The Blue Dot is a new band as of 2004. Fronted by Aaron Stauffer formerly of both Seaweed (1989-1999) and Gardener (1997-2003), The Blue Dot sound is equal parts Punk, Soul and Rock. Johnathan Richmand and the Modern Lovers meets E.L.O. Al Green meets the Sonics. Is this garage rock or disco? With a lush horn section and vintage keyboards (ranging from 1952-1986), The Blue Dot is a sonic time machine, landing one moment in Tacoma, Washington circa 1966 to dance to The Wailers and The Sonics, the next moment Bahia, Brazil 1974 to worship the songcraft of Tim Mia and Jorge Ben. Then it's (whooa oh ohhh) off to New Jersey 1978 to observe the Misfits record. Sax tracks by Bowie in '74 and '83. You land shaken in Detroit 1993, where Morphine happen to be playing one spring night.
Click here for music, photos, posters and video in the Blue Dot gallery.
It's like this:
You're riding in an old Mercedes-style station wagon taxi up a frighteningly curvy mountain road. It is hot and the sun is bright. Your driver speaks in broken English, and is barely audible over the sweet soul music which it blasting through the blown-out '70s stock speakers.
"We will pull over now!"
You enter the lounge. It is dark and comfortable. There is a band playing. The song kinda reminds you of a Chicago song....... but not really. Maybe it's a Replacements song. The drummer looks intent as he plays his trumpet. Next it's a sultry slide guitar surf number. A dark-haired waitress brings a cocktail you did not order. People are dancing. You join them. You make friends. It is now quite late and the stars are stunnning. You are led to a remote airport. Some four-wheeling takes place (roosting). Then you are ushered into the crushed velvet lounge of an airplane.
And it is in this noir spirit of the great crusty roadhouse in the sky that The Blue Dot rocks the Wurlitzer in full distortion.......... lush horn sections leading you toward one more late night adventure.
The Blue Dot is:
Aaron Stauffer – vocals, keys, guitar
Mickey Kitihara – sax, guitar
Dave Sinclair – drums, trumpet, piano
Scott Maurer – bass
Reviews of The Blue Dot:
May 2004 – Sara Liner, Firefly Journal
The Blue Dot is "as refreshingly cool as a fridge-fresh ginger ale on a parched mouth."
Other projects of The Blue Dot:
Aaron used to front Seaweed (1989-1999) and Gardener (1997-2003). Click here to download a video of Seaweed live in Brazil. Aaron has also played in Bravacado (2000) (with other former members of Seaweed) and Not from Space (1995-96). When in Tacoma, Aaron currently also plays with First Resort, another band with former members of Seaweed. For details on taking a 2-hour kayak tour of the Pacific Ocean with Aaron click here.
Dave played drums for Ripstoke (1996-2000), and drums and trumpet for Gardener. In 2004, Dave recorded with Cold Blooded Animal in Beijing.
Scott used to play with Goon, Nar and Bagpipe Operation.
Mickey runs the Pacific Grill Mobile BBQ Catering Service!
