East West (band)
Encyclopedia
East West was a Christian metal
band from Irvine
, California
, who later re-located to Corona, California
. The band takes its name from the Bible
verse Psalms 103:12
.
While many members were replaced during East West's timeline, the best-known line-up included Mike Tubbs (vocals), Mike "House" Housen (guitar
), James "JJ" Jenkins (bass
), Bobby Vegura (drums
). In 2002
, Housen departed and was replaced by John Druse.
Nothing has been heard of East West
since the May/June 2003 issue of HM Magazine
, in which Mike Tubbs had this to say:
in the San Fernando Valley
, by Mike Housen (guitar, backing vocals
), Eric Kieselhorst (vocals), Stan Barrett(guitar and keyboard and back vocals) and Ralph Lamagna (drums). David Pryor joined the band in 1989 playing Bass Guitar in place of the sythesizer. The band hit a low in 1990 when the guitarist (Rob ?)at the time was fired, and Ralph Lamagna left the band to get married. For a short time the band conisted of Mike Housen and David Pryor who intended on being a synth based pop band like the Information Society. But then Pryor left the band and Housen had to reform it. The band played frequently at the Sunset Strip
and opened for well-known bands of the time like Mary's Danish
and Warrant
. The band's song "Southern Dawn" was in KROQ-FM
's rotation. Housen later moved to Orange County
, and reformed East West in 1991
. This version was influenced by U2
and consisted of Housen (vocals, guitar), Dave Barrs (guitar), Bob Vergura (drums) and Dave Detloff (bass).
Original Members of EastWest.
In 1992
, Housen crossed paths with Mike Tubbs, a friendship evolved, and Tubbs eventually joined the band as guitarist. East West was then redefined as a rapcore band with strong melodies, three-part harmonies and heavy extreme metal
influences. At this point, the other members were Paul "Boomer" Droste (drums) and Paul "Soth" Nasfell (bass, vocals). Together, they recorded a five-song demo, which was released in 1995
. During this period, Housen provided lead vocals.
Ben Dacanay (drums) replaced Droste in 1995 after the bands first show at the Whiskey (where they released their untitled 5 song EP) and Ted Su (bass) replaced Nasfell in 1996 when Nasfell left the band for family reasons. East West continued to evolve musically, and recorded Rachel's Silence (released in 1996
) and an unreleased studio album
in 1997
. Shortly after, Dacanay and Su left the group. It was around this time that Housen decided to focus more on guitar and songwriting, while Tubbs became the lead vocalist. The band then re-located to Corona, California.
After nine years of absence from the music scene, Paul Nasfell resurfaced in 2005
as Paul Justin, and is now fronting the country
band The Saloonatixx.
East West with Members Mike Tubbs, Bobby "Vee" Vergura, James "J.J." Jenkins and Jon Druse..went on to tour North America and Europe for 5 years straight before deciding to take a break and reunite with their families.
East West with Members Mike Tubbs, Bobby "Vee" Vergura, JJ Jenkins and Jon Druse..went on to tour North America and Europe for 5 years straight before deciding to take a break and reunite with their families.
In early July James was asked to help record to tribute songs for a Deliverance tribute record to be released this fall tentatively. He worked with former members of Oil, Jason Vanderpal (drums) Blake Nelson (guitars) and Ron Rinehart (vocals).
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band from Irvine
Irvine, California
Irvine is a suburban incorporated city in Orange County, California, United States. It is a planned city, mainly developed by the Irvine Company since the 1960s. Formally incorporated on December 28, 1971, the city has a population of 212,375 as of the 2010 census. However, the California...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, who later re-located to Corona, California
Corona, California
Corona is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 152,374, up from 124,966 at the 2000 census...
. The band takes its name from the Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
verse Psalms 103:12
Psalm 103
Psalm 103 is the 103rd psalm from the Book of Psalms . The first verse attributes it to King David, the author of many Psalms. J.A...
.
While many members were replaced during East West's timeline, the best-known line-up included Mike Tubbs (vocals), Mike "House" Housen (guitar
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
), James "JJ" Jenkins (bass
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
), Bobby Vegura (drums
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
). In 2002
2002 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2002.-Events:*February 3 – U2 perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVI...
, Housen departed and was replaced by John Druse.
Nothing has been heard of East West
East West
-Conceptual use:*East–West dichotomy, the contrast between Eastern and Western society or culture*East–West Schism, the division of Chalcedonian Christianity into Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy-Books, journals and magazines:...
since the May/June 2003 issue of HM Magazine
HM Magazine
HM: The Hard Music Magazine is an American bimonthly publication focusing on both Christianity and hard rock. Articles include news, album and festival reviews, posters, artists to watch, indie artist reviews, devotionals and interviews with Christian artists...
