The Strata-Tones

Rank #12 San Luis Obispo, CA Blues / R&B

About

Members: Valerie Johnson, Wil Anderson, Bruce Krupnik, Kevin McCracken, Ken Burton

Manager: Wil Anderson Email: mesaplyr@yahoo.com Phone: (805) 710-4474

Bio: Bright Lights, Big City and the 1950's Blues scene.
Dark, raucous clubs. Brightly lit marquees upon worn brick exteriors. The moment you enter the door, the heat hits you.
The sights, smells, and primitive sounds within. This is
'The Strata-tones'.

Down in the alley Rhythm & Blues. Take no pris... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

The Strata-tones worked on two new songs for their new CD last night.

Press

“THE STRATA-TONES: Dressed Up To Fess Up Fruition Records (46:16) This Californian six-piece has a fine female lead vocalist in the sassy Valerie Johnson and a slightly different approach from many of their peers. Take a listen to ‘This Old House’ (incidentally, an original composition) which has a tough sound and many other bands would be tempted to push it just a little bit too far – but not The Strata-Tones. A couple of numbers are strongly soul-inflected, ‘Did You Ever’ is both jazzy and bluesy, and guitarist Bruce Krupnik does get the chance to show off his formidable Albert Collins styled licks on the instrumental ‘T.W.F.S.’ Only the live ‘Ball And Chain’ disappointed me – though obviously not the audience – with its over-emoting, Janis Joplin style. But in my book, nine out of ten is more than pretty good. <www.thestratatones.com> Norman Darwen”

— Norman Darwen, Blues & Rhythm Magazine

“The album excels in, R & B, blues, swing and funky numbers and of course the very visible voice of Valerie. Her voice reminiscent of jazz singer Ottilie Patterson and other times Janis Joplin but with a unique style. And when you hear the rest of the album, Ball and Chain (Big Mama Thornton), you know that this band needs to be seen live.”

— Jan van Eck, VanEckBlues (The Netherlands)

“ I predict big things for The Strata-tones.... just the kick of energy that the blues needs right about now! I know this sounds corny but I mean it when I say it, thank you for making the music that you make Downtown Deb 21st Century Blues Goldradio Network Blues www.goldradio.org.uk/ ”

— Downtown Deb, Goldradio Network Blues

“Holy smokes! A quick sample of some music by the Strata-tones reveals a sound straight from the dimly lit bars of the 1950s Chicago blues scene. These are clearly musicians on a mission from God. That mission? Have a kick-ass time on Earth, and enjoy every minute of it. The music is great. It strums a certain chord everyone can relate to, and it can be heard Friday, Dec. 23, as The Strata-tones headline a Christmas party at The Pour House in Paso Robles. It starts at 8:30 p.m., with Al B Blue and Karen Tyler opening and Bill “Boogie King” Newell of the San Luis Obispo Blues Society emceeing the free event. If all the players of local blues scene are going to be there, maybe you should be there, too. ”

— Nick Powell, New Times San Luis Obispo

All Press

Recent Blogs

Update
Dec 17, 2012
Hello all, This is Bruce from The Strata-tones. Unfortunately, due to personal, ... [more]

The Strata-tones News Update
Mar 23, 2012
Hello All, The Strata-tones new CD "Dressed Up To Fess Up" is now for sale at o... [more]

All Blogs

Songs

Play All | Queue All | Share All

Together For Some T…

Share
Raggedy Annie

Share
Did You Ever

Share
Keep On Cookin'

Share Buy
BeBop Baby

Share Buy

All Songs

Videos

"The Strata-tones" band video "The Pour House" 9/18/11

All Videos

Shows

Full-Screen View »

2012
Dec 1

San Luis Obispo, Vetera…
San Luis Obispo, CA, US | 7:00pm
San Luis Obispo, Veterans...
San Luis Obispo, CA, US
Sat Dec 01, 2012 7:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

The San Luis Obispo Blues Society presents, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats with opening act, The Strata-tones. Show begins at 8pm.
2012
Nov 24

Shell Cafe
Pismo Beach, CALIF, US | 9:28am
Shell Cafe
Pismo Beach, CALIF, US
Sat Nov 24, 2012 9:28am
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Show is from 7pm to 10pm. CD's and merchandise will be available at the show. $5.00 Cover Charge
2012
Oct 7

Morro Bay Harbor Festiv…
Morro Bay, CA., US | 12:30pm
Morro Bay Harbor Festival
Morro Bay, CA., US
Sun Oct 07, 2012 12:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

The Morro Bay Harbor Festival presents The Strata-tones. Sunday Oct 7th at 12:30 PM on the Main Stage.
2012
Aug 12

Arroyo Grande Summer Co…
Arroyo Grande, CA., US | 12:30pm
Arroyo Grande Summer Conc...
Arroyo Grande, CA., US
Sun Aug 12, 2012 12:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

The San Luis Obispo Blues Society presents an afternoon with The Strata-tones. Show starts at 1:00 PM
2012
Aug 4

D'Anbino Cellars
Paso Robles, CA., US | 7:30pm
D'Anbino Cellars
Paso Robles, CA., US
Sat Aug 04, 2012 7:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

The Strata-tones, in support of their recently released, worldwide debut CD, "Dressed Up To Fess Up", bring their live show to D'Anbino Cellars in Paso Robles, CA. Show starts at 8pm, ending at 11pm. Tickets are $10 at the door ($5 for D'Anbino record club members). CD's, T-shirts and other merchandise will be available at the venue. D'Anbino's 710 Pine St. Paso Robles, CA. 805-772-6800

All Shows

Comments

Add Comment

The Strata-Tones
'D'Anbino Cellars' in Paso Robles, CA. presents 'The STRATA-TONES' CD release show for their new album "Dressed Up To Fess Up". CD's and other band merchandise will be...
The Strata-Tones
'D'Anbino Cellars' in Paso Robles, CA. presents 'The STRATA-TONES' CD release show for their new album "Dressed Up To Fess Up". CD's and other band merchandise will be...
The Strata-Tones
Hello all, The Strata-tones will hit the stage at 'The Pour House' in Paso Robles at 8:30 PM on Saturday February 11. (1331 Vendels Circle, Paso Robles, CA. 805-239-28...
The Strata-Tones
Photographs have been added to 'The Strata-Tones' show at D'Anbino Cellars. Thanks to all that came out to see the show. Another standing room only, packed venue. And, so ...
The Strata-Tones
The Strata-tones have posted photographs of our 12/23/11 show at "The Pour House" on our website. www.thestratatones.com. Thanks to the packed crowd who attended. We wis...
The Strata-Tones
Hello Fans, For those of you that missed our live interview on Leo Schumaker's "Bluesland" radio show last night, it is now online and can be either listened to or download...