The Great North Special w. Blü Egyptian

The Great North Special w. Blü Egyptian on Saturday, March 22 at The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa, CA!

The Great North Special emerged from the sunny shores of Laguna Beach, California, in 2019, forged through friendship and by a collective passion for the improvisational magic of bands like Little Feat and The Grateful Dead. The seven-piece ensemble, comprised of Andrew Corradini on vocals and guitar, Russell Long on vocals and guitar, Ben Wagner on guitar and pedal steel, Albert Margolis on keys, Anson Ditt on bass, Derek Eglit on drums, and Max Vega on percussion, quickly solidified their musical bond and began an adventure of sonic exploration. Andrew and Russell have been crafting songs together since 2012. Their musical synergy laid the foundation for The Great North Special, which they envisioned as a platform to share their love for diverse genres, from country-funk and soul-blues to psych-rock and jazz. Ben Wagner brings not only his lead guitar and pedal steel talents, but also takes care of the band’s guitars at the renowned Guitar Shoppe in Laguna Beach. Albert Margolis’ keyboard skills have been honed through years of touring with Leo Nocintelli of The Meters. The rhythm section, comprising of Derek Eglit, Anson Ditt, and Max Vega, offers tight grooves and an infectious energy, which is the driving force for the band’s dance party live shows. 

In 2020, The Great North Special unveiled their self-titled debut EP, a four-track journey that showcased their musical versatility and captivating songwriting. Recorded and produced at their own Freak Farm Studio, the EP garnered attention for its rich tapestry of sounds and soulful performances. As the band refined their craft on stage, they became a mainstay in the Southern California music scene, leaving audiences spellbound with their electrifying live shows. Venues like Skyloft and The Wayfarer in Orange County, The Mint in Los Angeles, and SLO Brew and Fernwood up in the central coast became stomping grounds, while music festivals such as June Lake Jam Fest and Docent’s Field Trip have provided larger platforms for their dynamic show. The hallmark of The Great North Special's live experience is their ability to create a sense of communal celebration, where audiences become immersed in an ecstatic whirlwind of music and movement. Their improvisational and adventurous spirit knows no bounds, with each performance offering a unique musical odyssey filled with spontaneous moments of brilliance. 

In 2022, the band released their single, “Love Service Devotion, further solidifying their place in the music scene. However, it is their upcoming debut LP, "Callithump Parade," set for release in the summer of 2024, that marks a significant milestone in their journey. With support from the Laguna Beach Arts Commission, the band ventured into uncharted territory, crafting a 10-song vinyl masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of their identity. Teaming up with LA Producer/Engineer Jason Soda at Palomino Sound, The Great North Special captured the raw energy of their live performances while exploring new sonic territories. The album, recorded predominantly live in the studio, showcases the band's versatility and songwriting aptitude, with each track offering a distinct musical narrative to accompany lyrical themes such as joy, love, nature, community, technology, spirituality, mental health, existentialism and pure celebration. Along with the album release, the band collaborated with musician/filmmaker Matt Costa to create a series of music videos, providing visual insight into their artistic vision. With "Callithump Parade," The Great North Special invites listeners on a sonic journey through the heart and soul of their musical universe, promising an unforgettable experience for music lovers everywhere.

Host or Publisher The Wayfarer