Paul Sanchez - Cowboy Mouth feud

[jazzykeb]

an update from Paul's mySpace page....looks like things are getting ugly. What ashame...........and when reading this, I was wondering why Sonia Tetlow was playing with Paul if they were in such a dispute, but Sonia has recently left CM too. Going to see them at Crawfish fest this weekend, but those changes have taken a lot of my enthusiasm out of being a CM fan.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

trying to get along
Current mood: awake
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

First the good stuff. Had a ball as always in Chicago, what a place. Good friends, good folks who treated us like one of the family, that's how Chicago is. Playing with Sonia and Eddie is fun, they are both multi-instrumentalists and it adds a lot to the songs to have the different textures available. I'm looking forward to the shows I have with them this summer. As usual drinks and laughs in Chicago with people who like both, kind of like being in a chilly New Orleans. Then a relaxing day in Indy with our friends the Novaks. The folks who throw House Concerts are special to me. They help me to continue making a living as a musician and they bring me into their homes to do it. Usually a room full of family and friends who may not know my stuff when I walk in but who alost always share in something unique before it's over.

A long ride home to decompress, Shelly got a gig the next day and went right to work. I don't stop working these days but it's for my music and my chance to continue playing it so I'm glad for the work.

That's the good stuf. The bad stuff is after waiting six months for Cowboy Mouth to make a fair offer of settlement, after six months of run around to the point where the men in charge of the Mouth's business no longer even respond to my e-mails I am being forced to take legal action.

I've tried to keep the negative stuff out of the papers and off my blogs but I want to be honest.

The truth is it's a drag that guys I spent sixteen years playing music with would be a party to ignoring the very contributions I made that allow them to continue being Cowboy Mouth. I'm not allowed to even have the e-mail list to help me make a living and get on with my life. As the band gets money from Disney for a song I co-wrote and play that song on the Regis and Kelly Show their management refuses to pay me my share or show me an accounting of where the publishing, mechanical and royalty money for songs has gone. One of the band members has gone as far as calling members of the band Beatin' Path that backs me up at shows to tell them they can't open for the Mouth if they keep playing with me.

I've done nothing but wish the guys well with continuing as Cowboy Mouth, the band I helped build. No mud slinging even though tons of negative energy came from the forum of the band that asks the questions "are you glad to be alive?", "are we all friends?", " are you with me?". Aparently if you aren't with them you're against them no matter what you say in interviews and on your forum.

My disagreement was and remains with the business guys. The fact that they are showing total disregard for being fair with me and are going so far as to try to make it difficult for me to make a living shows me that I was right to have moved on. The business manager even wants to charge me for my guitars, one of which was a gift from a friend and the other I bought myself. Even with all this I won't say anything bad about the my days with the Mouth or even those fans/friends who delighted in saying negative things about me after I left. It's a drag since I only left because I wanted to save my friendship with Griff and Fred and I knew the manager's style would drive a wedge between us as it had before, seems like even quitting couldn't save those friendships.

I still hold out hope that they will contact me and do the right thing before it is in the hands of the legal system, a strange place for a celebration of life to end.

I'm only trying to find footing, get on with my life, play music, have some laughs. I'm not angry with them for going on as Cowboy Mouth without me and didn't expect them to be angry at me for wanting to play music without them. Disappointed in some folks I used to know and was nice to who took real pleasure being negative about my decsion to move on which had nothing to do with them or their lives, not angry. It's their path to walk not mine.

I'm trying to let the flood waters that changed New Orleans so much finish changing me. I didn't want to change, didn't plan on changing but I knew finally that I had to. I'm "just keeping my hustle alive" as Satchmo used to say, just want to keep playing, writing and singing. When I figure out why, I'll let you know.

peace, love and jazz fest,

Paul

[Amy Winette]

Aww, that's really too bad! There's more than enough room for Cowboy Mouth AND Paul Sanchez solo in this world, both fantastic and very different acts, I don't see one drawing support, concert tix or CD sale $$ away from the other. I love Fred and Paul, the current management of CM sounds quite suspect though.

