Green Room: West Goes East

For a guy who rocks so convincingly, betraying so much poetry and musical muscle, it's not surprising that Mark Williams' earliest musical influences were so good.

"When I was growing up, I had an aunt with really excellent taste," said the D.C.-area native. "At the age of 3 she turned me on to both The Beatles and 'Clouds' by Joni Mitchell. That's where it all started for me. Great melodies and incisive lyrics. Especially, since I heard The Beatles, I've never been the same."

One listen to Williams' new band, West Goes East and you'll be able to hear traces of the Fab Four, Del Amitri, all the smart, literate, rocking bands, mixed together in surprising new ways, many of which are being unveiled with the group's album debut and show Thursday at

"People are probably pretty familiar with my last band, Jonasay," Williams said.  "We got some significant airplay and toured like crazy, with bands like Hootie and the Blowfish and Sister Hazel. The band broke up in 2003. I concentrated on producing local acts. And I was very happy doing that. But then something surprising and intriguing happened."

It seems, Williams says, that Jonasay, despite being history, wasn't quite done exactly.

"Justin Sheehy, the singer and one of the writers in the band, moved to California, after we disbanded. And he kept sending me these great demos of new songs. Being a producer, I couldn't help but produce them, buff them up, add instruments. After hearing enough of these cool tunes, I said to Justin, 'We need to start a new band.'"

One listen to West Goes East's new record, "Drive All Night," and you'll be glad that Sheehy and Williams engaged in all this cross-coastal file-sharing. Mixing the drive of great Classic Rock, covered with sweet, shiny melodic frosting, it's one of the best new albums of the year. All big drums, smart words and choruses that hang in your head like beautiful earrings.

"The core of the band is Justin and me," Williams said. "But we'll be out touring with a rhythm. What's nice about the record release gig is that it's at Jammin' Java. Along with places like the 9:30 Club, it's really a second home to us. We've played there a lot over the years and it's so well laid out and has such great acoustics."

In addition to playing Jammin' Java, 'West' hopes to take their power pop message East, North and South come 2012. Especially New York City, where Williams has a loyal following, due in part to Jonasay. 

Until then, though, the multi-instrumentalist and engineer, will do what he does best: work his magic behind the console controls.

"I'm pretty much a studio rat," said Williams, whose Dapple Studios is in Bethesda. "I love playing live for people and getting that exchange of energy from the audience. But there's nothing for me quite like producing. And, unlike stomping on a stage, it's something you can do even when you bet old. Unlike, say, a pop star? As long as you deliver the goods as a producer? Nobody really cares how young and cute you are."

West Goes East will be at Jammin' Java on December 29th, as a combination gig and record release party. Opening are Breaking Borders and Carson Taylor. The show begins at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $12. For more information call 703-255-1566