Thanks for visiting in 2009!

As A Peace of My Mind continues to attract praise, I've begun to record a new CD.

Tentatively working titled “What if…” the new material is marinated in the last five years’ intense, loving work and research on Beatles music for concerts with the White Album Ensemble. Adding to that is my love of Psychedelic 60's rock (both of the S.F., and U.K. varieties- from my experiences with Quicksilver Messenger Service, Bill Champlin, Steve Marriott, most of Moby Grape collectively and individually); plus the 4 years spent with "Zigaboo" Modeliste (Meters), as well as the Wild Magnolias performing New Orleans funk; and a lifelong love of the whole Stax- Volt/ Motown/ Atlantic Rhythm and Blues, Soul scene. Swampadelic!

I've got about 70 new tunes, weeded them down to 19 hooky contenders, to pick a final dozen or so. It should be fun, funky, rockin, I’ll be using guys from the White Album Ensemble, and some of the cast of characters on board last CD. I got a magic '61 Hammond B3 that's been played by my idols Jimmy Smith, and Booker T., as well as Jack McDuff, and Jimmy McGriff, it's the sweetest sound I've ever heard! I also made an electric sitar out of a bunch of parts from all over the world to add that mysterious "drrrzzzoooowwwrrrrzzzmmm" so necessary to that late 60's psychedelic flavor, whether Raga Rock, or Motown. I am also am having great fun with an "E Bow"(or electronic bow, as in a violin or cello bow), a magnetic field- based device for making a guitar sound like a strange hybrid guitar- cello-viola, and it will add new sonic textures as well.

I am still performing with the White Album Ensemble, doing sets of Beatles albums, live. This 8-16 peace group includes Tiran Porter, Ken Kraft, Richard Bryant, Peter Booras, Stephen Krilanovich, Drew Harrison and other stellar talents. Our latest concept show has been (songs from the film" "Across the Universe"- and as the film won many new Beatles fans with its stripped down arrangements, and use of talented young vocalists, we have invited guests such as Grammy- nominated jazz/ gospel vocalist Tammi Brown (who is featured on lead vocals 'expect your Miracle' on 'A Peace of My Mind". Musicscool student, vocalist extraordinaire James Durbin receives a standing ovation mid- song for his rendition of "While my Guitar Gently Weeps", and Alysha Antonino and Natalie Singley killed them with their lovely contributions. A string quartet and horn section help push it over the top.

Along with our usual Rio Theatre and Kuumbwa jazz center concerts, we will return to Monterey's fabulous Golden State Theatre in late February to reprise the ATU show, then it will be back to the Santa Cruz County Symphony June 6th for "Beatles, and Beyond". Barry Phillips (Cello, Dilrhuba "Concert for George" with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton as well as Ravi Shankar) is inking up the charts for such post Beatles solo songs as Paul's 'Live and Let Die", George's "Isn't It a Pity", John’s "Jealous Guy" plus Ringo's 'It Aint Easy"!

July 12 we will be back at the Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda, the prettiest gig ever! High on a hilltop in Soquel amongst redwoods, breath- taking ocean view, hawks circling overhead. Also have the Santa Cruz Civic auditorium booked with the Symphony, always a treat. The bookings come at us fast, and usually sell out. If you like Beatles music done right, check out www.whitealbumlive.com and get on the mail list for updates.

Meanwhile- Musicscool, the "School of Ock" as the Santa Cruz Sentinel calls it, is flourishing, I'm teaching piano, keyboards, guitar, and have a stellar roster of other teachers including guitarist Mike Schermer (Maria Muldaur, Elvin Bishop), guitarist/ keyboardist Stephen Krilanovich of the WAE, drummer David Tucker (Maria Muldaur, Sista Monica), vocal coaches Tammi Brown and Alysha Antonino and other great guitarists, bassists, drummers, violinists, singers and trumpeters, that's 831 426 6060- (512 Front Street at More Music).

Coming up (again) in May 31st- I teach so much Led Zeppelin that we are going to do another concert - called GuitArmy- an army of guitar students, from 10 to 20, male and female doing mostly Zeppelin (“Kashmir” alone had 50 overdubs, they say, many great LZ songs have many different guitar parts - acoustic, electric, 12 string, slide, DADGAD- tuned, that were never performed live with all the parts). This show will feature David Tucker on drums, Tiran Porter on bass, and the amazing James Durbin, on vocals, and NINE guitarists playing as one section, sounding huge, large and in charge. The last Guitarmy Invasion was a smashing success, people expected a ‘kid band”, but got a “great band” instead! The idea is a GuitArmy "Invasion"- "We Come in Peace"- a benefit for Musicscool scholarship program.

