Union of Saints

Now here's something that is anything but AOR by numbers. The band is called Union Of Saints and the album is "No Law Against Love". A Christian rock band, they tag themselves as "Classic Rock For The New Millenium" and who am I to argue? For once we get a band that fits its own hype and one that delivers everything it says on the tin. It's hard to pin-point their sound and even harder to give you reference points as to who they sound like. They have a diversity to their sound that I haven't heard since the likes of Little Angels were around in the nineties and they also remind me of Kick. One minute AOR, the next hard rock whilst slipping in some classic ballads along the way. Dexter Espinoza has a huge voice and shines on the likes of "I'm Free", "Little Piece Of My Heart" and "Rescue Me". They've supported the likes of Toto, Kansas, Soul Sirkus and Eddie Money and Bobby Kimball loves them. I think they are fantastic and truly are a breath of fresh air in a sometimes-bland scene - AOR Underground - Rob Evans

Friday, April 15, 2005

By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register

Although Union of Saints hasn't released an album since 2003's "If We Live," the rock quintet has been busy. The group has gone about building a strong and growing following by opening for well-known acts such as the Motels, Eddie Money, the Michael Schenker Group, Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe), the Alarm and, most recently, Toto. Next week, the Orange County-based outfit will open for Soul Sirkus, the latest project featuring Journey guitarist Neal Schon, at the Galaxy Concert Theatre.

And the growing list of national acts that Union of Saints has supported has come despite the departure of several members of the ensemble over its four-year history. In addition to lead singer Dexter Espinoza, the group includes bassist Eric Seidman, drummer Mitch Ross, keyboardist Curtiss Matovich and guitarist Rick Hall.

Hall has only been with the band since early this year, when he was brought in to replace Eric Goetze.

"Eric was playing with us up until January; he and his wife moved to Colorado Springs. But he came back to play the Toto show (at the Coach House on March 23) with us," said Espinoza, adding that Hall was also on stage for that performance.

Hall is a virtuoso player who showed he is already fully integrated into the band's style when I saw the group run through a number of songs at a full rehearsal earlier this week at Sound Matrix studios in Fountain Valley. He will be on stage when Union of Saints opens for Soul Sirkus on April 21. Fans of fret masters such as Steve Lukather and Kerry Livgren will appreciate his melodic style.

"He was in Seven Layer Soul, and he is just the guy," Espinoza said. "So tasteful, so understated; he totally fits our music." Added Seidman: "Just three rehearsals and he nailed it."

If Union of Saints was playing three-chord punk music, it might not be surprising that a guitarist could nail the set after a few practices. But Union of Saints performs original music that is rooted firmly in the sonic territory of classic-rock acts such as Kansas, Asia and Boston. Strong songs (notably "Save Me," "Perfect Peace" and "If We Live") ornately orchestrated with vocal harmonies, guitars and keyboards often center on positive themes and the group's Christian faith.

"We've got a big shot in the arm with new blood," Espinoza said of Hall joining the band. "It's the strongest we've ever been. Before we were holding our own. Now it's unbelievable."

Union of Saints has been compared to groups from across the classic-rock spectrum. And, while many bands dismiss efforts to place them side by side with other artists, Espinoza is proud that Union of Saints is compared with its musical mentors.

"People come out to see Journey, Duran Duran and Styx; they still sell out (large venues)," Espinosa said. "Mike Porcaro (Toto's bassist) said afterwards that we had a great mix of music," Espinoza said.

Union of Saints opens for Soul Sirkus at the Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, at 8 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are on sale for $20 at the Galaxy box office, and presale tickets are available for $10 through Union of Saints. For more information, visit the band's Web site at www.unionofsaints.com or call (714) 334-3000. - The Orange County Register

UNION OF SAINTS and THE ALARM
GALAXY
November 19th, 2004
Santa Ana, Ca.

Union Of Saints has been around for a while and has made a run of opening gigs for a few heavy hitters in the local Southern California area. They have previously shared the stage with the Michael Schenker Group, Glenn Hughes and now The Alarm just to name a few. With an upcoming gig with Toto at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California set for March 23rd, it appears that this group are beginning to secure the exposure that has been long overdue.

