Trim the Fat

Here's a little re-edit of the Jazzpush Video condensed into a five minute montage. Trip out...

Get Well Soon...

Broken hand and dislocated finger. Get well soon Kory!

High quality bs flip pic by Mike Salmon.

This Is Skateboarding

Now if Street League was like this, I would totally watch it. This clearly shows that we are behind the times in the US. I doubt Nyjah could do a rollie to fakie or get through "Big Canyon". 

In all seriousness though, this is at least entertaining, which I can't say about Street League.

Out From The Shadows

I haven't seen anything of Tim Denham since he was a little kid street skating with a helmet. I was stoked to see he's still skating and doesn't wear a helmet anymore.

Act Your Age

A 43 at 43, at 4:43, before Daniel turns 44.

It's been a while

I haven't been skating as much since the move, and it's always difficult to find spots in a new town. Luckily, the little 12 year olds at the local skatepark gave me the skinny on this mini-mega curb-cut bump. I haven't busted out the camera much since Jazztato, so here's to getting back in the swing of things.

Here's two shots of my buddy Chris Spitler with some ollie warm-ups.

It's Good To Be Back

It's good to have you back Mike! Let's see how long you last without wanting to quit again.

LA Days

I completely forgot I had these LA photos from last January shot by Ivan Bland and Stephen Figueira.

The Final Hour

Where the top photo ends on the right side is all the run-up there is on that rail. I know Yeti wanted to front board it in the Jazzpush Video but it took this most recent video effort to make it happen. 

Crookies and Cream

Baby Daniel does a not so baby crooked grind in AG. Photo by the cell phone savant, Kory Kroll.

Not Fine

Two of Clubs

Super sick but still not as good as his New Pollution part.

Where's My Money Dan?

Remember when Ty was like 10 and on Fuel TV? Yeah me neither. At least we can reminisce using this beautifully archived Footage.

I'll expect my tenner tomorrow Dan!

If the link doesn't work you can take a risk here: http://videos.sapo.pt/VwY7iKuMNcIiouCQwWYr?t=0h0m0s

Mike Watt Interview (2013)

I want to start adding music interviews to the site, especially when I feel like they are worthy or relevant. This Mike Watt interview was for our Spring 2013 issue of unearthed and was never put online until now.

What can be said about a man like Mike Watt? With a track record of playing in bands like the Minutemen, fIREHOSE, the Stooges, and most recently, the Missingmen, Watt has become one of the most respected bassists in the last 30 years. So when I heard he was playing a show at Slo Brew with the Missingmen, it was a no brainer. The bands energy and technically sound musicianship was evident as they played their album "Hyphanated-Man" in its entirety. I was lucky enough to jump in "the boat" with Mike as we discussed skateboarding, playing in Slo, and a new Stooges record with San Pedro's finest.

You mentioned you've been in SLO before. Do you remember the last time you performed here?

You know, I might have played this pad (SLO Brew) because I know I’d played here once before. There used to be a place called “Local Rancheros” somewhere on the hill outside of town. Firehose played there a bunch. Maybe all together eight or nine times over 30 years, but recently not a lot. This is the first time in a number of years and I’m so sorry. I’ll come back more.

I noticed when you were playing tonight the band was especially close to the audience. Is that intentional?

Yeah, well you got to understand, next month I’m 55, so I come from arena rock. When I saw punk, I graduated high school in ’76 and the next year it was the total opposite of arena rock. It was like Nuremberg rallies! And I told D Boon (Minutemen), "We can do this!" The way I set up with Raul (Missingmen drummer) up front, I try to make it like you’re in our practice pad. So that’s what I’m trying to do. It’s on purpose.

I like that. It keeps it more genuine.

Skaters do that too, they watch each other and then take their turn around the pool and then drop in. It’s not all just, “This guy and the passive spectator.”

So when you were in fIREHOSE, the Santa Cruz video “Streets on Fire” came out. Did you feel that skate videos helped get your music out there?

We did Ohio Skateout too. Those were really important. To me it was like the same idea of the fans. These dudes were making their own videos, and I found out later that these guys from Europe were learning from those videos! It’s like a fabric that connects and it doesn’t do it in a lame ass, tyrant way. That’s the good thing about the arts; it’s a good way to connect without having it suffocate. That’s why I dig ‘em and embrace ‘em. 

I know too you’ve played with Ray Barbee.

Yeah. He's an incredible musician. I was on TV with him and Chuck Treece on drums. Then there’s another cat up in the Bay Area, Tommy Guerrero. Big Respect! There are a lot of cats who can play like motherfuckers and also skate. When the producers for the show said, “We want you to play at a fancy club,” Ray said, “No we want to play at a house,” and the producers listened.

I’m surprised the producers listened!

