Steve Kimock to play Sonoma show

Steve Kimock will bring his unique brand of guitar mastery to the Reel on Sunday, June 17. Kimock will fire up his rig and get the crowd going with his own brand of ethereal rock and roll, slide guitar magic, and songs old and new.

Kimock has been around the Bay Area since the mid-’70s, after he moved here from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Kimock’s muse led him first to the folk rock group the Goodman Brothers. His talents quickly landed him with local musicians Martin Fierro, Keith and Donna Godchaux, Greg Anton, and Quicksilver Messenger Service’s John Cipollina. He founded the band Zero, and soon connected with renowned lyricist Robert Hunter of the Grateful Dead. Thus began a couple decades palling around and playing with Jerry Garcia. In fact, Jerry Garcia was said to have called Kimock his “favorite guitarist.”

The Garcia connection has allowed Deadheads around the world to become familiar with Kimock’s work, and a local show at the Reel is a treat. He will bring a full band, featuring Leslie Mendelson, Andy Hess and son Johnny Kimock on drums. The show is billed as “Kimock” to focus on the father-son chemistry that occurs onstage. Kimock said of the night’s set list, “We always enjoy digging something up, we always want to add stuff,” to make it interesting.

His website, Kimock.com, says that his musical style encompasses “…blues or jazz, funk or folk, psychedelic or boogie, gypsy of prog-rock; traditional American or world fusion.” Fans of Garcia’s work might hear welcome sprinklings of “Stella Blue” and “China Doll.”

Kimock now lives in an old farmhouse about 10 miles from where he grew up. He has a barn full of guitars and recording equipment. Reached at his home, Kimock was relaxed and chatty. He sounded excited about his return to the North Bay. Having been based in Marin County for many years, he is no stranger to Sonoma music lovers. He mentioned a fun night he recently shared with Wavy Gravy at the Redwood Café in Cotati. Apparently, Wavy told some great stories, “The best ones being told off stage,” he said.

He spoke of his new album, “Satellite City,” and the direction he is heading.

“It was a songwriting collaboration project with my son Johnny,” said Kimock.

It’s largely instrumental, and just a bit moody, yet invites the listener in for more. While at the Reel, they will also play a few party songs, to get people shaking.

Asked about the equipment he takes on the road, he says it takes him quite a while to become comfortable with guitars. Thus, he will bring along a couple he’s had for almost 40 years. His choice of amplifiers? “Big ones, little ones… oddball stuff sitting on the fringe.” Either way, Kimock will bring, “crystal clear tone, melody, and emotion.”

Kimock is soon embarking on a tour of the summer festivals, with stops in Oregon, Washington, Arizona and New Mexico. Late August finds him touring and trading licks with the great Jorma Kaukonen in the Electric Hot Tuna Band.

The show at the Reel begins at 9 p.m. Tickets at eventbrite.com, and start at $30 to $50.