic narratives tell stories of love, of loss, of cultural change and personal fulfillment, and the musical accompaniment brings depth and power to the visionary poetry. Read Gwynn's poetry at gwynnogara.com and her latest book, "We Who Dream."
Catterton Family Band
The Catterton Family Band is a family jam project that makes every visit special, and holidays joyful beyond compare. Led by Rob Catterton and son Chris with improvised 20-finger piano duets, the Catterton Family Band is completed by Gwynn O'Gara and future daughter-in-law Rebecca on vocals and percussion, with occasional guest appearances by nephew David on guitar. A purely improvisational group, the jams are very musical and fun to listen to. Stay tuned for updates, videos, and upcoming releases.
Damaged Banana Band
Founded in 1978, the DBB was one of the earliest known Grateful Dead cover bands. Known for glittering Dark Stars and a surprisingly deep catalog of original material, the echoes of this pioneering band are still being felt. Featuring John Stewart and Tom Reiners on guitar and vocals, Rob Catterton on keyboards, Ed Large on bass, and Jon Leet on drums, the group found time to gig in Telluride, Vail, and Colorado Springs, even though the band members were students from Colorado College! John Stewart went on to gig with Bob Weir, and on one notable occasion, included Rob Catterton on the date. Archival tapes are being assessed for restoration and release. Learn more about the Damaged Banana Band on Facebook.