Mojave Rhythm is a ‘family and friends’ group of musical artists from Joshua Tree, CA. They are loosely organized around the ‘Song Farm’ studio at Lester Flats, in Joshua Tree. They are led by Stephen Lester, and comprise Damian, Gabe, and Darlene Lester, Bobby Furgo, Jeff Lantz, and Charlie Joe Wallace, along with other musical friends that happen to be around when a given session goes down.
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Albums
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ALBUMS
Bobby Furgo (from Leonard Cohen Band) and Stephen Lester (aka; JT Easy) have been ‘Mojave Rhythm’ duo for several years, these original guitar/violin/vocal arrangements show how great songs can keep their maximum heart appeal even with minimal production.
An ambient/groove soundscape, with meditative, emotional melodies and physically moving rhythms, expressing the mystical realms below the surface of life. Let go of the everyday; feel your body; breathe; take the trip. We promise to bring you back safe. Read more…
========== THE FOLLOWING IS THE CODE FOR THE SINGLES THAT ARE NOW ON THE ALBUM ==========
Memphis Blues (Bob Dylan)
Another in our series of re-imagined covers of classic songs, a great old Dylan song, done up in a unique rootsy style by Mojave Rhythm. We treated this much-loved song with our stylistic touches, but remain in awe and respect of the work of Bob Dylan.
Arrangement, production, vocals by Stephen Lester; Hammond organ by Jeff Lantz; Steel guitar by Charlie Joe Wallace. Mixing/mastering supervision by Michael Farrow.
Dedicated to: Chuck Heiss, Peter and Robert Spoecker, John Boyd, Roger Wandersheid, Kyoti King and VI Cook, Uncle Bill, and Grandpa Bob; looking on from the next world.
(Recorded under Publisher’s license.)
You Don’t Know How It Feels (Tom Petty)
A toe-tappin’ tribute to Tom Petty, who we miss greatly. Original arrangement/lead vocal by Steve Lester. Piano/accordian by Jeff Lantz. Lap steel by Charlie Joe Wallace. Recorded at The Song Farm studio, at Lester Flats, Joshua Tree. Mixing/mastering supervised by Michael Farrow.
I always loved this song. I never met Tom Petty, but his music was always there. He went out like a hero, playing shows ’till he couldn’t stand. He seemed like a really good and happy dude, of course ‘you don’t know how it feels’….Anyway, I recorded this track in his honor with a couple of my best buds (who happen to be just about the best musicians in the country).
BTW – When I first started in music, the labels and producers said you couldn’t make a track much longer than 2 minutes because of short attention spans. This was back when folks HAD attention spans! That said, here is another >5 minute track, but it has much value in the groove department if you take the time to listen through. Anyone who listens through all the way to the end and doesn’t feel happier and uplifted will have their attention cheerfully refunded.
(Recorded under publishers license, and released for distribution November 2018.)
Hang On Sloopy (Wes Farrell & Bert Russell)
Jeff Lantz – Hammond organ.
Steve Lester – arrangement/production/other instruments/vocals.
This is the 5th in our series of re-imagined covers of classic tunes. We offer these songs with great respect for the original artist’s versions, and hope you enjoy our funky, desert-inspired interpretations. This track was recorded and mixed at ‘The Song Farm’, a private studio in Joshua Tree.
My Secret Life (Leonard Cohen)
(violinist) Bobby Furgo played in Leonard Cohen’s band for 11 years, as well as many other well-known bands. This arrangement of Leonard’s song, ‘My Secret Life’ was originally done by Steve for Eric Burdon, who is a good friend and for whom Bobby and Steve do studio work. When Eric opted to record the song in a more traditional arrangement, Steve and Bobby decided to release their upbeat version with Steve’s lead vocal from the original demo. The background harmonies are done by Darlene and Damian (Dooley) Lester. The song was recorded, mixed, and mastered at ‘The Song Farm’ in Joshua Tree, CA.
Pride of Man (Hamilton Camp)
Perhaps the best and deepest of all protest songs. Hamilton Camp’s classic responded well to our contemporary and contemplative arrangement. Bobby Furgo’s violin duet in the middle of the song may be the most haunting violin narrative since Bartok.
Drive My Car (Lennon/McCartney)
The ‘Mojave Rhythm’ version of the Beatles classic ‘Drive My Car’ has been arranged in a pure-fun upbeat swing style offered, with all due respect, as an alternative take to the original version. We have loved this song since we first heard it. It illustrates the Beatles humor and storytelling ability. As we have said in our performances, a really good song can be taken into many different styles. We have taken this one into a country jazz/swing style that brings out another side of the innocence and humor that underlie the music.