[The Dude]

Saw Cowboy Mouth at Fest and at the Howlin Wolf that Sat. Both shows were good, but seemed to be missing something. Sad to see that managment is the reason for a band breaking up. When we were in the storm that Friday at Fest, we were waiting it out in the Live Recordings tent, and someone asked why they weren't selling the Cowboy Mouth show. The guy running the tent said that they asked and the new manager basically told them no way. Sad to see that.

[mdfest]

I've seen them a bunch over the years, and the constant turnover in the band has soured me on them. Caught a few songs at Tips with Mary on the bass and felt it was a step back from Sonya. Ill see them at CFF this weekend, just because my kids are fans and have never seen them. If I have to pick side, I pick Pauls.
Just cuz I can sing and dance like a teletubbie doent make me one. Just cuz your called CM doesn't make you The CM.

[stynger]

I've seen CM with Paul a couple of times thru the years. Always a fun show. I saw Paul at the Patry and Lafayette Sq. in N.O. He really touched me with his stories and songs. So far removed from his old band. I prefer Paul on his own. Talked to him a bit when he was here in Atlanta a few weeks ago.
Such a nice genuine guy. I hope he can make it happen going solo. If anyone needs any proof how good he is solo....I'll make you a copy of his and Sonya's show at Eddie's Attic here in Decatur GA. Recorded with Paul's blessing.

[Corona]

I've seen CM with Paul a couple of times thru the years. Always a fun show. I saw Paul at the Patry and Lafayette Sq. in N.O. He really touched me with his stories and songs. So far removed from his old band. I prefer Paul on his own. Talked to him a bit when he was here in Atlanta a few weeks ago.
Such a nice genuine guy. I hope he can make it happen going solo. If anyone needs any proof how good he is solo....I'll make you a copy of his and Sonya's show at Eddie's Attic here in Decatur GA. Recorded with Paul's blessing.
I love Paul and think when he joined forces with John Boutte for a few gigs, it was amazing. The chemistry between the 2 is incredible. I think he's a real genuine guy. I also like the fact that Shamarr Allen is now playing some pretty regular gigs with him too. He's got 2 gigs with Paul coming up. I don't see any ego or B.S. with him....I feel so bad for him that he's going through this crap and that it makes the Mouth look bad. I like CM a lot but this stuff with Paul is really starting to bug me :(

[Amy Winette]

Oooh, is it back to Mary again? I thought it was somebody new? Not the biggest Mary fan. But it's FRED, I can't not love my big sweaty FRED!

[mightyradgumbo]

I, too, have to weigh in in favor of Paul in this battle. A battle, mind you, that I didn't want to see played out. Paul is addressing the issue honestly, IMHO. I feel that CM has shyed away from the issue. Again my opinion, but I feel the CM management is trying to wedge themselves between Paul and the Mouth. I feel for Paul. I think he is the truest sense of a musician out of the group and would like to see him continue to craft his own identity.

[Amy Winette]

And I agree that Paul's going to do great on his own and with all of the friends he plays with, it's a totally different experience, I don't know why CM management would want to interfere with his new solo career.

[rosetree]

And I agree that Paul's going to do great on his own and with all of the friends he plays with, it's a totally different experience, I don't know why CM management would want to interfere with his new solo career.

jealousy???

[mightyradgumbo]

jealousy???

My thoughts zactly, RT. Such a shame when grown-ups act like little kids in a bad way....I am all for acting younger than your age cept when it is acting like 2-year old brats.

[jhjpotter]

Oooh, is it back to Mary again? I thought it was somebody new? Not the biggest Mary fan. But it's FRED, I can't not love my big sweaty FRED!It is a new chick. She's got a step up on Sonia in the looks category from the little i've seen, but can she play? she's on bass in the video of cowboymouth on regis and kelly on youtube.

[abbeyrd]

I'm trying hard to hold my tongue on this - there is enough drama on this subject, already so I'll just share an answer to an earlier question. No, Mary isn't back - here's the myspace for the new bassist, Regina. She played with them on Regis and Kelly last Friday, on YouTube.

http://www.myspace.com/mechant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcgz0XfJcf0 (song is around 2 minutes in)

Let's accentuate the positive, people! :)

jen

[mdfest]

Not a whole lot of song on that clip. Is anyone surprised Kelly could stay on the bull??

