Maurice Tani & 77 El Deora

San Francisco’s Maurice Tani has been a fixture on the local alt-country scene for more than a decade with his band 77 El Deora, and previously sang and played guitar for the seminal Motown-style party bands Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra and Big Bang Beat. The San Francisco Chronicle has praised his “twangy modern country sound” and called his songs “wry yet romantic, tender but aggressive.” The band includes Mike Anderson on bass, Randy Craig on piano, Ken Owen on drums, and guest vocalist Pam Brandon.

Maurice has just released two albums—a studio recording with 77 El Deora called Blue Line, and Two Stroke, a collection of acoustic duos with 77 El Deora bassist Mike Anderson. Whether it’s cranked up or turned down, it definitely swings.