Pepperdine alumnus Randy Jordan has traveled an interesting path since his days as the drummer for Malibu Presbyterian’s UM worship team. Jordan a 2000 Seaver graduate has used his Liberal Arts degree in his career as a junior high teacher but he is also the drummer in the L.A. rock band Tango Kilo.
Jordan’s drumming has been a staple of the band since it was formed six years ago when he and high school friend lead singer and guitarist Dave Mancha started playing with guitarist Robby Kauffman. The group played with a few different bassists before settling with Jeremy Lacey in 2005.
Over the past few years they have worked on their debut album Rain in Blue. They recorded live sessions for the album in late 2006 through summer of 2007 at Mambo Sound in Long Beach and then spent time overdubbing guitar and vocal tracks and refining their sound at Pepper Ranch studio. The album was released in summer 2008.
After recording the album things are looking good for TK. They recently signed a deal with 9 Lives Records a growing independent record company out of Ashland Ky. 9 Lives Records liked TK for its sound and thought that listeners would like the Southern rock feel.
On its Web site 9 Lives Records says it is “working hard to get new music to the public.” Signing to a label can be a key step in reaching fans since iTunes and other downloading sites have become a way that many people get their music. The label which is partnered with the Independent Online Distribution Alliance can make TK music available on downloading sites and ringtone sites.
While this is exciting news it’s not a surprise that a band that puts a focus on having a solid live show can have the chance to reach fans. “We’re able to naturally feed off of each other said Jordan. The band has the ability to come together to create a complete live sound. They have taken that ability and displayed it at locations such as the world famous Whisky a Go Go, Johnny Depp’s infamous Viper Room, and Malibu’s very own Malibu Inn.
In July, TK took their music out of Los Angeles and hit the road for their Northern Soul tour. They traveled up through Oregon and played shows in Portland and surrounding cities at roadhouses and also a county fair.
It was great. We played seven shows in two-and-a-half weeks said Mancha. Jordan said they got a good response from crowds in Oregon. They sold a ton of Tango Kilo T-shirts and CDs during the tour.
Tango Kilo’s vibe is hard to describe. Jordan describes the music as an interesting blend of Alternative, and Classic Rock. Pepperdine student and music connoisseur Thomas Cahoon described TK as, R.E.M meets…someone.” He didn’t know who but he could have said Pearl Jam or another rock band where the singer’s unique voice adds to the style of the music. They have definitely found a way to incorporate melodic songs with rock songs and they take pride in having variety in their repertoire.
Mancha’s vocal style is passionate and soulful and noticeably unique. His voice gives TK a Southern rock sound but the music doesn’t really ever sound like country.
Solid instrumentals support the voice and killer guitar solos from Kauffman can be heard throughout their songs. It’s aggressive sound not simply angry or upset.
Right away on the album Mancha lets listeners know he’s not here to whine with the solid rock song “Flesh and Blood Attack.” He and the band show that they can also slow it down in the ballad “So Far Away.” One of their best songs presented on their Myspace page is “Flatlands.” It highlights all of the instruments and vocals and contains a two-minute guitar-solo finale.
The band has a variety of influences. When asked which bands have influenced him Mancha responded “It would take me hours to list them all.” Classic artists such as Neil Young Pearl Jam The Beatles Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin were a few that topped the long list of influential sounds. Bits of these multiple influences can be heard on Rain in Blue.
Jordan the son of Pepperdine professor Dr. Mike Jordan is able to teach during the week while still rocking on weekends and summers. He and the rest of Tango Kilo are doing well to reach fans all the while keeping a focus on their music.
Songs from Rain in Blue and upcoming show information can be found at myspace.com/tango kilo. Concert-goers can look forward to upcoming shows in the L.A. area. Check them out.