CM has had what, 4 or 5 bass players? Paul was in the band like 14 years? Who else but Fred has contributed more? Reading the cool aid drinkers on the CM site remind me why I dont go there- it sucks.

[jhjpotter]

paul deserves to be treated professionally just like anyone else. new management sounds pretty rickshaw, so I hope fred has the sense to kick them in the ass for everyone's sake.

[Amy Winette]

Not a whole lot of song on that clip. Is anyone surprised Kelly could stay on the bull??

CM has had what, 4 or 5 bass players? Paul was in the band like 14 years? Who else but Fred has contributed more? Reading the cool aid drinkers on the CM site remind me why I dont go there- it sucks.

I've ridden that bull! It's more designed to jiggle you than buck you off ;) Jeff, what'd we see there one night, flashers and chicks making out with each other while "riding" the bull -- they wouldn't make it at a rodeo, haha!

I did enjoy CM's Kelly Rippa song on Regis, I was working from home on Friday and turned the TV on to that episode.

[Amy Winette]

jealousy???

Yeah, I still don't get it though, I think it works symbiotically, folks who loved Cowboy Mouth love the band AND Paul, it just gives me twice as many shows to enjoy, I'm not going to be choosing to go to one performance or the other, you'll be seeing me at both :)

[Amy Winette]

It is a new chick. She's got a step up on Sonia in the looks category from the little i've seen, but can she play? she's on bass in the video of cowboymouth on regis and kelly on youtube.

I think Sonia's pretty! I know she has other fans too :)

[Amy Winette]

Not a whole lot of song on that clip. Is anyone surprised Kelly could stay on the bull??

CM has had what, 4 or 5 bass players? Paul was in the band like 14 years? Who else but Fred has contributed more? Reading the cool aid drinkers on the CM site remind me why I dont go there- it sucks.

I think Paul and Fred were in the band 16 years. I've been a fan since 1998 and specifically recall 4 bass players, I think I may be blanking on 1 or 2 . . .

[Rossvegas]

As a former band manager, I can honestly say that these things are rarely 'black and white'. The weird reality is that CM is, like most other pro bands, both a business AND a family. When you try to reconcile those two things, it can get very personal.

I don't think there is any solution for Paul other than to bite the bullet and find himself a very good lawyer. He'll get his fair due eventually (assuming he is contractually protected as a partner/shareholder in the business), but it will ultimately take a huge financial toll on him and CM. I still have VERY clear memories of one of my bands sitting around a law firm's boardroom table, eating donuts and calling each other assholes...and all I could think was: "We're paying $350 an hour for THIS? We could have done this at my office for nothing."

I know it might sound trite, but when a band member decides to leave (for whatever reason) it is like a divorce. Resentment, bitterness, betrayal...all types of emotions bubble to the surface and get in the way of logic and prior friendships. There will be injunctions, performance fees seized (usually when the band least expects it and needs it the most) and all types of hurdles tossed in front of both Paul and CM...not pretty.

Unfortunately, when young bands are rehearsing in their Mom's basement and drinking the rest of Dad's liquor stash, they don't think about things like professional "pre-nups". Without them, things like this can easily happen.

[bywterbro]

As a former band manager, I can honestly say that these things are rarely 'black and white'. The weird reality is that CM is, like most other pro bands, both a business AND a family. When you try to reconcile those two things, it can get very personal.

I don't think there is any solution for Paul other than to bite the bullet and find himself a very good lawyer. He'll get his fair due eventually (assuming he is contractually protected as a partner/shareholder in the business), but it will ultimately take a huge financial toll on him and CM. I still have VERY clear memories of one of my bands sitting around a law firm's boardroom table, eating donuts and calling each other assholes...and all I could think was: "We're paying $350 an hour for THIS? We could have done this at my office for nothing."

I know it might sound trite, but when a band member decides to leave (for whatever reason) it is like a divorce. Resentment, bitterness, betrayal...all types of emotions bubble to the surface and get in the way of logic and prior friendships. There will be injunctions, performance fees seized (usually when the band least expects it and needs it the most) and all types of hurdles tossed in front of both Paul and CM...not pretty.

