3rd Alley

Infobox musical artist
Name = 3rd Alley

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Img_capt = Zack Walters and Josh Fischel live on stage in Bakersfield, California 2007.
Img_size =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Long Beach, California, U.S.
Genre = Rock
Alternative
Reggae
Years_active = 2004 - present
Label = Martian Church, En Cog Neato
Associated_acts = Sublime Handful Bargain Music Falling Idols Four Minutes Til Midnight
URL = [http://www.martianchurch.com Martianchurch.com]
Current_members = Zack Walters
Todd Elrod
Todd Forman
Andre Davis
Past_members = Greg "Mudd" Lowther Tyson Parrish

3rd Alley is an American rock, reggae band that originated in Long Beach, California. 3rd Alley formed in October 2004 after Zack Walters, then a solo artist, sent a four-track demo to Long Beach Records, landing on Greg "Mudd" Lowther's ears (of Falling Idols fame and co-owner of Long Beach Records.) An epiphany by fellow-listener Tyson Parrish, lead to, "You gotta see if this guy needs a band!" Zack, Tyson and Mudd got together, started jamming, and 2 months later found themselves in front of sold out crowds supporting Long Beach Shortbus across America.

Career

Singer/songwriter and lead guitarist, Zack Walters, got his feet wet fronting the San Diego band, Handful, which received substantial regional radio play, as well as, touring America as a solo artist performing experimental songs and techniques in front of the most varied crowds. Zack credits his sound to a "balance of ‘real’ and ‘abstract’ songwriting styles," and his ability to connect to the audience to "the fact that all the songs I write are based on real events and personal experiences of the everyday rollercoaster."

Todd Elrod (formerly of Bargain Music) soon joined on drums. Todd has studied music from classical to jazz since the 5th grade through college. Since then he has been a professional touring and recording drummer. His former band Bargain Music has toured and shared the stage with bands such as Fishbone, Slightly Stoopid, Spearhead, Pepper, Tim Armstrong (of Rancid), Los Lobos, and Ozomatli to name a few. His drumming style is heavily influenced by the rhythms of ska, reggae, punk rock, and hip hop.

Todd Forman, Sublime saxophonist, joined 3rd Alley soon after hearing After School Special, declaring himself the "Forrest Gump of music." "I was fortunate to be alive when Brad, Eric, and Bud came along. Now I feel as fortunate to be around with Zack and 3rd Alley." As a seasoned veteran of the Long Beach music scene, Todd characterizes the 3rd Alley vibe as laid back hard rock. "Zack has a wonderful and rare gift of melody. Few singer/songwriters can produce something that catches you the first time you hear it. Zack is a rare bird indeed."

The newest member to join the 3rd Alley workforce is Andre Davis on bass. Graduating from Musician's Institute (Hollywood) with a degree in bass technique, he has devoted his life to music and making himself the best he can be. Dre played for a few years with former M.I. students in the San Diego band "Four Minutes to Midnight" before joining 3rd Alley full time.

3rd Alley toured the U.S. and Europe in support of their debut album, After School Special.

Discography

tudio Albums

* "After School Special" (2005)
* "Shiny Shady People" (2008)

Compilation Albums

* "Long Beach Records - Martian Church "Fall Sampler" (2006) http://www.martianchurch.com
* "Kingrock Entertainment "Listen Up, Volume #1" (2008) http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=69240&

References

* [http://www.myspace.com/3rdAlley 3rd Alley myspace]
* [http://www.MartianChurch.com Martian Church]
* [http://www.LongBeachRecords.com Long Beach Records]
* [http://www.LongBeachRecords.de/ Long Beach Records Europe]
* [http://www.fondoflife.net Fond Of Life Productions (Europe)]
* [http://www.inyaface.co.jp/ InYaFace Records (Japan)]