My first exposure to Union Of Saints was when they opened for the 3 Voices gig that featured Robin McAuley, Alex Ligertwood and the great Glenn Hughes. That was back in June of 2003. Sitting and waiting for The Voice, I was startled by the sheer energy of the band, more specifically, the talents of the front man and vocalist Dexter Espinoza. Their powerful AOR approach resembling that of Journey along with the very positive lyrics certainly was a very uplifting experience. Yet they were never over the top evangelically. They just appeared to be a band having a good time celebrating the important aspects of life.

While the above came with no expectations I was not sure if Dexter and company could live up to my now preconceived outlook. After two forgettable bands were done Union Of Saints hit the stage and quickly dispensed of my doubts putting on another terrific show. With Dexter and keyboard player Curtiss Matovich as the only remaining members from their 2001 cd If We Live, the Union Of Saints continues to function as a very tight and unified band. In fact the concert marked the initiation of their brand new bass player Eric Seidman but no one would have known had they not announced it. He appeared right at home.

The concert was also my first exposure to the relatively new guitarist Eric Goetze who had more pedals in front of him than Tom Scholz of Boston had in his studio. Okay so I am probably exaggerating a little but you get my point. His technique and playing were well executed with crystal clear clarity. Apparently he gigged with bass extraordinaire Matt Bissonette but I have been unable to confirm this with a secondary source.

The band opened with the track “Save Me Please” which was followed up by three consecutive tracks from the If We Live CD. Both “Perfect Peace” and “Broken Heart” displayed some stellar harmonic vocals that show there is more than just their front man that can sing. With new material added to their concert it appears that the band is continuing to grow in their compositional skills.

Though there was no doubting whom the partisan crowd were waiting for no one was in a rush to see Union Of Saints leave the stage. Granted the headliner did not need to be, for the lack of a better phrase, alarmed. Certainly as far as precision and professionalism, Union Of Saints showed they were more than capable of keeping up with Michael Peters and company. Meanwhile, The Alarm proceeded to provide the crowd with an onslaught of retrospective hits.

I had an opportunity to speak with Dexter after the concert who was kind enough to hand me their first disc If We Live. I have since had ample opportunity to listen to the disc and though the arrangements and production are well done it does not translate the power of Union Of Saints in concert. Recently Dexter confirmed that they are currently recording a new album that is tentatively titled Heirs Of Grace. Needless to say the band is continuing to share their faith that is near and dear to them courtesy of their rock and soul. And I do mean soul in both the musical and spiritual sense of the word, which makes them a unique band in the sometimes-graphic world of rock and roll.

CONCERT SET

1. Save Me Please
2. Perfect Peace
3. Great Is Your Name
4. Broken Heart
5. 1000 Little Miracles
6. Green Side Of Blue
7. I’m Free
8. No Law

-- Mike Debbage - Hardrock Haven

UNION OF SAINTS SPARKLES AT THE GALAXY

By Bob Leggett

I had the rare privilege of reviewing this band previously for Music Connection Magazine during their gig at the Viper Room, so I had a fairly good feeling about this show. Little did I expect to be totally blown away by this performance, which was head and shoulders better than the one at the Viper Room.

How best to describe this band? How about Journey meets Boston meets Toto, with a little WASP (guitarist Kelly Murtado was formerly part of that band), and a powerful and positive message. The music is as tight as it gets and the vocals of lead singer Dex Espinosa call for comparisons to Steve Perry.

Much like the music of POD and Switchfoot, and to a lesser degree Creed and U2, the faith and hope behind the lyrics of songs like Perfect Peace, Little Piece, Broken Heart, 1000 Little Miracles, Save me Please and No Law Against Love are plainly evident. Just like Stryper, many of the songs leave no doubt as to their meaning, like Great is Your Name.

