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Lee Koch
By Brett Leigh Dicks 04/02/2009
One to watch
When Zoey’s approached Lee Koch to host the “Ones To Watch” new music night each Wednesday, the local singer-songwriter jumped at the opportunity. Given that the evening spotlights emerging artists to create a night as spontaneous as it is melodious, Koch was the perfect choice. He not only gets to to play host to local talents destined for success, but he also has the opportunity to experience some of the best up-and-coming touring talents. And for one of Ventura’s brightest emerging musical stars, that’s not a bad way to make valuable connections and learn a thing or two.When Tommy called
Koch’s introduction to music came via a high school production of the Who’s Tommy. Even though he wasn’t in the school’s drama program at the time, word got out about his affinity for the harmonica. His recruitment into the performance motivated Koch to master his skills, which in turn led him to join a local band that ended up occupying his senior year. When the band disbanded as its members succumbed to the callings of college and life, Koch maintained his musical focus. The experience aided him in refining both his harmonica and vocal skills, and quickly motivated him to set about adding the guitar to his repertoireOut from the cellar
While Zoey’s has become somewhat of a staple for Koch, his first local performance was at the Westside Cellar, where he was working at the time. Initially, the owner failed to take the performance request from his busboy seriously, but when an artist failed to show one night, he asked Koch to grab his instruments for an impromptu audition. A few bars into the first song, Koch had the gig. Playing without a microphone or PA made his inaugural performance a bit shaky, but it helped him project both his songs and persona into the musical force local audiences have come to know.Thicker than blood
Last May, with the guidance of Jesse Siebenberg, Koch entered Brotheryn Studios in Ojai, where he set about crafting his recently released debut album. In utilizing the studio during its downtime, Koch spent a day each week in the studio over several months while the pair sculpted his musical vision. The extended recording period was more a benefit than it was a hindrance, as the process afforded Koch plenty of time to reflect on each of the resulting sessions. Titled Same As Blood, the title track from the album is a fitting homage to friendship.Hitting the road
Being a familiar face around town, not just via his performances at the Westside Cellar and Ones to Watch at Zoey's, but also through his Thursday night performances with Guy Martin at the Watermark, Koch is now looking further afield. He recently enlisted the services of a bassist and is now auditioning drummers for a trio that will take his album on the road. He is in the process of booking shows along the West Coast for a summer tour. Having quit his day job and put school on hold, it would seem that Koch has become the One to Watch.DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT