Buzz Bands

The pulse of peace

In a time when sabers are being rattled and armies mobilized, one Los Angeles group is hawking an uplifting single with a pacifist theme. “No money for the poor / but millions for war” repeats the lilting refrain of “Mr. Man,” the latest song by reggae ensemble Caribbean Pulse to crack the charts in Jamaica. The number, featuring the dueling vocals of Belize native Ezzy Judah and LaNiece McKay, appears on the three-track “Jah Is My Rock” single as well as the band’s album, “Stand Up.” Damian Marley contributes vocals on the single’s title track, and the album includes a vocal cameo by dancehall favorite Tony Rebel on “Dry Your Eyes.” Formed by guitarist Billy Smith Jr., the band also includes Jason Smith on bass. For information on the album, released by Hawthorne-based Irie Records, visit www.caribbeanpulse.com.

Guitarist for hire

“I feel like such a fraud,” says in-demand guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who recently wrapped up a series of Spaceland shows backing L.A.’s preeminent scenester, singer-songwriter-producer Jon Brion. Since dropping out of high school five years ago, Klinghoffer, 23, has been bouncing from gig to gig, first playing with former Thelonious Monster leader Bob Forrest in the Bicycle Thief and later as a touring guitarist for such bands as the Butthole Surfers. “[I get gigs] through meeting people,” he continues, “but it’s all hype -- it’s not real.” He’s just modest: His electrifying, experimental playing is honest and expressive, the perfect fit for bands more interested in emotion than straightforward technique. He’s currently recording with Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante for a disc to be released by summer but, like many musicians, he says that’s not enough. “I want to put my own thing together,” Klinghoffer says, “but I’m just lazy.”

Fast forward

Performances Jan. 11 and 12 will benefit the 11-year-old needle exchange program Clean Needles Now. The Saturday show at the Garage features five acts, including Brian Jonestown Massacre and Wayne Kramer, and Sunday at Spaceland the Tyde and Nebula head the bill.... Bobby Bognar revealed his strummy side last week when he joined the parade of L.A. pop performers who celebrated the holidays and bade farewell to Third Thursday at Highland Grounds. Expect no such restraint Saturday at the Troubadour, when he and his Piper Downs bandmates open for the Young Dubliners. The Downs’ latest release, “Varying Degrees of Failure and Tunelessness,” is as ironic as the band’s live show is raucous.... Buchanan is not due to release its debut album, on Ultimatum Records, until the spring, but the Jay Buchanan-led foursome has earned a devout following in Orange County and environs. The band brings its bracing rock and lyrical snap to the Knitting Factory on Jan. 7.

--Kevin Bronson with Jeff Miller

*

Tell us who’s hot. E-mail: buzzbands@latimes.com.