An excerpt from the Monterey County Weekly, by Beth Peerless https://www.montereyherald.com/2022/03/09/beth-peerless-intermezzo-meez831-has-it-all-in-place/

“Monterey County-based rock band Meez is now Meez831. So if the name Meez is confusing, at least you’ll be clear as to where its band members live and work. Founding member, bassist/vocalist Rob Melendez explains the band’s name was something he discovered while reading chef/journalist Anthony Bourdain’s book “Kitchen Confidential.” It’s American slang for the French phrase “mise en place,” translated as “things in place.” Its use in the culinary industry provides the descriptive roots of its use, referring to a line cook’s “setup, his carefully arranged supplies…,” etc.

“So I thought, let’s apply that to music,” Melendez said. “The lyrics, the songs, our musicianship, all those individual parts that go into creating something great, that’s Meez.”

Ah yes, the art of finding the right band name. You’ve got to admit, there are more confusing names out there. The good news is, there is a music scene developing again here on the Peninsula. The pandemic wreaked havoc with venues and the attendance at live music events, but it looks like things are settling back in again as we in the Monterey Bay area, as well as around the country, make our way through this new “living with the virus” thing. And while some folks still are reticent for a variety of reasons, most folks can get back to hanging out, listening to music and enjoying each other’s company in a public place.

“It’s nice to be able to get out there, and have something to practice for,” Melendez said in a quick interview the other day. “And it’s encouraging to know there’s a new venue in town, The Urban Lounge, so that’s great. An actual live music venue with a stage and a PA.

“These are encouraging times for us musicians it would seem like. We just got through the pandemic and there definitely was a falling out of places to play.”

Meez831 is scheduled to play Friday at Cuz’s Sportsman Club in Seaside (8 p.m., 594 Broadway Ave., no cover) and next week on Friday, March 18 at The Urban Lounge (7-10 p.m., 1425 Munras Ave., Monterey, no cover). The quartet’s last gig was a CD release event for the full-length, all original debut recording titled ”Things in Place.” Initially, the 12-track disc was ready to roll in early 2020, but the timing wasn’t exactly conducive to doing the usual release parties and playing live a lot and building a strong local fan base. The record saw its way to several local radio stations and received some airtime, but once again, without the stages to support playing out live, things stalled.

The group went ahead and scheduled a CD release party at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz in December 2021. I went up to hear them play and it was a fun night out. Although it was lightly attended, due mostly to the fact nobody up in the Cruz was familiar with the band, it was a first step back to sharing their songs with an audience outside of private parties. Starting Friday, it’s safe to say that Meez831 will be more available to hear live. The music is a mix of classic rock-inspired, melodic with a high energy groove kind of rock, with grunge and power pop leanings. The three songwriters, Melendez, guitarist Jason Slate and keyboardist Donnie Dickman, share singing lead parts and with the three voices the harmonies are a special treat.

“Jason and I had been playing together off and on for several years,” Melendez said. “I think that we really coalesced about four years ago. We’d get together and jam, showing each other our own songs. We were kind of looking for an additional player; we didn’t want just a bassist and a guitarist. Once we found Donny and his keyboards, that not only broadened our sound, but it brought in an additional vocalist and songwriter.”

Melendez started playing bass as a teenager in 1979, learning from a local family friend in Salinas. He got a degree in music from UC San Diego 10 years later, while singing and playing with San Diego’s Cardiff Reefers. As a young musician, he was influenced by Paul McCartney, Jaco Pastorius and Graham Maby (Joe Jackson band). He has performed with countless bands over the years, most recently fronting Militia of Love.

Slate, as a teenager in the L.A. area, started playing guitar in 1972. When his family moved to Monterey County, he formed a band, Canyon, with his brothers in Big Sur. They played locally throughout the 80s. Heavily influenced by guitarists like Tommy Bolin and Jimi Hendrix, groups like Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin, Jason began writing songs and developing a style, both melodic and progressive. He is best known locally for his work with the Young Presidents, which had an inspiring run of 14 years.

Dickman is a keyboardist, singer, and lifelong musician who has played in bands with infamous players like George Lynch, (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Benny Rietveld (Santana, Miles Davis), and Jerry Martini (Sly And The Family Stone). He started playing music in grade school, and in high school he was influenced by Billy Powell (Lynyrd Skynyrd), and later by Jan Hammer. He has written and performed on albums that reached the Billboard charts Top 20 in 2014 and 2015. Whenever guitar whiz Tom Ayres is in town, he sits in with the band. He’s also a member of Haley Jane and you’ll see him in any number of local bands.

Drummer Michael Kobrinsky brings his professional skills to the mix, with a strong supportive ear and feel for the music. He is known in the area for his stints with the local party/dance group The Money Band and is also currently performing with Hayley Jane. His musical approach to playing drums brings Meez831’s level of musicianship to an even higher plane.

Among our many talented musicians on the Peninsula, this band is worth a listen if you’re a fan of lyrically interesting original rock music. The songs speak to current topics like environmental changes and navigating the pitfalls of relationships in the social media age. There are also personal straight-from-the-heart songs that speak about love for one’s partner as well as love for our circle of humanity. “Things in Place” CDs will be available at the upcoming gigs.

Let’s all get out and support our local music venues. It would be cool to see the scene grow strong again and become a place for all musicians, young and old, to make a living and share their talents.”