Well you know, they were younger, and they understood skating. That’s when a lot changes. The dudes move in, and they don’t leave that behind. Was it a little kid thing? No this is ethic and it goes into all parts of your life. And see it's weird when they say, “This is just for kids”. No, maybe playing army is for kids, but for skateboarding, music, and creating, that should never leave!

Awesome! So what’s the plan for Mike Watt in 2013?

A new Stooges Album. I’m recording it next week. I’m going up to Oakland to Fantasy Studios, where Credence did, to do Stooges with James Williamson and Scott Asheton. Then I’m mixing an album with Nels Cline called “The Black Gang” and it’s about autumn. Then I’ve got a collection of songs I’m working on with the Secondmen.  It's organ, bass, and drums. They're both from Pedro, so I know D Boon would love me doing work songs with Pedro guys. So that’s my plan for 2013.

Excellent! Well my last question is about a skateboarding term called a Jazzpush. What to you define as a Jazzpush?

Man, a Jazzpush to me is like a (Mike accidentally honks his van horn) whoa! It aint leaning on my horn that’s for sure! A Jazzpush for me is like what John Coltrane said; all music people are looking for some kind of truth. So it’s about the search for truth. That’s what I would call it.

Follow Mike Watt and the Missingmen on Facebook, and make sure to check out hootpage.com for all of Mike's happenings!

Bottom Step

Curbs are out. Steps are in!

The Dance of Life

I was looking back and found these photos shot by Jeff Davis. Jeff was a huge part of our night sessions in Jazztato, contributing with skating and capturing moments that made a good session great.

Yeti gets all rockstar back taily.

Moshing at bubblegum alley. Peep the lurker in the background.

There's always that moment where you find something random at a session and start messing with it.

Nate pretty much stole the show during the night sessions. First night out wallie to grind.

Nate boardslide

Nate tailslide drop to tailslide

This guy asked Eli if he wanted to see his garden snake. Surprisingly he wasn't a total creep and pulled out a real garden snake. 

Under the Bridge Downtown

This was one of the best wallrides I've ever skated. The tranny had that perfect jolt that gives a bank to wall feeling but still pumps you up high. Thanks to Erik Olsen and Halba for taking us around San Jose.

Photo by Joel Potter.

Drown

No zoom in instagram edits, no emoji's, no 1080p, no 720p, no idea about technology, no 20 minute day in the life video, no multiple 20 minute day in the life videos, no handrails, no stairs, no clue about what people like.

Drown with Jazzpush.

  Happy Summer!

Extend

It was worth dragging this thing down two flights of stairs. Daniel Curiel - Kickflip

Jazztato Full Vid

Our street style video is now on the interwebs.

Mike Betts

You know that random older guy who shows up to the local skatepark in his work clothes and absolutely destroys the park?  It's most likely Mike Betts.  If you skateboarded in Santa Maria in the late 90's early 2000's then you know.

Two Cents

A buddy from Monterey made this vid. It's definitely worth a watch!

Jazztato - Night Sessions

This section embodies everything we wanted to portray as skateboarding. It's a subtle nod to the past, while holding on to the ethics of creativity that can still be easily found today. Don't get wrapped up in meaningless bullshit, just go explore with friends and have some fun.

Thank you to those who've watched all of these part by part. I'm going to upload the whole video soon. 

Jazztato - Daniel Curiel

It's been a really cool experience watching Daniel progress since beginning of filming. His style and power has totally matured and he's still getting better. It's refreshing to watch someone so good be so laid back and humble. Instead of whining brats complaining about their spot or board, there needs to be more people like Daniel, who's always smiling no matter how crusty his board is or how bad the spot is. Enjoy!

DC Sesh

I got to skate the old black box park with some buddies a few weeks back. Here's a little edit.
2015 dc sesh final 720p 30fps h264 from lost puppies on Vimeo.

Jazztato - Stephen Figueira

This part is undeniably awesome. Only Stephen could pull off this song and make it work so well. I've watched this part so many times and it still gets me so hyped to go skate. Certain styles are just undeniable.

Jazztato - Potato

Giving Steve Harvey a heart attack one trick at a time.

Jazztato - Ty Hjortland

Ty rips. Just watch the vid.

Jazztato Montage

Featuring:
Andy Littlefield
Berkeley Anderson
Blair Ridings
Jamey Algert
Nate Hoover
Cody Ages
Tristan Mcginness
Jankem
Derek Wampler
Matt Rod
Brendan Leddy
Josh Babb
Max Reisbord

Jazztato - John Gutierrez

Jazztato - James Fuchs

I don't think there are many people in this world more awesome than James. It's always refreshing to see such a positive person to balance out the trash talking skating offers. This part is testament to James and how infectiously fun his skating looks. Instead of hating on a spot or session, be more like James and just enjoy all the positives of skateboarding. 