Last year's "Music of Alexander 'Skip' Spence" (r.i.p. member of Moby Grape) tribute concert, in which I played guitar with Skip's son, Omar, in a band including his son Nico (Skips grandson, Skip was also the first drummer of the Jefferson Airplane!) on drums, bassist Tiran Porter, guitarist/vocalist Stephen Krilanovich, and vocalist Robin Spence came off really well, Magic Sound and Alan Goldwater recorded the shows and a CD should be out this year! Most of Skips landmark 1969 solo album "Oar" was re created, as well as his Moby Grape, and Jefferson Airplane compositions.

Peace—
Dale

buy the Dale Ockerman CD

Praise and reviews for A Peace Of My Mind:

“There’s a lot to like, beginning with some wonderfully made music. Well-produced, well performed — it’s polished and pleasurable to listen to. Ockerman’s cadre of musicians deliver the funk convincingly, laying down a groove that’s decidedly New Orleans-influenced, perhaps due to the strong presence of Big Easy native Joseph ‘Zigaboo’ Modeliste, who performs on several tracks.  Solos are plentiful and strong.”

Offbeat Magazine, New Orleans, May 2006

“He’s recorded and toured with the Doobies, anchored incredible live reproductions of the Beatles’ White Album and Revolver, and backed many other frontliners, so it’s great that the outstanding and multitalented Ockerman finally steps out front to deliver his first solo CD. He penned most of the tunes, which cover an eclectic mix of rock, gospel, soul, and New Orleans funk, and plays wicked keys — tons of kick-ass B-3 plus Rhodes, synths, and piano — and guitar. Among those joining him in this celebration of song are bassist Tiran Porter and saxman/vocalist Cornelius Bumpus (both of the Doobie Brothers), Joseph ‘Zigaboo’ Modeliste (the Meters), brassman Mic Gillette (Tower of Power), Jerry Miller (Moby Grape), and a variety of vocal artists. Peace was two years in the making. Maybe it can carry worldwide influence.”

— Mark Vail
Keyboard Magazine, ’05

“Good things come to those who wait and A Peace of Mind, by Dale Ockerman, was well worth the wait! This CD is awesome! Dale, keyboardist/guitarist for an incredible number of bands ranging from Moby Grape to the Doobie Brothers and beyond, shows why he is a player so in demand. Dale shines on these tunes, playing Hammond B3, piano, lead, rhythm, slide and acoustic guitar, and a host of other instruments. He's joined by a mulitude of friends, including Tower of Power trumpet/trombonist, Mic Gillette; Doobie Brother bassist, Tiran Porter; Meters drummer, Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste; Moby Grape guitarist, Jerry Miller; and, one of my personal favourites, Doobie Brother saxophonist, Cornelius "Corny" Bumpus. The selections move through a myriad of styles, from blues- to-funk-to-Rock and Roll. ‘Judgment Day (Badlands Lullaby)’ floors me. This song should receive major airplay. It has to be the first acoustic Blues song to utilize not only keys, bass, drums, and guitar, but tamboura, mandolin, tablas, and Egyptian frame drums! Gregg Allman needs to check this tune out! This is definately an ‘maximum stars’ recording. Buy yourself a copy now. You won't forgive yourself, otherwise!”

— WandrinStar Reviews
Amazon.com

“Dale- that is a BAD mutha#$%^! Congratulations, my man. You have outdone yourself.”

— Tom Johnston (lead vocalist,
lead guitar Doobie Bros,
"China Grove", "Listen to the Music")

“Yeah Baby! This is the closest thing to the West Coast Meters I've ever been involved with. A Peace Of My Mind is a classic!”

— Mic Gillette ( trumpet and brass,
original Tower of Power horns )

“I played your new CD three times last night. The best compliment I can pay it is that I never tired of the songs. Each selection was different, each was unique, and each was memorable. I am staggered by the amount of talent represented in this CD — including the artwork!”

— Stanley Krippner, Ph.D
One of the world's foremost scholars in the fields of shamanism, parapsychology, dream research and consciousness studies. Professor of psychology at Saybrook Institute in San Francisco