In 2005, James & I came across a tall, slim surfer looking clean cut college kid type performing a solo set at the Sequoia Brewery in the Tower District of Fresno, California.
We were automatically taken in by this singers heartfelt lyrics and mellow-smooth vocals that seemed to sedate the room full of buzzed "Friday happy" brewery patrons.
Right away he reminded us of a young James Taylor, stepping to the mic with confidence and his acoustic in hand.
He'd performed songs he had written intertwined with his renditions of several 60s & 70s folk songs.
We soon introduced ourselves to Travis Oberg--lead singer-songwriter of Dinuba, California's, Saltwater Merchants.
Whether performing solo or with his band The Saltwater Merchants, Travis always created his own vibe, blending new sounds while drawing influences from artists such as Paul Simon and Jim Croce to Bjork and John Coltrane.
Travis recently released his first full-length album, Bloodlines and continues to perform regularly around California.
We're pleased to have Travis Oberg & Daniel LaPoint of The Saltwater Merchants as our debut artists on
Live From Souls Tavern!