The songwriting is first-rate, and the talent pool of this band is deep indeed, including the incredible skills of Espinosa on vocals and Curtis on keyboards and vocals. Curtis especially shines on his own creation, Little Piece, as does the incredible musicianship of Eric on guitar. Espinosa's stage presence is incredible, and he packs a wallop into his presentation - you definitely leave a UOS concert feeling fulfilled. Dex has even mastered the use of the metal yell, never overdoing it or using it inappropriately - reminds me of the vocals of Michael Sweet of Stryper.

This was a great show, and I will wait in anticipation for the release of the new CD.


- The Music Connection

UNION OF SAINTS VIPER ROOM WEST HOLLYWOOD

By Bob Leggett

Material: Drawing from the Eighties classic rock and metals bands, Union of Saints combine the stirring vocals of Steve Perry with the clean, crisp musical chops of Toto, Boston and Journey to create their own special brand of classic rock, for the new millenium.

Musicianship: Union of Saints has gathered a pool of talented musicians featuring the skilled vocals Espinosa, the guitar work of Martella (formerly with WASP) and the proficient keyboads and vocals of Matovich. The result is up-lifting music with positive lyrics in the style of P.O.D. and Switchfoot.

Performance: Union of Saints took the stage to the screams of fans who had obviously been waiting to hear their favorite band. The group's show stirred the crowd and kept them dancing throughout the entire set.

The music was loud but not over-powering, and allowed the lyrics to be heard. By utilizing themes of peace, understanding and lovs, Union of Saints evoked a much needed positive vibe that the audience definitely wanted to hear. The 35-minute set felt too short, leaving the audience wanting more.

Summary: Union of Saints offers one of the best classic rock-influneced concerts to be found in the unsigned market. The music is well written, the lyrics are worth listening to and the show left the crowd feeling electric. For any label looking for that classic rock sound with a fresh contemporary approach, Union of Saints has the talent and timing to be a major player.

- The Music Connection

2008 has just started and already we are looking at a great new independent band called UNION OF SAINTS. Their CD is filled with high class late 80s American Mainstream Melodic hardrock, with a sound a la TYKETTO/ROX DIAMOND/WHITE SISTER/TOUR DE FORCE/MATTADOR/PROPHET/MIRROR MIRROR, a lot of SLYBOYZ and here and there and some JADED HEART, so pure classic 80s Melodic Rock with a touch of AOR. The band has an incredible lead singer called Dexter Espinoza, who amazes me a lot with his fantastic voice, going up in vocal range without any problem. The sound is quite big and fans of mentioned bands should grab a copy of the band's album asap. Ballads like "Rescue Me" and especially the SLYBOYZ/STRYPERish "Falling Again" besides classic Melodic Rockers, such as "Little Piece of My Heart" and "Save Me Please" (hello TYKETTO!!!) are making this band a proud winner for any 80s Melodic Rockfan out there! I had not heard of them before, but they have already opened for legendary Classic Rockbands, such as TOTO, KANSAS, EDDIE MONEY, MICHAEL SCHENKER, etc. And apparantly 2 very well-known singers have already admitted they like this band (that being Bobby Kimball of TOTO and Jennifer Warnes) and I am sure any melodic rockfan will do too when he has check their websites at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/unionofsaints and http://www.unionofsaints.com/ - Strutter (The Netherlands)

H R H - I N T E R V I E W S

Dexter Espinoza from Union of Saints
Interview August 2005

by Michael Debbage
Staff Writer
THE UNION OF SAINTS INTERVIEW

Over the last few years Union Of Saints has been making a name for themselves by opening in the Greater Los Angeles area for some heavy hitters. Associated with the likes of Michael Schenker, Glenn Hughes, Toto and Soul SirkUS to name just a few, the band is finally starting to get the publicity that has been long overdue. Serving up a healthy dose of AOR along with their restorative faith founded lyrics that are uplifting yet not judgmental, the band is a pleasant change to a world of rock and roll world where decadence is more common than decorousness.

Though Union Of Saints may be a new or unknown name to many of you, the band has been around since 1997. Three years after their conception they put together their first full-length album in the shape of If We Live. Released back in 2001 it would be fair to say that the album did not capture their vivacious live performances. However, that does not take away from the fact that the melodies are memorable and they still translate exceptionally well live.

