My man GRESHAM is a holy fool. A Persian cowboy flying high across the West on a Sleek Yellow Dolphin, commanding stages big and small with the arresting presence of Abe Vigoda channeling Janis Joplin with a dash of Jello Biafra. God love him. Born in Los Angeles to a typical American family of foreigners, weaned on Iranian dinners, Irish Culture and Sunset Strip Rock & Roll. He was lured to San Francisco by rumors of blatant debauchery and Full Moon Dance Parties on the beaches above Santa Cruz. Wandered into the City’s famously convoluted music scene, where he soon formed FOODSTAMP with Gannon Hall (Drums) and Art Liboon (Bass) of popular funk/metal outfit Mordred. Played the Horde Festival with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Blues Traveler and Taj Mahal and made some tunes with Jackass-about-town TOMMY GUERRERO (Mo’Wax, Galaxia, Function 8). During this time he met FUNCTION 8 label chief, GADGET, and his career took a blinding kick to the solar plexus. In a good way. His “Far From Under” 12″ (FER 88806-1, Out of Print) came out on the label in 1999 and tore hell on college stations around the globe and the odder night spots about town. This was something new and strange and very good to hear, indeed. Think RZA meets Bon Scott at Reggae on the River. With guitars. Yeah, I know. Well, the new millennium is here, and the Holy Fool has finally made good in the studio and here he comes with his solo debut LP and CD, “It’s Always Been There.” Get ready for the High Madness in your ear holes and the Amazing Flying Dolphin Circus coming to your plateau soon.