From the man behind the Moetones rock group and Moeshow radio program on KSJD radio comes an exciting new product: Moetrio.
The trio features the musical talents of Chuck Barry from the Beautiful Loser Society, Bobby Wintringham of San Juan Mandolins, and Moe (just Moe) of the Moetones performing together for the first time as Moetrio on Friday.
Still trying to get that down, Moe said. M-O-E-T-R-I-O, Moetrio. It sounds like an aspirin: Moetrio XP
Side affects may include increased heart rate, perspiration and an overwhelming urge to swing dance.
Moe said the trio will be playing originals that were written by him, but not really suited for the garage-rock style of the Moetones. This could include a combination of Tex-Mex, country and gospel, Wintringham said.
Ive played a couple times with him, hes got some great songs and hes fun to play with, Wintringham said of Moe.
Moetrio will open at 7 p.m. Friday at the Mancos Valley Distillery, 116 N. Main St., Mancos, for Texas musicians Eric Hisaw and Chrissy Flatt. Cover is $3 at the door.
But wait, theres more. Moe promised more live shows from the local favorite Moetones, which have been performing in the area for more than a year.
The Moetones comprise Moe on guitar, Tomoe Gozen on bass and Peter Ortego on drums. The band has shed piano player Mike Bolotin and now plays as a trio.
Despite playing frequent shows together, the band has not lost its garage charm.
I grew up with garage rock, and thats the sound that were going for, Moe said. Were not very polished or anything. But we definitely know how to throw down some rock and roll.
Gozen has made phenomenal progress as a bass player, Moe said.
She only had the instrument in her hands six months before she actually played a gig, he said. And just from that point there, to now. ... If I could have done that as a starting bass player, I could have gone places.
Ortego is also rock solid as a drummer, he said.
I cant think of two better people to have behind me, Moe said. Theres some real pros out there, but these are my friends. So were learning a bunch of new songs, but were trying to write the originals; trying to think of the direction we want to go in. We want to take it somewhere whether its laterally or its up to the next level.
Moe hopes the group will take time off from live shows this winter to record an album.
The Moetones are scheduled to play 8 p.m. Nov. 11, also at the Mancos Valley Distillery. The group is also set to play 7 p.m. the following day for a KSJD fundraiser party in the ballroom at Lets Dance, 30 W. Main St., Cortez.
For more information on the Moetones, go to www.facebook.com/pages/The-Moetones/175188269192561.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.