, in which Mike Tubbs had this to say:
Early history
East West was formed in 19881988 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1988.-January-March:* January 1 – André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra plays its first concert....
in the San Fernando Valley
San Fernando Valley
The San Fernando Valley is an urbanized valley located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area of southern California, United States, defined by the dramatic mountains of the Transverse Ranges circling it...
, by Mike Housen (guitar, backing vocals
Backing vocalist
A backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
), Eric Kieselhorst (vocals), Stan Barrett(guitar and keyboard and back vocals) and Ralph Lamagna (drums). David Pryor joined the band in 1989 playing Bass Guitar in place of the sythesizer. The band hit a low in 1990 when the guitarist (Rob ?)at the time was fired, and Ralph Lamagna left the band to get married. For a short time the band conisted of Mike Housen and David Pryor who intended on being a synth based pop band like the Information Society. But then Pryor left the band and Housen had to reform it. The band played frequently at the Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is the name given to the mile-and-a-half stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood, California. It extends from West Hollywood's eastern border with Hollywood at Harper Avenue, to its western border with Beverly Hills at Sierra Drive...
and opened for well-known bands of the time like Mary's Danish
Mary's Danish
Mary's Danish were an alternative rock band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in the late 1980s and released a series of albums until 1992. The band creatively blended of rock, funk, country and soul elements....
and Warrant
Warrant (American band)
Warrant is an American heavy metal band from Hollywood, California, that experienced success from 1989-1996 with five albums reaching international sales of over 10 million. The band first came into the national spotlight with their debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, and one of its...
. The band's song "Southern Dawn" was in KROQ-FM
KROQ-FM
KROQ-FM — branded 106.7 KROQ — is a commercial modern rock radio station licensed to Pasadena, California serving the Greater Los Angeles. The call sign is pronounced "kay rock." It is the flagship station of Loveline hosted by Dr...
's rotation. Housen later moved to Orange County
Orange County, California
Orange County is a county in the U.S. state of California. Its county seat is Santa Ana. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,010,232, up from 2,846,293 at the 2000 census, making it the third most populous county in California, behind Los Angeles County and San Diego County...
, and reformed East West in 1991
1991 in music
See also:* 1991 in music Record labels established in 1991-Summary:The year 1991 is the year that grunge music made its popular breakthrough. Nirvana's Nevermind, led by the surprise hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", becomes the most popular U.S. album of the year...
. This version was influenced by U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
and consisted of Housen (vocals, guitar), Dave Barrs (guitar), Bob Vergura (drums) and Dave Detloff (bass).
Original Members of EastWest.
In 1992
1992 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992.-January–February:*January 11**Nirvana's Nevermind album goes to #1 in the US Billboard 200 chart, establishing the widespread popularity of the Grunge movement of the 1990s....
, Housen crossed paths with Mike Tubbs, a friendship evolved, and Tubbs eventually joined the band as guitarist. East West was then redefined as a rapcore band with strong melodies, three-part harmonies and heavy extreme metal
Extreme metal
Extreme metal is a loosely defined umbrella term for a number of related heavy metal music subgenres that have developed since the early 1980s. The term usually refers to a more abrasive, harsher, underground, non-commercialized style or sound nearly always associated with genres like black metal,...
influences. At this point, the other members were Paul "Boomer" Droste (drums) and Paul "Soth" Nasfell (bass, vocals). Together, they recorded a five-song demo, which was released in 1995
1995 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1995.- January–February :*January 18 – Jerry Garcia crashes his rented BMW into a guard rail near Mill Valley, California, USA, but is not injured in the accident....
. During this period, Housen provided lead vocals.
Ben Dacanay (drums) replaced Droste in 1995 after the bands first show at the Whiskey (where they released their untitled 5 song EP) and Ted Su (bass) replaced Nasfell in 1996 when Nasfell left the band for family reasons. East West continued to evolve musically, and recorded Rachel's Silence (released in 1996
1996 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1996.-January:* January – At the trial of two American teenagers, Nicholaus McDonald and Brian Bassett, for the murder of Bassett's parents and young brother, defense lawyers attempt to lay the blame for the murders on the fact...
) and an unreleased studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
in 1997
1997 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1997.-January:*January 9 – David Bowie performs his 50th Birthday Bash concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA with guests Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith of The Cure, Lou Reed, and Billy...