Unfortunately, when young bands are rehearsing in their Mom's basement and drinking the rest of Dad's liquor stash, they don't think about things like professional "pre-nups". Without them, things like this can easily happen.
Maybe you would consider starting a mediation service for bands...
like whats available in divorce cases......
offer your services for CM...
for the price of donuts and a few extra bucks, you could save them
alot of time, aggravation, and money....
what kind of do nuts were they by the way...its time for breakfast..

[abbeyrd]

Found the clip of the other song they did - This Much Fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QPrVZH7f30

As for bassists:
Paul Clements
Steve Walker
Rob Savoy
Mary LaSang
Sonia Tetlow
Regina Zernow

Thanks for the business end perspective, RossVegas!

Jen

[jazzykeb]

Very true Ross, and good insight. In case some of you are not aware of all of the details, making this issue further complicated and emotional is the fact that Paul's wife was an employee of the band and the new management let her go because of belt tightening. So, you have all the standard emotions and issues of a band that has been together and tours non-stop and travels together and financial and creative issues, and then on top of that add disagreement with management, love, marriage, male pride etc. and it just plain gets ugly.

[Rossvegas]

Maybe you would consider starting a mediation service for bands...
like whats available in divorce cases......
offer your services for CM...
for the price of donuts and a few extra bucks, you could save them
alot of time, aggravation, and money....
what kind of do nuts were they by the way...its time for breakfast..

Man, you couldn't pay me enough money to put myself into that mess again! Believe me, I had more 'Spinal Tap' moments in my brief band management life than you could possibly imagine.

"We're not blaming YOU, Ian..."

[mightyradgumbo]

Very true Ross, and good insight. In case some of you are not aware of all of the details, making this issue further complicated and emotional is the fact that Paul's wife was an employee of the band and the new management let her go because of belt tightening. So, you have all the standard emotions and issues of a band that has been together and tours non-stop and travels together and financial and creative issues, and then on top of that add disagreement with management, love, marriage, male pride etc. and it just plain gets ugly.

YYR Jazzy, I think the fact that Shelly was cut like she was lends itself a great deal to this issue. Paul has ties to both but when your wife is sent packing, I am sure it makes it tough for SOME people to stay. I feel that this issue needs to be resolved at the Fred/Paul level. If they are both fond of the friendship they have, they can see over the heap of bullshit that management so creatively stacks to blur the situation.
BTW, I agree witcha Amy about Sonia-Good bass player and pretty...I take the good bass player over cute but it is nice when the player is easy on the eyes. IMHO, she is cuter and better than the new girl

[Amy Winette]

Unfortunately, when young bands are rehearsing in their Mom's basement and drinking the rest of Dad's liquor stash, they don't think about things like professional "pre-nups". Without them, things like this can easily happen.

Professional pre-nups, that's brilliant Ross!! Hmm, no market for that back in Idaho, but maybe in NOLA . . . ;)

[Amy Winette]

Found the clip of the other song they did - This Much Fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QPrVZH7f30

As for bassists:
Paul Clements
Steve Walker
Rob Savoy
Mary LaSang
Sonia Tetlow
Regina Zernow

Thanks for the business end perspective, RossVegas!

Jen

Thx Abbey! I think I've only been around since the Rob days. I do like them having a chick in the band! And Mary was okay, it was just kind of painful when she would sing ;)

[Amy Winette]

Very true Ross, and good insight. In case some of you are not aware of all of the details, making this issue further complicated and emotional is the fact that Paul's wife was an employee of the band and the new management let her go because of belt tightening. So, you have all the standard emotions and issues of a band that has been together and tours non-stop and travels together and financial and creative issues, and then on top of that add disagreement with management, love, marriage, male pride etc. and it just plain gets ugly.

Hmm, now I thought that that whole issue (of Shelley being let go) had been raised and discredited right after the split. I recall the true story was not nearly so cut and dry, that she chose to leave, I can't recall all the details but I do think there was some flap about all that, and some retractions, awhile ago.

[jazzykeb]

Actually, I think the Shelly thing is the one thing that both CM and Paul do agree on, but I guess I could be wrong.

We can discuss over a cold, cold beer at CFF Amy! :D

[Amy Winette]

I don't have enough brain cells left to recall accurately Jazzy! But looking forward to enjoying some beverages, CM, camping, all the other bands, etc. with you at CFF :) Just a couple of DAYS :)