Original postpunk alternative pop rock & ska music out of Greater Seattle
The Baker Street Irregulars are an unsigned 4-piece rock band from the greater Seattle area. Their music is in the tradition of great pop rock storytelling artists like the Beatles, The Police, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, even Steely Dan. You can enjoy thinking about it or just groove to it, however your spirit moves you. The post-punk flavors predominating the sound are often mixed with bouncy ska grooves a la The Specials or with more spacious art-rockish vibes.
[ What's with the band name? ]
HISTORY The Baker Street Irregulars were born from a long-term friendship and musical partnership between guitarist Sean McArdle and drummer Colin May. Over years of jams, recording sessions, and band startups, breakups and hiccups, they have honed their initial chemistry into a kind of musical ESP. In early 2009, a side project led Sean to meet John Arvizu, whose skill and style with both guitar and composition brilliantly complemented that of the founding Irregulars. With the ridiculously talented Tommy Matz (could he be Seattle's best unknown bassist?) supporting the group's public launch from spring through fall of that year, the Baker Street Irregulars were able to create a full set of memorable material. After Tommy's departure on good if sad terms, Sean, John and Colin muddled through a few months of further musical tinkering until a new search in Spring of 2010 yielded the formidable and multifaceted talents of Mark Smith.
You can also find us...
on MyspaceFrom Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes novel, The Sign of Four, Ch.8 "The Baker Street Irregulars":
At this moment there was a loud ring at the bell, and I could hear Mrs. Hudson, our landlady, raising her voice in a wail of expostulation and dismay.
"By heavens, Holmes," I said, half rising, "I believe that they are really after us."
"No, it's not quite so bad as that. It is the unofficial force the Baker Street irregulars."
As he spoke, there came a swift pattering of naked feet upon the stairs, a clatter of high voices, and in rushed a dozen dirty and ragged little street Arabs. There was some show of discipline among them, despite their tumultuous entry, for they instantly drew up in line and stood facing us with expectant faces. One of their number, taller and older than the others, stood forward with an air of lounging superiority which was very funny in such a disreputable little scarecrow.
"Got your message, sir," said he, "and brought 'em on sharp. Three bob and a tanner for tickets."
"Here you are," said Holmes, producing some silver. "In future they can report to you, Wiggins, and you to me. I cannot have the house invaded in this way. However, it is just as well that you should all hear the instructions. I want to find the whereabouts of a steam launch called the Aurora, owner Mordecai Smith, black with two red streaks, funnel black with a white band. She is down the river somewhere. I want one boy to be at Mordecai Smith's landing-stage opposite Millbank to say if the boat comes back. You must divide it out among yourselves and do both banks thoroughly. Let me know the moment you have news. Is that all clear?"
"Yes, guv'nor," said Wiggins.
"The old scale of pay, and a guinea to the boy who finds the boat. Here's a day in advance. Now off you go!"
X closeBlue Moon and Spot Off Main gigs slated
May 30th - Skylark Cafe gig slated! Fuel gig has to be rescheduled.
May 2010 - We got scouted at The Central and asked to play at The Funhouse late on Memorial Day—see new gig listing.
2010
9/3 FUEL
7/23 The Spot Off Main
6/24 The Blue Moon
6/11 Skylark Cafe
6/18 FUEL rescheduled
5/31 The Funhouse
5/15 The Central Saloon
The Celtic Bayou
2009
The Rendezvous
(Jewelbox Theater)
The Central Saloon
KSCARC fundraiser
The Comet Tavern
FUEL
Big Daddy's
Tracks recorded in a variety of ways at a variety of venues.
Live @ Big Daddy's, Woodinville WA, May 2009
Studio demos (some live, some not)
Live practice/jam sessions
