October 2011,
The 7th of this month marked the date of my birthday. It also marked the date for CIRCA's show in Redondo Beach. I had spoken earlier with Billy Sherwood who invited me to see the show in person. I had also arranged to meet with other music industry acquaintances over at the concert. The weather was a typical, beautifully perfect example of California weather and things were shaping up well for me to have a good evening.
I arrived at the venue somewhat early. The place called Brixton South Bay, is a nightclub located at the base of the Redondo Beach Pier which is quite the lovely place at night. Not too long after I arrived, the first of two opening bands came out on-stage. A trio from Alabama called Thrine. The music was high-energy rock which for some reason, reminded me of Sammy Hagar's best solo stuff. I got one of the free CDs they handed out to listen to after the show on my way back to my Hotel. I felt the CD didn't quite capture the energy they had on stage. To me, they are definitely a better live band than a studio band which is good since their CD seemed to be just a tool for them to get bookings. I must say though, that they were quite good at what they do. I enjoyed watching their set which ended with a catchy tune called "Lately" that in my opinion has lots of potential.
Sometime between the first band and the second band, some of the other guys I was meeting with arrived. The second act came to the stage with what it seemed like six or seven people on the stage. The band was called Union of Saints and seemed to be well know around the area. Their music was too much like Journey and Toto which is not exactly my cup of tea. We decided to take a break and go outside to talk whilst contemplating the beauty of the pier at night.
We came back just in time for CIRCA to take the stage. The band consists of Billy Sherwood on bass and vocals and Tony Kaye on keyboards, two ex-Yes men who also were in Yoso with Bobby Kimball. On guitars, Johnny Bruhns who's a very talented guitarrist. The drum seat was occupied by Scott Connor. Scott used to be in a couple Genesis tribute bands (Gabble Ratchet and Squonk). He is also very talented and his drumming fits CIRCA like a glove. Prior to this latest lineup, the band has gone through some personnel changes. It started with Sherwood, Kaye and Alan White (all from Yes), plus the addition of Jimmy Haun (who also recorded some tracks on a couple of Yes albums) on guitars. At some point, White left to be back with Yes. This in turn, opened the door for Jay Schellen to fill the vacant drums seat. Jay himself eventually left to be in ASIA featuring John Payne. Eventually, CIRCA would loose Jimmy Haun who chose a successful career in composing music for commercial advertising. Replacing the departed were Ronnie Ciago on drums and Bruhns on guitars. But Ciago's turn wasn't meant to be as previous contractual obligations forced him to leave the band after a short period of time. Enter Scott Connor, a drummer familiar with the band's style having worked before with Sherwood and Yoso.