Bryan Harrison: vocals, guitar

Jimmy McLaren: vocals, guitar, harmonica

Elisa M. Welch: vocals, octave mandolin, keys, penny whistle

Dave Coan: percussion

The Buds Coming off the success of their 2009 "Organic Tunes" Tour, including the release of their debut CD, "Organic Tuneage", The Buds are in fine form kicking off 2010 shows.

A product of the local San Francisco Bay Area music scene, The Buds evolved from late-night jam sessions into a more acoustic-driven experience.

Capturing the magic, that creative spark and driving force that defines a successful band, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, is what The Buds strive to find and attain. Building from their own developed talents as songwriters, musicians, and vocalists, the evolution of the band has shifted from the a very rock-driven focus more toward the CSNY end of the spectrum.

Longtime compatriots Bryan Harrison and Jim McLaren have gone through various shifts in sound and style with the band Bryan founded several years ago. Bryan's original intent was to expand on his songwriting, bringing some fellow musician friends together to build on his songs, mixing them in with great songs all in the band love to play.

Jim, who has sarcastically referred to himself as being "one step up from the curb" - a reference to his extensive experience performing on the streets of the North Beach district in San Francisco - brought his own style and strong cover song experience to the fore. Together, their harmonies and combined talents began opening doors for places to play.

Jim has hung on through many changes in the band. Ever popular, with his acoustic guitar, Dylan-esque harmonica, and warm vocals, Jimmy provides a great deal of heart to the music of The Buds.

Elisa M. Welch is a multi-talented musician and vocalist. She plays keyboards, octave mandolin, mandolin, even pennywhistle on occasion, but it's her voice that really shines brightest. Her songwriting talent has found its way into the mix, as well. Together, the trio do some beautiful three part harmonies.

Dave Coan rounds out the group's sound with his percussive talents, most notably on his West African djembe drum. Bryan and Dave first started playing coffee house gigs together at the early turn of the century, and have gone through many changes together, as well. A cornerstone of the sound, the music's always better when Dave's there.

The Buds have evolved into a multi-layered cohesion of musicians who manage to create that musical magic together. Or as the band likes to call it, "mewzic!"

Instrumentation
Bryan Harrison - vocals, guitar
Jim McLaren - vocals, guitar, and harmonica
Elisa M. Welch - octave mandolin, keyboards, vocals
Dave Coan: djembe percussion

Discography
The Buds released the band's first full-length studio CD, "Organic Tuneage", in late Summer 2009. The record, a product of two-plus years of the band playing together, has been well-received.

Previously, Bryan released a solo record, long in the works - "thru the open gate" in early 2008. With tracks produced by Todd Nichols, of Toad the Wet Sprocket fame, as well as others produced by Bryan himself, "thru the open gate" invites fans into the heart of the songwriter, while providing a nicely flowing blend of his musical styles.

Bryan's previously solo CD: "Raw Tracks" has a few remaining copies still available at: CDbaby.com/bryanh

Elisa also has her own fully studio produced CD, featuring many of her own songs along with some fine traditional Irish songs. "The Wheel" is available on iTunes.

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