Biography
Not For The Crowd
Ska band established 1995 in Montclair, California.
The Lineup
Jason Farman-lead singer and rhythm guitar
Adrian Romo-Bass
Jason Bowen-drums
Mike Eddy-Percussion
Alex Espinoza-Keyboards
Ken Kamena-Trumpet
Colin Johnson-Saxophone
Javier Obregon-Trumpet and lead guitar
Band History
The band was formed in the summer of 1995 as a 3-piece band, with no real knowledge of music or of writing music. Jason Farman was the only one who had received any kind of formal musical training, but had no idea how to write anything close to a Ska song. In fact, the group focused primarily on Funk, jazz, and very little Ska music. In the coming months, Not For The Crowd added a couple of horn players, a trumpet and trombone. With two coffee shop shows finished, the band lost its trombone player. Another 2 months passed, NFTC found another horn player, and continued adding members over time to become an 8-piece band. Two-Tone and Traditional Ska were the styles they fell in love with incorporating other modern sounds with Surf guitar and they continued until 2001 when they formally went on hiatus.
Albums and Compilations
Their first CD entitled "Morningstar Radio Hour," (which was actually supposed to be a demo only) was self-released as an 8-song E.P. independently sold 3500 units which garnered the attention of many Major and Independent music labels. The band was featured on "Skantified,"(Eclectica-NSoulRecords) "Freedom Sounds vol.1"(With the Israelites, Big Dog Small Fence-on Kingston beat)and "Ska Craze" on (Bettie Rocket Records).
Their most distributed compilation was that "Moms Like Us Too" on Tooth and Nail's sister label BEC Recordings which featured other major acts of the day such as The OC Supertones, Plankeye, Joy Electric, The Dingees, Fold Zandura, Bon Voyage and many other artists.
The band was to sign a contract with BEC Recordings/Tooth and Nail but certain life changing events happened which lead them not to continue together.
Where Are They Now?
Jason Farman went on to receive his Doctorate from UCLA. He is currently in charge of an English Department at the University of Washington. He is also playing guitar and keyboards with old NFTC bandmate Colin Johnson in the band The Red Eyes.
Adrian Romo continued being involved with ministry at his church.
Jason Bowen was married soon after and became a Youth Pastor at his church.
Mike Eddy returned to school to study Film and Drama and relocated from Temecula, California to Hollywood where he is still in pursuing his career.
Alex Espinoza received his Bachelor's Degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California and went on to become Head of Marketing in a Southern California mortgage company.
Ken Kamena was recently married shortly after he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He is now serving a term in Iraq as a Medic.
Colin Johnson received his Bachelor's Degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California and went on to play guitar in the band The Red Eyes.
Javier Obregon continued to play music with various band projects including Dean Is Dead with old bandmates Jason Farman, and Mike Eddy. Javier is currently playing solo music and has been asked to go on a European tour with an up and coming Horror Rock band from Los Angeles.
External Links
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