East West was a Christian metal band from Irvine, California, who later re-located to Corona, California. The band takes its name from the Bible verse Psalms 103:12.
While many members were replaced during East West's timeline, the best-known line-up included Mike Tubbs (vocals), Mike "House" Housen (guitar), James "JJ" Jenkins (bass), Bobby Vegura (drums). In 2002, Housen departed and was replaced by John Druse.
Nothing has been heard of East West since the May/June 2003 issue of HM Magazine, in which Mike Tubbs had this to say:
| “ |
We have been writing and taking time off to enjoy the more important things in life, our families. We really spent the three years traveling the world and the States and now it's time to focus on home. So, we are going to work on writing new songs, re-connecting with our fans and, like I said, our families. |
” |
Early History
East West was formed in 1988 in the San Fernando Valley, with members Mike Housen (guitar, backing vocals), Eric Kieselhorst (vocals) and Ralph Lamagna (drums). The band played frequently at the Sunset Strip and opened for well-known bands of the time like Mary's Danish and Warrant. The band's song "Southern Dawn" was in KROQ-FM's rotation. Housen later moved to Orange County, and reformed East West in 1991. This version was influenced by U2 and consisted of Housen (vocals, guitar), Dave Barrs (guitar), Bob Vergura (drums) and Dave Detloff (bass).
In 1992, Housen crossed paths with Mike Tubbs, a friendship evolved, and Tubbs eventually joined the band as guitarist. East West was then redefined as a rapcore band with strong melodies, three-part harmonies and heavy extreme metal influences. At this point, the other members were Paul "Boomer" Droste (drums) and Paul "Soth" Nasfell (bass, vocals). Together, they recorded a five-song demo, which was released in 1995. During this period, Housen provided lead vocals.
Ben Dacanay (drums) replaced Droste in 1995 after the bands first show at the Whiskey (where they released their untitled 5 song EP) and Ted Su (bass) replaced Nasfell in 1996 when Nasfell left the band for family reasons. East West continued to evolve musically, and recorded Rachel's Silence (released in 1996) and an unreleased studio album in 1997. Shortly after, Dacanay and Su left the group. It was around this time that Housen decided to focus more on guitar and songwriting, while Tubbs became the lead vocalist. The band then re-located to Corona, California.
After nine years of absence from the music scene, Paul Nasfell resurfaced in 2005 as Paul Justin, and is now fronting the country band The Saloonatixx.
East West with Members Mike Tubbs, Bobby "Vee" Vergura, James "J.J." Jenkins and Jon Druse..went on to tour North America and Europe for 5 years straight before deciding to take a break and reunite with their families.
Tubbs' faith
Mike Tubbs has been interviewed by both Icon New Media Network and Ancient Faith Radio about his conversion to the Orthodox faith (see external links section).
East West with Members Mike Tubbs, Bobby "Vee" Vergura, JJ Jenkins and Jon Druse..went on to tour North America and Europe for 5 years straight before deciding to take a break and reunite with their families.
James "J.J. Jenkins music projects
James has started his own solo project in which 2 songs have been recorded as demos. The project is called 'Silent Rise' referring to how the humble through quiet service will be lifted up. He has about 15 to 20 songs written and in the works. And he is currently looking for members for guitar(s) and drums. Silent Rise can be found on myspace and facebook. The band is currently filling up and finding new life.
In early July James was asked to help record to tribute songs for a Deliverance tribute record to be released this fall tentatively. He worked with former members of Oil, Jason Vanderpal (drums) Blake Nelson (guitars) and Ron Rinehart (vocals).
Discography
- East West Demo (release date unknown) (Independent)
- East West EP (1995) (Independent)
- Rachel's Silence (1996) (TISUMI Records)
- Untitled (1997) (TISUMI Records) (Unreleased)
- East West (1998) (Backbone Records)
- The Light In Guinevere's Garden (2001) (Floodgate Records)
- Vintage (East West re-release) (2003) (Floodgate)
- Hope In Anguish (2003) (Floodgate)
External links
References