Currently the band has only two remaining members from that 2001 recording, found in the form of vocalist Dexter Espinoza and keyboardist Curtiss Matovich. Despite the multiple changes in band members they continue to persist and plod on committed to their mission to succeed and spread the Good News courtesy of their rock and roll soul. In fact, the recent addition of guitarist Rich Hall has apparently toughened the bands sound giving it an underlying blues tone to it. And even more recently the band added a second guitarist David Eanos who will hopefully capture that twin lead guitar sound made famous by Wishbone Ash and Thin Lizzy. Certainly it will only append to the already full sound that Union Of Saints brings to their already vibrant and vivacious live performances.

Presently the band is concentrating their efforts in the studio in attempts to complete the second full-length album that has a working title of Heirs Of Grace. Whether their effort will encapsulate their live performance is yet to be seen. However, Dexter Espinoza was kind enough to take some time to update us on the status of the band.

HRH: It has been four years since your first full-length recording If We Live. So lets go back there first. This album largely featured the compositions of guitarist Mike Oliver along with your co credits. How did Union of Saints come about?

Union of Saints was the result of Mike and I meeting in 1997 while preparing for a concert we were doing with Rick Wakeman at Irvine Meadows (Verizon Wireless) Amphitheatre here in California. I was just listening to the way he was playing and thought, wait a minute; this guy is a pro! So after we finished the rehearsal, I helped him out with his gear. While I was helping him out, I asked him if he had been working on any original material. He said yeah, he had a studio in his house and was demoing out a few things. So I got his number and called him to get together so I could hear what he was doing. Immediately we pooled together all of our recording gear together and the result was three of the songs that ended up on If We Live. Next, we gathered a few of our friends together to try and record tracks live in the studio. We tried to do a few gigs, but it really wasnt happening, so we decided to regroup. Finally, we recruited some studio hotshots and started to record the rest of the album. We finished in February of 1999. After that, all of our schedules got really busy with sessions so the record just sat until March of 2001 and by then, we had added Fernando Alvarez, Curtiss Matovich, and Mark Smith. Two days after we put this line-up together, I got a call from a promoter who remembered me from my old band Vesuvius. He said that he heard that I had a new band and would we like to open for Beautiful Creatures. Naturally, I said yes! So he asked me what we were called and Union of Saints came out of my mouth. I had absolutely no time to think about it and as a result, there was no time for me to screw up what God was going to do! The funny thing is, I hadnt told anyone about the band and I never did find out how that happened.

HRH: Since then there has been a lot of transition with only you and keyboardist Curtiss remaining in the band. Did you ever feel like giving up and if so how did you get through that period?

No way! Every time somebody left, another great player stepped up. Naturally, you get attached to the way things are played, but with the line-up we have now, its the best weve ever sounded. Besides, the longer we stay around, the more serious people have been taking us and now our following is growing by leaps and bounds because people are telling their friends. We have remained friends with the guys who couldnt play anymore though. But as far as giving up, we spent two years trying to get booked with Toto and it finally happened this March. Their booking agency wanted us for direct support! We were so stoked There is an old saying, success stops when you do.

HRH: The material on If We Live reminds me of the early days of Christian rock group Petra and the AOR material of Journey. Who would you say has a strong influence on the band?

I would have to say the biggest influence on us is Toto but with Journey, Boston, Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon as well. Our latest release will have nods to Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen, Supertramp and Pink Floyd. These are all the bands we love but we will keep moving around and changing up to include flavors from Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Bad Company and Iron Maiden. Our songwriting just keeps getting better and better all the time.

HRH: It would be fair to say that vocally If We Live does not effectively translate the raw energy that you and the band bring to the stage. Though you certainly have your own style who would you say influenced you the most vocally?

I would say Bobby Kimball from Toto. He mentored me and taught me a lot in the studio. I use everything he taught me and I am still learning from him. He hooked me up with my in-ears from Shure and has extended my career for many years to come .I am deeply indebted to him. Ive also been influenced by Paul Rodgers Rob Halford, and especially The Beatles.

