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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cynics’ Leader Skirts Success With Soulful Cd ‘Private Storm’

Many people know Don Larson as the leader of Don Larson and the Cynics, a band that plays classic and contemporary rock hits at the Stockyard’s Inn every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Most, however, don’t know the other musical side of Larson - the more artistic side.

The singer and multi-instrumentalist pursues a solo career. And although it’s very part time, it’s more rewarding than playing other people’s songs night after night.

Over the last couple of years Larson managed to squeeze enough time writing to bang out his debut album, “Private Storm.” The local musician composed, arranged and produced the entire 10-song CD in his basement studio.

As displayed on the “Private Storm,” Larson, an ominous-looking but gentle fellow whose arms are blanketed with tatoos, has a dark streak within him, which is surprising in a person who pays his bills playing lighthearted rock tunes.

“Most of it is real turbulent stuff,” Larson remarks about his album. “It’s kind of about what was going on at the time.”

The album deals with relationships he was involved in a few years back, two in particular and one of which inspired the most moody material of the album, the second half of “Private Storm.”

“I was hanging out with this one lady and this other lady came along and said, ‘Oh, let me save you. That relationship’s getting kind of crazy.’ Which it was. She came along with the pretense of hanging out with me and getting rid of this other person. Except, she ended up being worse. She was a real black widow as far as finding her mark and leaving her mark.

“It was such a turbulent time for me,” says Larson. “I had no recourse but to write about it.”

For his first time out as a solo artist, Larson is pleased with his efforts on “Private Storm,” aside from it serving as an outlet for his frustrations.

“I write all the time, but I think that this stuff is the most honest work I’ve ever done,” he says. “The whole album, production-wise and tone-wise, has a recognizable thread that runs through it.”

Locally, “Private Storm” is faring well in retail stores. Since its release late last year, he’s sold a few hundred copies - a respectable showing. Presently, Larson is talking to a distributor interested in taking the disc to record stores in Europe.

The veteran Larson has always been a prominent musical figure in Spokane.

In the ‘70s he was a member of Wilson McKinley, a Spokane rock band that nearly got signed to Columbia Records.

Following the break-up of Paul Revere and the Raiders, two of the band’s members, Phil Volk and Drake Levin, formed a group called Brotherhood. While the band was on tour in the Northwest, Volk and Levin were scouting unsigned talent and they stumbled upon Wilson McKinley in Spokane.

“They really fell in love with us and offered us a deal to go down to (Los Angeles) and they would produce us,” recalls Larson. “So we did that.”

Volk and Levin took the tapes Wilson McKinley recorded in L.A. and shopped them to labels, but just as Columbia expressed interest in signing the band, Wilson McKinley imploded.

Although the band stayed together, three-quarters of its members joined the Jesus People Revival. Larson didn’t and quit the band. Wilson McKinley changed directions and went seeking Jesus.

“It was a sickening period of time for me,” says Larson. “I was real bitter. I didn’t do anything for about a year. I stayed in my house and gained a lot of weight.

“They (Wilson McKinley band members) didn’t care, of course. They wore (almost signing) like martyrs. ‘We were on the way to the big time but the Lord stopped us.”’

Larson may have been close to becoming a rock star, but the past hasn’t curbed his enthusiasm for playing music. Unlike most local musicians, the singer has been able to sustain a liveable income playing music for many years.

You can catch Don Larson and the Cynics at the Stockyards Inn tonight and Saturday, from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and again Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. He plays acoustic with local veteran Ben Staley every Wednesday at the Stockyards Inn from 7 to 10 p.m.

Phlegm-buoyant music

Snaut, Spokane’s very own equivalent of Marilyn Manson, will unleash its filth Saturday at Outback Jack’s.

Yes, the club has temporarily lifted its ban on the irrepressible raunch’n’roller, notorious for its politically incorrect lyrics and obscene stage shows.

Go see the band. We dare you.

Solomon Kane and Indica open.

Music starts at 9:30 p.m. The cover is $4.

Summertime blues

If you’re willing to travel a bit to catch some great blues, head to the Sunbanks Blues Festival at the Sunbanks Resort in Grand Coulee Saturday and Sunday.

Several of the biggest names in Northwest blues will be appearing. The infectiously popular Duffy Bishop Band headlines Saturday. Joining Duffy Bishop on acoustic guitar is Paul Brasch, who just moved to Portland.

Other combos slated to appear over the weekend include Mumbo Jumbo, Brother Music, Big Daddy and the Blue Notes, Fat Daddy (no relation to Big Daddy), Chip and the Bushwhackers, and many more.

The stage is on the northern edge of Banks Lake.

The blues fest kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday and continues until midnight. Sunday it starts in the midmorning hours and lasts into the evening.

Tickets are $15 for advance and $18 at the gate. The tickets gets you in both days. For camping, lodging and ticket information, call (509) 633-3786.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NIGHTWATCH PICKS Best bets at area clubs: TONIGHT: Don Larson and the Cynics at the Stockyards Inn SATURDAY: Snaut, Soloman Kane, Indica at Outback Jack’s; Don Larson and the Cynics at the Stockyards Inn; Sunbanks Blues Festival in Grand Coulee SUNDAY: Sunbanks Blues Festival in Grand Coulee

This sidebar appeared with the story: NIGHTWATCH PICKS Best bets at area clubs: TONIGHT: Don Larson and the Cynics at the Stockyards Inn SATURDAY: Snaut, Soloman Kane, Indica at Outback Jack’s; Don Larson and the Cynics at the Stockyards Inn; Sunbanks Blues Festival in Grand Coulee SUNDAY: Sunbanks Blues Festival in Grand Coulee