. Shortly after, Dacanay and Su left the group. It was around this time that Housen decided to focus more on guitar and songwriting, while Tubbs became the lead vocalist. The band then re-located to Corona, California.
After nine years of absence from the music scene, Paul Nasfell resurfaced in 2005
2005 in music
-Events:*During the year 2005, 12 rock music albums scored number 1 in the USA. This was the first time even ten albums have scored number 1 since 1996.-January:...
as Paul Justin, and is now fronting the country
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
band The Saloonatixx.
East West with Members Mike Tubbs, Bobby "Vee" Vergura, James "J.J." Jenkins and Jon Druse..went on to tour North America and Europe for 5 years straight before deciding to take a break and reunite with their families.
Tubbs' faith
Mike Tubbs has been interviewed by both Icon New Media Network and Ancient Faith Radio about his conversion to the Orthodox faith (see external links section).East West with Members Mike Tubbs, Bobby "Vee" Vergura, JJ Jenkins and Jon Druse..went on to tour North America and Europe for 5 years straight before deciding to take a break and reunite with their families.
Silent Rise
James has started his own solo project in which 2 songs have been recorded as demos. The band is called Silent Rise referring to how the humble through quiet service will be lifted up. He has about 15 to 20 songs written. Silent Rise can be found on Myspace and Facebook. The band consists of Jeremy Collins - Vocals, James Jenkins- Bass, TBA- Guitars, and TBA- Drums.In early July James was asked to help record to tribute songs for a Deliverance tribute record to be released this fall tentatively. He worked with former members of Oil, Jason Vanderpal (drums) Blake Nelson (guitars) and Ron Rinehart (vocals).
Discography
- East West Demo - Not for Resale EP (19951995 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1995.- January–February :*January 18 – Jerry Garcia crashes his rented BMW into a guard rail near Mill Valley, California, USA, but is not injured in the accident....
) (Independent) - Rachel's Silence (19961996 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1996.-January:* January – At the trial of two American teenagers, Nicholaus McDonald and Brian Bassett, for the murder of Bassett's parents and young brother, defense lawyers attempt to lay the blame for the murders on the fact...
) (TISUMI Records) - Untitled (19971997 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1997.-January:*January 9 – David Bowie performs his 50th Birthday Bash concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA with guests Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith of The Cure, Lou Reed, and Billy...
) (TISUMI Records) (Unreleased) - East WestEast West (album)East West is the fifth release from East West. Vintage, a remastered edition, was released in 2003.-Track listing:#"Prelude" – 0:33#"Reason" – 2:12#"Down" – 4:41#"Thru 2 U" – 2:24#"Blame" – 3:03#"She Cries" – 5:43#"Thorn of Rage" – 3:51...
(19981998 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1998.-Events:*January 28 – "Weird Al" Yankovic gets LASIK surgery to cure his myopia...
) (Backbone Records) - The Light In Guinevere's GardenThe Light In Guinevere's GardenThe Light In Guinevere's Garden is the sixth album released by East West. It received the Dove award for hard rock album of the year in 2002. By most fans, it is considered to be their best album.-Track listing:#"Wake" – 3:12#"Song-X" – 2:41...
(20012001 in musicSee also:* 2001 in music Record labels established in 2001-Events:*January 1**Comeback of Guns N' Roses in House of Blues**Hum disbands.*January 17 – Bass player Jason Newsted leaves Metallica after 14 years with the band....
) (Floodgate RecordsFloodgate RecordsFloodgate Records was a part of the East West Records family of labels. It was founded in 2000 and managed by Tim Taber . Initial distribution was through Word Records, and marketing through Rocketown. Their first release was All I Have, a worship album by Rita Springer...
) - Vintage (East West re-release) (20032003 in music-January:* January – following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It Be sessions. Five people are arrested...
) (Floodgate) - Hope In AnguishHope In AnguishHope in Anguish is the eighth album released by East West. Most of the band's fans were highly disappointed with the CD, saying that the band has lost its hardcore sound, and that there were not enough Christian-influenced songs on the CD.-Track listing:...
(2003) (Floodgate)
External links
- East West at MySpace
- Biography from Jesus Freak HideoutJesus Freak HideoutJesus Freak Hideout is a Christian music website. The website specializes in reviewing, previewing, and selling Christian albums. The website is known for its album reviews, independent music, artist interviews, concert dates and ministry through devotionals and prayer...
- Website from 1997
- MP3s of Rachel's Silence
- MP3s of the 1995 Demo
- Paul Justin's Website (AKA: Paul Nasfell)
- Mike Tubbs interview with Ancient Faith Radio
- Mike Tubbs interview with Icon New Media Network