SARGENT HOUSE

Deantoni Parks is a drummer with considerable style – it’s a subtle blend of mechanistic, well-timed beats and sensual, almost laconic, grooves. He is obviously self-assured but without being cocky. He’s interesting to watch but without being showy and damn is he skilled. Yes he is.

Before seeing him play with ORLG in San Francisco at the Great American Music Hall back in September (2010) I thought he was just another drummer in a long exhausting, and often disappointing, line of drummers who have played with The Mars Volta (and in Omar’s side projects). But after that show pretty much everyone, myself included, was pulling for him to be the next, and hopefully final, drummer to ground the band. Interestingly, while waiting for the band to take the stage an impromptu debate began as to who was the best “Theodore replacement”- a topic that never seems to die. Lots of back and forth ensued until one lone music nerd declared Deantoni Parks to not only be the most tangible replacement for Theodore, but the only player who would (not could, would) put an end to the “Theodore vs. Every Other Drummer Omar Ever Played With” debate. At that point the band swept onto the stage and began playing what Omar called “experiments.” The end of that onslaught had converted those who argued against Parks, and if you saw them play at the Great American back in April, then you have also been converted.

But aside from his growing legend as the next heir to the TMV drum thrown, Parks has honed his skills and developed his style through inspired collaboration with an eclectic group of musicians. From John Cale to Vernon Reid; Me Shell N’DegèOchello to Sade. And without being over-extended he also creates new mixes of old legends through his Dark Angels collaboration with Nicci Kaspar – also a member of their electric-funk trio, Kudu, which also features singer/bass player Sylvia Gordon. Seems like he’s got his digits in a lot of pies but he holds it down – somehow.

Fortunately for me (and you), I left my bag inside the GAMH after I did an impromptu interview with Marfred Rodriguez Lopez of Zechs Marquise. This provided me the opportunity to introduce myself to Mr. Parks who was hanging around talking to people. Even after I launched into a flurry of quips, comments and questions he still graciously agreed to this interview. It took place late at night, both of us were tired, but we managed to talk a long while about the why of drumming, the luxury of a music education and just how hot Sade truly is.

{ Deantoni is in the running to win the Art Takes London competition. Visit his portfolio page to vote!}

FLABmag: Who were you in the studio with tonight?

Deantoni Parks: Me Shell N’DegèOchello.

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We told you how much we love drummer Deantoni Parks, so we’d like to welcome him to the House of Rodriguez Lopez Productions & Sargent House. He’s already in a ton of the Families business’. Can’t wait to see him at SXSW and on tour playing in Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group. 

If you are not familiar with Mr Parks work check out these sick clips below. 

and with the great John Cale live from the Melbourne Music Festival - October 2010

Reseña del concierto de Vato Negro en Pasagüero.
por Pedro Ruíz Vazquez ( @ Pedruiva )Edición: @ Elchaparock
Shot on February 26, 2011 
Vato Negro is: Juan Alderete, Deantoni Parks & Omar Rodriguez Lopez  

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Juan Alderete one of our absolute favorite bass players in the world, whose playing is part of The Mars Volta, Big Sir, Vato Negro, Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group and Racer X. Shows off his total pedal nerd side in Part 1 of an interview with by Janek Gwizdala Check out the Video interview HERE 

SO GOOD! Juan Alderete, Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Sir Deantoni Parks = Vato Negro at Fuji Rock

(Source: youtube.com)

If you missed the amazing show we had at the Echo on June 17th here is a little taste of Vato Negro. Juan Alderete and John Theodore - damn this was amazing to witness.

This show is going to be crazy! Click on flyer for link to get tix in advance

We are beyond excited to welcome Le Butcherettes out to the West Coast for their first shows here. In Los Angeles on July 20th they will be joined by a very special guest performance from Vato Negro which will be Juan Alderete de la Pena, Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Deantoni Parks, also a special show by C-Gak & Matt Embree aka Biceratops where they will play instrumentals they wrote from a band they were in with some weird animal names - you know what I mean… Then Le Butcherettes will join Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group in NY on Sept 17th at Highline Ballroom and a few more shows to be announced soon.

LE BUTCHERETTES
July 17 - Convergence Fest @ Tres Agaves Plaza - San Francisco, CA
July 20 - Spaceland - Los Angeles, CA w/ Vato Negro & Biceratops
July 23 - Soda Bar - San Diego, CA
Sept 14 - TBA w/ Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group
Sept 17 - Highline Ballroom - New York, NY w/ Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group
Sept 18 - Congress Theatre - Chicago, IL w/ Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group

Attending this show is a no brainer if you like music. We will all be there losing our minds. GET TICKETS

oh and this just in, Jon Theodore is playing drums in Vato Negro so sweet.

Juan Alderete will be taking his Vato Negro project to play at this years Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.  Joining him will be our very own Omar Rodriguez Lopez on guitar and Deantoni Parks on Drums. Let’s hope next year BIG SIR will be playing ! New Big Sir album is coming, so who knows….

Check out the killer line up for Fuji Rock 2010

Here are some clips of Lisa Papineau performing with Matt Embree and then with Juan Alderete doing a Big Sir Song at Sonny Kay’s art show the other night in LA.