HRH: The band has begun to build a solid reputation in the Southern California area opening for the likes of Eddie Money, Michael Schenker, Glenn Hughes, The Alarm, Vince Neil, Toto and most recently Soul Sirkus. How did you manage to get your foot in the door?

Promoters remembered my old band Vesuvius and from the tours we did. We were a big draw in Hollywood and all through Southern California. I am very grateful to all the people who come to see us because they are the ones who keep those doors open for us. Its good to know that some people in the U.S. still like music!

HRH: How do you and the band prepare for a concert?

First, we pray. Then we start talking about what songs to include in the set. That wasnt so hard a while back when we only had ten songs to choose from. Now its not so easy. Then we figure out an order after which we play the list and work out all the transitions. Then we decide if its working or not. If it is, we go with it. These guys are so great to work with and everybody does their homework. Its awesome to work with pros that are totally focused on putting on a great show. There is never any drama.

HRH: On a personal note my first exposure to the band was when you opened for the Robin McAuley/Glenn Hughes concert back in June of 2003. It was immediate that your lyrical content was uplifting yet not preachy. Is this intentional?

Yeah, we do that on purpose because we want what we believe in to be attractive to the listener. We want people to come up to us after the show with questions and prayer requests. If we were up there on stage telling everyone that theyre going to hell, people would avoid us like the plague. We let the music do the talking and carry the message. After that, we just go to the merch table and there is usually a crowd there to greet us. We were mobbed after Soul SirkUS! We were signing autographs like crazy.

HRH: You recently lost the pedal master guitarist Eric Goetze who was last featured at the Toto concert earlier this year. Was this in the middle of the recording sessions of the new cd or prior to you starting?

Pedal master! Ha ha! Hell get a kick outta that. Eric moved in January 2005 to Colorado before we started working seriously on this new record. Him and his wife got a great offer there and had to go before he could track anything but we keep in contact. But he did work up some of the demos with us.

HRH: I understand that Eric did some work with Matt Bissonette. Was anything committed to tape and is it available?

Yeah, he did a great record with Matt called No Place Like Home There are some great songs on it like I Surrender and The Rock is Gonna Roll. You can get it on our web site at unionofsaints.com.

HRH: When you opened for the Toto concert it featured both Eric and the then new guitarist Rick Hall. The classic twin guitar approach popularized by Wishbone Ash and Thin Lizzy seemed to give the band that added punch and layer. Is this something that the band will continue to explore?

Oh yeah! We just added Dave Eanos on the second guitar and he just smokes. He plays a Les Paul plugged straight in to a Marshall and is also a great singer. Its so nice to be able to pull off three part harmonies AND double guitar leads.

HRH: You have referred several times to the influence that Totos Bobby Kimball has had on you as a peer and a friend. What was it like to open for Bobby and Toto?

We were both thrilled and humbled. They were so cool to us. I was so stoked to have David Paich come up to me, shake my hand and tell me what a great show we put on. He may want to work on one of Curtiss songs with him so well see. Steve Lukather said the same thing. Mike Porcaro stopped me in the parking lot and said That was
a great mix of music with our bands tonight. Lets do it again"! But the greatest compliment was Bobby meeting me as I came off stage saying we were jaw dropping good!

HRH: Any chance that Bobby will be featured on the new cd?

I hope so. Hes a pretty busy guy these days. As of today, they are still working on their record so maybe our schedules will line up. Im starting on lead vocals so by the time he gets done; we can track him on backing vocals.

HRH: Despite being the lone guitarist, Rick Hall did a great job at the Soul Sirkus concert. His delivery is straight to the point and appears to go for the gusto. Would you say that this has somewhat changed the sound of Union Of Saints?

I would say he is the embodiment of what I originally had in mind. A Les Paul plugged straight into a dual rectifier into Marshall 4x12 cabinets. But the real bonus is hes a fantastic songwriter! This guy has some great songs in him and there is more on the way.

