Kevin Bronson on September 10th, 2009

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Jonneine Zapata flew onto L.A.’s radar early this year with the self-released album “Cast the Demons Out,” and ever since she’s been winning fans wherever her five-piece band performs. Zapata recently scored a slot opening for the Mark Lanegan-fronted band Soulsavers, her first major tour (including a stop tonight at the Troubadour). With guitarists Jeff Mendel and Johnny Badway, bassist Steve Tegel and drummer Jeff Cohlman in tow, Zapata will do 13 shows with Soulsavers before heading back to L.A. for an October residency at the Silverlake Lounge. She’s agreed to author a tour diary for Buzz Bands – I’ll post her missives every couple of days. After the jump, the first installment:

Sept. 6
Two hundred forty-six miles to Portland. Peggy Scott sings “Every Little Bit Hurts.” Humble pockets of sky water pour slow and brief. In earlier rants, the band unanimously cheered on Carla Bruni, during which I secretly prayed forgiveness for all that I have sinned. I prayed for the band and their safety. I prayed for Cohlman’s mother and her maternal home that covets her peaceful talents. Cohlman is our drummer. Sound check no. 1 is at 5 p.m., which involves some waiting (see Cohlman and Tegel at left). Show at 9:30.

Sept. 8
Introduced myself as Janeece to Rich of Soulsavers on the first night of the tour in Portland. Did God plant those words in me? What was my motivation I wonder? Who is Janeece? I often forget my name when there are introductions, it’s not the first time. Anyway, I’m here nor there about it. Portland hospitatlity – amazing! Day off for the band today, back in the bay area at Cohlman’s mom’s house. I’m gonna ask her if I can move in. She has one dog, three cats, a bird house and a bee hive. And, a plastic foot with pins in it in the freezer next to the hemp oil. We moved the pool table in the living room and spread the gear out all over the place … we fini jam! Say a little prayer for my demo!