Jazztato - Eli Stein and Pablo

It took about six different edits, but it was worth it. I'm stoked that our very own "Jerry and Louie" combo came through with such a feel good part. If you ever see that guitar guy in Morro Bay, ask him to play some "Texas blues" for you. 

Jazztato - John Lucas

The Yeti has been putting out local parts for over ten years now but I still don't think he ever got his due. In true Yeti form he's hardly ever seen but if you're lucky enough to find him, it's always a memorable moment. John's been claiming he's done filming for the last couple parts now, but I know deep down, he'll never call it quits.

Variety Show

More leftovers than a Thanksgiving dinner...

Jazztato - Curbs

This was one of the funnest parts to film. It's almost impossible to describe the satisfaction of digging into a proper slappy grind. This section is dedicated to who I consider the three best slappiers ever; Jason Adams, John Lucero and Danny Sargent. Serious inspiration!!!

Jazztato - Daniel Parks

Daniel Parks has been ripping for years now and it looks like he isn't slowing down anytime soon. This part has a unique mix of feel good 80's grabs and EMB inspired tech tricks. Daniel is truly an inspiration to all of us. He's the reason we make the unearthed zine and videos. He's also the reason why I've loosened my trucks. I can't thank him enough for both.

Special appearance by Erik Olsen!!!

Jazztato - Intro

I'm gonna start posting "Jazztato" part by part every Tuesday and Saturday. This super 8 intro was originally supposed to be for "The Jazzpush Video" but I ended up getting the reels back later than expected. It all worked out anyway as the super 8 film fits this video better.

Enjoy!

On the air

In case you missed it, you can now check out our interview on KCPR from last week. 

Back at it

No time to rest. New vid coming 2022.

Thank you

The paparazzi was in full effect last night!

I want to sincerely thank everyone who made it out last night to see Jazztato. It was awesome to see the turnout and I hope if anything, it got some people hyped to go skate! 

A big thanks goes out to Skate Warehouse, Stereo and Adidas for supporting our raffle and the whole project. Thanks to Stephen, Joel, Ben and the rest of the Potato's for making it down. We should have some DVD's and Issue 8 of our unearthed 'zine around at Skate Warehouse and other locations later this week.

Thank you skateboarding.

Quick

Stephen Figuiera - fs 180
Photo: Joel Potter

Save the Date

So yeah, April 18th at the Palm Theatre. San Luis Obizzzzpo.

slow mo at slo park

An old friend filmed some tricks on opening day at the park... Braydon Szafranski actually skated. For more of his vids and some mikey weber footage check his youtube page. Jazztato coming soon... thanks Dampiel D

Dollar on a Platter

It really doesn't matter.

Happy Weekend

Have some fun out there.

Words of Wisdom

It's rare to see someone who's been so spot on for 30 years and still has relevance today. Tommy Guerrero kills it on all fronts and with the new Slo Park opening this weekend, I thought this would be an appropriate post.

You can watch the full video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c16yTdi1zFQ

Time Keeps Slipping

Putting in a half-assed parking lot session this weekend with the only obstacle available, stone ash trays.

Back To The Grind

Trying to make the most of the last street mission before that full-time job hit. Daddy's gotta go to work!

Stephen- Kickflip

Jazzy

More throwaway ft. Stephen and Daniel

Old Motion

I was going through my computer and found these old sequences shot when filming for the Jazzpush vid. Good times.

Brendan Leddy- Noseblunt

Stephen Figueira- Tailslide kickflip

No Kickout

Ty-bs blunt

Life's A Ditch

A few weeks ago, the boyz came down for some good old fashioned ditch skating.

Friends, new and old

Jazzpush / Unearthed visionaries

"Let me show you youngsters how to do it"

"Now that's more like it"

Sizing her up

D Parks boosting

Johnny goes frontside, socks pulled all the way up.

I think we need more angles

It was great to have you guys. Come back soon!

Chaos

During the 5 minutes we skated this spot, there was a car accident, a running cowboy, crackheads galore, and about a thousand other pedestrians walking every which way. Amidst all the chaos, Daniel Curiel got this crook first try and another trick that can be seen in Jazztato (coming March).

 

Spicy

Tryin to keep the spark alive!

   

Sweat

The best of the worst from yours truly.

 

Stephen Footy Dump

The Jazztato parts are coming together which means throwaway clips are stacking up. Here's a footy dump. Expect more in the future.

Tonino's

Talk about a dream spot! James Fuchs and the Lounge guys managed to find an abandoned warehouse with electricity. 

Revenge

Baby Daniel got pop! Photo by Griffin Chiou.