Search - Chronic With a K :: Ride the Thunder

CHRONIC with a K emotes a modern Americana Alternative sound with the emphasis on melody. Audiences have described The CHRONIC Sound as a 90's version of the San Francisco 60's sound that rocked an entire nation, coupled with powerful female vocals. This exciting new sound has captured new fans from all walks of life, young & old. Their lyrics speak of real life that everyone relates to. CHRONIC with a K has spawned a hot new sound for the new millennium. Leigh Stephens Leigh started playing guitar as a kid and had developed his trend setting style by the time he reached high school. He soon became an intrical part of music history as the co-founder and lead guitarist for Blue Cheer. Many music aficionados feel that Blue Cheer were the true forefathers of Heavy Metal. Leigh soon swept across the rock world helping to define the legendary San Francisco music scene. Recognized in 1976 by Cream Magazine as one of the Top 100 Guitarists of all time. It was reconfirmed again in September of 1998 when Editor & Chief, Brad Tolinski of Guitar World Magazine recognized Leigh as the number four Greatest Guitar Soloist of all time. Leigh played on the first 2 albums with Blue Cheer, Vincebus Eruptum and Outside Inside. After leaving the Cheer he went on to create two solo albums high on the collector's list, Red Weather (Phillips) and Cast of Thousands (Charisma). Leigh then formed Silver Metre with Mick Waller, who played with Jeff Beck and recorded with Rod Stewart, and Pete Sears, who went on to play with Jefferson Starship and Hot Tuna. Leigh also did some studio work on Pilot (released on RCA Records). Leigh met another fellow San Francisco musician, Bassist Ron Stone at a mutual friend's in 1992 in Cool CA. And the proverbial music sparks began to fly. Starting out as a self-indulgent good time jam Ron and Leigh soon realized that their styles melded together well and a new sound was created. In 1996 Taxim Records of Germany contacted Leigh to ask if he would add a cut to their fourth coming San Francisco blues compilation CD. Ron and Leigh agreed and "CHRONIC with a K" was born. Leigh feels that CHRONIC with a K emotes a modern Americana Alternative sound with the emphasis on melody. Audiences have described The CHRONIC Sound as a 90's version of the San Francisco 60's sound that rocked an entire nation, coupled with powerful female vocals. This exciting new sound has captured new fans from all walks of life, young & old. Their lyrics speak of real life that everyone relates to. CHRONIC with a K has spawned a hot new sound for the new millennium. CHRONIC WITH A K ANNOUNCES DEBUT CD Auburn, CA - The ChronicCorp label is proud to announce the debut of RIDE THE THUNDER, the debut CD from CHRONIC WITH A K. On All Hallows Eve (10/31) at a gala party hundreds of fans and friends helped to launch the eagerly anticipated disc from this northern California band. CHRONIC WITH A K's core consists of legendary guitarist Leigh Stephens, angelic vocals and keyboards by Melissa Olsen, pulsating rhythms from bassist Ron Stone, and percussionist Ryan Goodpastor. Stephens, a native of northern California may be best known for his licks with Blue Cheer (Summertime Blues, Parchment Farm). Known throughout the music industry as the true father of heavy metal, Leigh has played with such notables as Mick Waller (Jeff Beck & Rod Stewart) and Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship & Hot Tuna) to name a few. Melissa Olsen of Sacramento, California has been playing music since her early youth. She has recently appeared with Natalie Cortez, and the The Ultra Violets and Caron Viquire. Chronic's bassist Ron Stone grew up on the heels of Leigh. Playing with several San Francisco bands he made all the local stops; The Freight and Salvage, The Matrix, The Mandrake and the famed Fillmore Auditorium. Ron has also promoted and produced shows with such greats as John Hiatt, Jesse Colin Young, Merle Haggard, and many others. In addition to "keeping the beat" percussionist Ryan Goodpastor also served as Chronic's spiritual advisor. A classically trained drummer he has played throughout northern California with the famed "Auburn Drumline", entertaining audiences with beats from around the world. CHRONIC WITH A K creates a modern alternative sound with lots of emphasis on melody. Audiences have described Chronic as a 90's version of the San Francisco 60's rock sound that moved the entire nation combined with the powerful female vocals of today's alternative sound. This exciting new sound has captured new fans from all walks of life, young and old. Their lyrics speak of real life that everyone relates to. Their music moves your very soul with solid grooves, intriguing guitar lines, tantalizing keyboard work and creative melodies. CHRONIC WITH A K spawned a vibrant sound for the new millennium. Watch for CHRONIC WITH A K 's upcoming Japan tour in the spring of 1999.