'There's something about when you're a band and you're headed into a new city: You develop a swagger,” said Steve Poltz about his old band, The Rugburns, as he drives between solo gigs along a Texas highway. “And the songs take on a new life. I really miss that.”
From his early days on the road with The Rugburns to his current solo career, the 46-year-old musician earned his keep crafting high-quality, funny little folk-pop tunes, earning himself local legend status in San Diego.
His time with The Rugburns began in his partnership with “Dr.” Robert Driscoll, aka “Doc.” The duo started playing local venues like Java Joe's in the early 1990s. After hooking up with bassist Gregory Page and drummer Jeff “Stinky” Aafedt, the band signed to a record deal and released two full-length albums: 1994's “Morning Wood” (produced by the late Buddy Blue, who was a Beat Farmers alumni and Night&Day columnist) and 1996's “Taking the World By Donkey” (the EP “Mommy I'm Sorry” was released in 1995).
Page eventually left the band to focus on his solo career, to be replaced by bassist John Castro. Poltz was hurt, but the situation worked out for all parties involved.
“When The Rugburns ended, as with any band there were hard feelings,” recalled Poltz. “I can't even remember what they were now. When Gregory left to go solo, I was really sad because we had such a cool thing. Of course, he's gone on and made incredible solo albums. I've sang on his record and we toured together in Australia. I know why Gregory left: He had such a strong solo career waiting to happen. After Gregory left, John Castro added this whole other energetic vibe.”
DATEBOOK
The Rugburns, with Bob Schneider
8:30 p.m. tomorrow; House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., downtown; $22-$25; (619) 299-BLUE
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So what are these guys doing now?
Poltz has released three full-length studio albums, including his most recent, “Chinese Vacation,” in 2003. He's recorded a new album in Austin, Texas, featuring 22 tracks set to drop in the fall.
The Rugburns, who regroup two or three times a year, have a gig tomorrow night at the House of Blues downtown, but Page will not be aboard this time around. He's busy promoting his latest release, “Love Made Me Drunk,” written in France with accordions and “romance”: “It has an 'Amelie' kind of vibe.”
For tomorrow's show, said Poltz, “We got Stinky on the drums. He's still living in North County. And Rob Driscoll. Dr. Robert Driscoll. He's a teacher at Oceanside High.” Castro will take the Page bass role.
“We all took different paths, but we still get together and play,” said Poltz. “I really do want to do another record. I've just been touring nonstop as a solo troubadour. But I really want to make another 'Burns record.”
Whether or not another Rugburns album gets made, San Diego fans can expect gigs from the band every blue moon or so. Despite the infrequent show schedule, absence makes the heart grow fonder for Poltz.
“I always get butterflies, because I always feel like we haven't gotten enough practice time,” Poltz said. “But then, when we get together, it's like riding a bike. There was a really good chemistry that I often times forget about. Being out on the road a lot solo, I get lost in my own little world. So it's fun to be on a team again.
“And it's good to remember what these songs sound like with more noise and energy behind them. We got nuts for one show, because we're excited to see each other and jump around.”
Chris Nixon is a San Diego music writer.
