Mayer Hawthorne- Maybe So, Maybe No

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Maybe, Yes. Mayer Hawthorne is everywhere right now. In fact, as I write this bit, I am listening to him live on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic with Jason Bentley. As Mayer retraces his days as a hip-hop DJ in Ann Arbor, Michigan to the path that brought him west to LA, I will retrace my own introduction to this emerging musician. Several months ago, a good friend of mine made the trek from the City of Angels and paid me a visit here in San Diego. He suggested we stop by a great local dive tucked away in the East Village know as the El Dorado Cocktail Lounge to check out this “soulful wonder-kid” Mayer Hawthorne, who at this point was on the cusp of some very serious hype. I am always down for some live music and an El Dorado sophisticated signature cocktail, so we went. Next thing I know, I am partaking in a scene that is very reminiscent of Otis Day and the Knights rocking out the Animal House Toga Party with “Shout!” Mayer Hawthorne, with a full (and very talented) band took complete control of this dive and had its patrons dancing circles both on and off the plush leather booths that line its perimeter.

Mayer Hawthorne has just released his debut album, A Strange Arrangement, on Stones Throw Records who he signed with back in 2008 thanks to his positive collaborations with label poster-band, Peanut Butter Wolf. Amidst an extended US Tour, Mayer Hawthorne and company will be promoting the new release with jamming live performances in and around your neighborhood.

For our L.A. Muffiners – Mayer Hawthorne’s Album Release Party is at the Roxy tonight!