The Guitar Channel

Videos: OHM & Polcat at The Baked Potato - 1/24/12

OHM joined by Don Roper and Frank Catalano

Polcat w/ Malcolm-Jamal Warner - "Microphone Check"

Photos and Mini-Review: OHM & Polcat - Live at Alva's 1/20/12

One of the highlights of my recent NAMM trip was seeing the double bill of OHM and Polcat  - which both feature Chris Poland on guitar - at Alva's in San Pedro CA on Friday, January 20th. Though I've seen OHM several times, I was particularly interested in this gig as it was my first time seeing the band with drummer David Eagle, who was really great. The band was ferocious as always; super intense from start to finish. Bassist Robert 'Pag' Pagliari also had a fantastic solo spot, and Poland's playing and killer tones seem to get better every time I see him.

Second on the bill was the first-ever live performace by Polcat, which made it a real treat to see. Their debut album should be released soon (you can pre-order and listen to samples here), and I can tell you the material is way-cool. Led by Poland and sax phenom Frank Catalano, Polcat's music is a funky mix of jazz and rock that reminded me at times of the legendary New York fusion band Lost Tribe. I was very curious to see how Poland would fit in with a band like this, and came away with the impression that his input is the 'secret sauce' that gives the group it's unique vibe, or at least contributes greatly to it. Poland's quirky, often 'outside,' harmonic sense lends a distinctive sound to the band that it wouldn't have with any other guitarist. Polcat also features bassist Sean O'Bryan Smith and drummer Jim Gifford - both monster players. I was seriously digging O'Bryan's flanged tone and Gifford's work on such a minimal kit. Can't wait to hear the album. Follow the link below for my photos from this great night.

Photos: OHM & Polcat - Live at Alva's 1/20/12

 

UPDATE: The Polcat album is currently available through iTunes.

Video: Polcat - Live at Alva's 1/20/12

Some cool footage of Polcat at Alva's Showroom on 1/20/12. With Chris Poland on guitar, Frank Catalano on sax, Sean O'Bryan Smith on bass, and Jim Gifford on drums. I was in attendance for this show. What a killer band. Look for my photos soon.

Video: OHM - "Where's My Hat" Live at Alva's 1/20/12

Here's a short video I shot of OHM at Alva's Showroom on 1/20/12. Chris Poland - guitar, Robert Pagliari - bass, David Eagle - drums. Sorry for the focus issues.

Polcat Sneak Peek - "Forget About It"

"Forget About It" from the forthcoming Polcat album featuring Chris Poland on guitar, Frank Catalano on sax, Sean O'Bryan Smith on bass, and Jim Gifford on drums.

Chris Poland Live Dates with OHM, OHMphrey, Polcat

Several shows coming up on the west coast with Chris Poland's bands OHM, OHMphrey, and his latest project Polcat (Look for Polcat's debut album in 2012). See dates and locations below. Also, OHM will be calling in to Mark Torres' "Travel Tips for Atzlan" show on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles on November 26th.

Dec 1st, 2011  OHMphrey  Winston's - San Diego, CA

Dec 2nd, 2011  OHMphrey  Viper Room - Hollywood, CA  Cancelled

Dec 3rd, 2011  OHMphrey  Slim's - San Francisco, CA

Jan 20th, 2012  OHM & Polcat (Double Bill)  Alva's - San Pedro, CA

Jan 22nd, 2012  Polcat  Salvador's Jazz Suite - Los Angeles, CA 

Jan 24th, 2012  OHM & Polcat (Double Bill)  Baked Potato - Studio City, CA


The Lineups

OHM: Chris Poland - Guitar, Robertino "Pag" Pagliari - Bass, David Eagle - Drums

OHMphrey: Chris Poland - Guitar, Robertino "Pag" Pagliari - Bass, Jake Cinninger - Guitar, Joel Cummins - Keys, Kris Myers - Drums
   
Polcat: Chris Poland - Guitar, Frank Catalano - Tenor Saxophone, Sean O'Bryan Smith - Bass, Jim Gifford - Drums

Photos: OHMphrey - Live at Park West, Chicago IL 10/8/11

Saw OHMphrey at the Park West in Chicago last night (feat Chris Poland (guitar) and Robertino "Pag" Pagliari (bass) from OHM, and Jake Cinninger (guitar), Joel Cummins (keys), and Kris Myers (drums) from Umphrey's McGee). Killer show. Their new material is seriously grooving; can't wait for the new album to come out. See link below for a gallery of my pics.

Photos: OHMphrey - Live at Park West, Chicago IL 10/8/11

New Chris Poland Band Project: Polcat

OHM guitarist Chris Poland is involved with a new band project called Polcat. The group's debut album is currently in the mixing stage, and will be released on GrooveQuest Records (a release date has not yet been announced). From the official Polcat Facebook page: "The debut of a new form of jazz supergroup. Four of the jazz world's most unique artists coming together to find a common ground. That is what created Polcat. The band consists of the astounding talents of fusion guitar icon Chris Poland (OHM/Megadeth), Grammy nominated sax giant Frank Catalano (Miles Davis, Beyonce' to Bennett and everything in between), Internationally acclaimed solo artist/bassist Sean O'Bryan Smith (Larry Carlton to Keith Urban and other parts unknown), and drum phenomenon Jim Gifford (Guthrie Govan, Bill "Buddha" Dickens, Roy Vogt and more).

Polcat takes their extremely diverse backgrounds of solo performance coupled with a musical repertoire spanning every inch of the music industry to create their own take on the next step in contemporary jazz. Four composers, locked in a room, and created pure music from its most basic properties. The chemistry was instant and we can't wait to share it with all of you."

OHMphrey 2011 Midwest Tour Dates

OHMPhrey will be playing the following dates in the midwest this October. Featuring Chris Poland (guitar) and Robertino "Pag" Pagliari (bass) from OHM, and Jake Cinninger (guitar), Joel Cummins (keys), and Kris Myers (drums) from Umphrey's McGee, the fusion supergroup will be releasing a follow-up to their 2009 self-titled debut later this year.

October 5th Bell's - Kalamazoo, MI

October 6th Majestic Theatre - Madison, WI

October 7th Canopy Club - Urbana, IL

October 8th Park West - Chicago, IL

Video: OHMphrey - Live at the Baked Potato 6/10/11 "Someone Said You Were Dead"

OHMphrey playing "Someone Said You Were Dead" live at The Baked Potato on 6/10/11. With Chris Poland (guitar) and Robertino "Pag" Pagliari (bass) from OHM, and Jake Cinninger (guitar), Joel Cummins (keys), and Kris Myers (drums) from Umphrey's McGee.

OHMphrey to record new album in June

Great news! Jam/Fusion supergroup OHMphrey will head back into the studio this June to record a follow-up to their killer 2009 self-titled debut. The new album will be released later this year on Magna Carta Records. The band will also be performing at the Baked Potato in North Hollywood on June 10th. OHMphrey features Chris Poland (guitar) and Robertino "Pag" Pagliari (bass) from OHM, and Jake Cinninger (guitar), Joel Cummins (keys), and Kris Myers (drums) from Umphrey's McGee.

Chris Poland Interview for Focus on Metal Podcast

The latest episode of the Focus on Metal podcast features an interview with Chris Poland. Topics of discussion include Chris' gear, his Megadeth days, and much more. You can download the new episode directly through the Focus on Metal podcast page, or subscribe to the show in iTunes.