Tack Room Tavern at the Empire Polo Club
Indio CA
January 30, 2010

Story and photos by Renee Vargas
To see a photo slideshow by Renee Vargas, click here.

CINCH, a new country western band opened at the Tack Room Tavern in Indio, CA near Palm Springs, CA to a crowd of over 200 eager country western fans. By all accounts their debut was a great success.

There were a few rough spots to overcome such as microphones that failed but the group banded together and shared the remaining ones.

The set list included a wide range of music of both old classics as well as a few country rock tunes.  The audience seemed to like the classics the most.  Couples enjoyed dancing throughout the night.  

Johnny Pimm, lead guitarist, demonstrates a Native American gentleness to his voice that is easy to listen to.  He is the master of his guitar.  Dale Scivner plays bass and this writer overheard many in the audience praising him on how well he played.

Mike Lowe played drums and switched instruments with Johnny Pimm for one set.  Lowe also plays keyboards, bass and sings as well. Alexandra Seelye told the audience how she appreciated Lowe’s ability to harmonize.

Alexandra has melodic voice herself .  Her ability to sing “Blue” caused many to forget that there was anyone else is in the room.  

Eric Frankson, the founder of Cinch and its leader, tells people that the inspiration for Cinch came when he met Alexandra Seelye a few months back. “I was compelled to form the band once I found the ‘voice’, her voice”.  Eric’s has publically stated that his goal is to highlight the musicians in the group, and make sure that each has the ability to share the spotlight.  He demonstrates this by giving each member their share of the spotlight for at least a song or two. Dale Scrivner took advantage of this and added to his great bass playing his rendition of “Elvira”.

Cindy Buckner, an administrative assistant at the Coachella Valley Youth Symphony, told us that she primarily knows Eric Frankson as a classical musician and as a board member who teaches kids to play a variety of stringed instruments. Cindy commented that what his did tonight was a side of Eric she had not known before nor that it even  existed.  Cindy’s  husband told us that he believes “the band is bringing us back to the origins of country western music and this is refreshing.”  A professional line dance instructor, he and Cindy spent most of the night on the dance floor.

Ed Todd exclaimed, “This is the start of something good.”  Conrad Vargas commented on Alexandra Seelye’s renditions of Patsy Kline “she’s not just another Patsy Kline….she’s better.”

You can expect to see “Cinch” back at the Tack Room Tavern in about four weeks.  The establishment was pleased with the turnout as well as the music that was presented.

The band is a delight to watch! It this writer’s opinion that “Cinch “ will be a success.