Disco Stranger made of Long Beach locals

 

By Sara Barton, Special to the On-line Forty-Niner

May 12,1998

 

 

Seven members fuse sounds of funk, jazz, acid rock, more

Disco Stranger is no longer a stranger to much of Southern California.

 

Having created a unique brand of music, this Long Beach band has attracted a diverse congregation of fans in the short time it's been around.

 

Disco Stranger's music, the perfect combination of funk, acid rock, jazz, reggae and a hint of disco, is best described as ska with soul.

 

As if this delicate fusion of sounds is not enough to please the crowds, Disco Stranger includes a saxophone ensemble that lends an original and invigorating quality to the group's repertoire.

 

The band has played throughout the state, from San Diego to Davis.

 

The Roxy, Luna Park and The Troubadour are just some of Disco Stranger's past gigs, where it has shared bills with Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish and Sublime.

 

The group comprises seven members, all Long Beach natives: Daniel Lingle as lead vocalist, Matt Mueller on bass, Brian Green on guitar, Charlie Davis on drums, Sean Chaffins on alto sax, John Sees on tenor sax and Nathan Israel on percussion.

 

It's no surprise, then, that Disco Stranger was asked to perform May 3 at Beach Fest '98 in Long Beach.

 

The crowd there sounded its approval as it seemed discouraged when the band ended its set.

 

Disco Stranger completed a full-length album, "Stranger Said Than Done," which was recorded in 1996.

 

It was engineered and produced by Anthony Arvizu, engineer of Sublime's "40 oz. to Freedom," and is available under the band's label, Providence Records.

 

Disco Stranger's next performance will be May 23 at The Ark Museum, at Fourth and Junipero streets in Long Beach. Doors will open at 8 p.m., and there will be no age restrictions.