HRH: Rich Hall is now a permanent fixture to the band. Tell me how that came about?

We found Rick through Mitch Ross our drummer. He actually came to our show with The Alarm and told Mitch that he really liked what we were doing and offered to play with us if we ever needed a second guitar. At the time, he was playing with Seven Layer Soul which had been playing all around So. Cal. He really wasnt looking to get into another band, but then, for some reason he ended up leaving Seven Layer Soul to join us.

HRH: The Soul Sirkus concert also featured two backup vocalists. Though you need no assistance vocally, the additions did seem to fill out the music. Will this be a continued trend with the live shows?

Yes, from the beginning weve had a huge vocal sound. Now that Dave Eanos is on board we will be able to have that sound all the time.

HRH: Meanwhile you have been very busy recording the new cd tentatively titled Heirs Of Grace. How far along are you in the recording process?

We have all the instrumental tracks done and all that remains are lead vocals, backing vocals, mix and mastering. I am very happy with the way everything is turning out. We captured some killer drum tracks and the guitars just rock!

HRH: How will this compare or contrast with your prior recording If We Live?

With this record, the gloves are off. We are letting our teeth show on this record. With the first record we tried to be a little more subdued because we thought we would play more churches. When that didnt happen, we just decided to be what we really are which is a first rate rock band.

HRH: With If We Live Mike Oliver took the lions share of the songwriter credits. Where has the bulk of the writing come from this time around?

The writing for this record is shared by Curtiss and me. Fernando Alvarez contributed one song.

HRH: Im Free and No Law have been featured in the bands recent gigs they seem to carry a more underlying bluesy feel to them. Who were they written by and are they featured on the new cd?

Im Free was co-written by Fernando and me. No Law Against Love was written by Curtiss. Yes, they will both be on the new disc. I am not looking forward to figuring out the sequence to this record because either one of those songs would be a great opener!

HRH: On the lighter side, Curtiss is prominent vocally on his self-penned Piece Of Your Heart that has a more poppy Supertramp influence to it. This song builds very well live especially vocally. Assuming that it will be featured on the new cd how well has it translated in the studio?

That song sounds HUGE! Our engineer, Brian Webster is giving a Roy Thomas Baker feel to it with great big Queen style choruses.

HRH: It appears that the Christian faith is important to the band. In the sometimes-graphic world of rock and roll how do you go about making a difference?

We try to let our actions speak for us in our witness. We always try to show up on time for load in and sound check. We are nice to the sound crew and the hospitality people. We do what we say were going to do and when we said wed do it. Then, once we hit that stage, we let the music do the talking. I have discovered that once you stop swearing and talking about gratuitous sex and partying, you actually have to get a vocabulary. Weve already made a difference but choosing something good to sing about. The greatest love story of all time! Yes, our Christian faith is very important because it brought us together and keeps us together.

HRH: Is the new recording going to be an independent release or is there a label that is interested in the bands work?

Right now, we dont really need a label because we are very happy to be making all the money. But, we would be interested to talk to any label that would be interested in putting some promotional muscle behind us. Otherwise, we are fully self contained. We have our own recording facility and our own means of distribution.

HRH: If so would that change the approach of your lyrical content?

Absolutely not! There is no compromise in that department. And besides, every artist has a constitutional right to express themselves any way they want within reason. Nobody told Marilyn Manson he had to change his lyrical content.

HRH: What is the long-term goal or mission statement of the band?

Our goals are to make great music for as long as we can and to play as often as possible. Our mission statement is to always play the same for a crowd of 15,000 or 15.

HRH: In the event that some of our readers would like to see the band in concert are there any scheduled gigs in the near future?

We dont have anything booked right now because were still in the studio. But we update our website all the time. You can also get merchandise on line at unionofsaints.com.

HRH: Is there any additional information that you would like to share as far as the immediate late breaking news with either you or the band?

Yes, Rick Hall just got married to his lovely bride Shari. He is a very blessed man!

Look for Union of Saints coming to an arena near you - Hard Rock Haven