Long-time fixtures on the Bay Area music scene both together and on their own, piano wiz Henry and vocalist Kathleen Salvia have created their own signature brand of “Ameri-kinda” music, so called because it repeatedly strays over the borders of Americana, blending country, pop, blues, beatnik jazz, swing, rhumba, samba, and old hippy, though not always in the same song.
Mark your calendars for Friday March 15, 6-8 pm, when the Flying Salvias duo will bring their signature "Ameri-kinda" brand music to Petaluma’s Aqus Café at The Foundry Wharf. Thoughtful chaos is fostered, genre boundaries are ignored, humor is embraced, and talent abounds. Henry is well known for his expressive piano style and impressive chops, and Kathleen's voice is full of heartfelt emotional appeal whether crooning, belting, or just singing a story.
As to songwriting, their lyrics contemplate the mystery of creation, riff on Shakespeare, visit a friend in jail, compare misguided love with chameleon car paint, or swing from depression and doubt to simple joy; all while wrapped in the rhythms of beatnik jazz, swing, rock, country, folk, rhumba, samba, or whatever groove they deem appropriate at the time. This refusal to linger long in any one musical lane also holds true of the cover tune detours The Flying Salvias occasionally take. This is Ameri-kinda!
Their musical history spans decades. Most recently, they’ve worked together alongside singer-songwriter Maurice Tani, and the fabulous Margaret Belton’s Tribute to Patsy Cline.
When not playing in the Flying Salvias duo or with their “orkestra”, Henry can often be heard with Camp Jeff, Loralee Christensen, Jenny Kerr, or Don Forbes. He’s played with Huey Lewis and Metallica and for many years with the Bay Area’s beloved Jones Gang, as well as with Houston Jones, and in the Johnny Nocturne Band, backing up Rickie Lee Jones and Johnny Adams.
Kathleen was a longtime member and soloist with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir & Ensemble, backing up John Denver, Lyle Lovett, and Linda Ronstadt and recording with Carlos Santana and Bobby McFerrin. From The Rayons to Pamela Rose & the Wild Kingdom to Holy Mary, her bands have also shared the stage with Albert King, Nicolette Larson, Charlie Musselwhite, Johnny Winter, and Ronnie Montrose.
Over the years, they have recorded several CDs, the most recent of which are to be released any minute now. For more information, please visit www.flyingsalvias.com.