A gang of unapologetic rockers, The American Drag is a kicking live band from the San Francisco Bay Area with songs to match. The band drops classic rock attitude on a modern sound, electrifying audiences with tried and true song craft and fearless performances since forming the group in 2004.
The band's sophomore album “Out of the Sky” is set to release this summer (2009). The songs journey through the human spirit’s struggle in Americana— the “American Dream” turned “American Drag.” In a modern-classic landscape of hard-edged roots rock and electronic textures, front man Will Evankovich casts his bittersweet narrations with a timber reminiscent of Chris Robinson (Black Crowes).
In addition to Will’s long-time band mates, bassist Joseph Shaughnessy and rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist Monroe Grisman, The American Drag is rounded out with piano/keyboardist Eric Levy from the critically acclaimed jam band Garaj Mahal, drummer John Mader who recently played on the “B3” tour backing Jeff Berlin, Stu Hamm and Billy Sheehan, and lead guitarist James DePrato who has toured (and appeared on the David Letterman Show) with Chuck Prophet and has also performed with Pat Monahan (lead singer for Train).
While recording “Out of the Sky” Will was recruited by veteran rocker/producer Jack Blades (Night ranger/Damn Yankees) as a multi instrumentalist/vocalist/sideman with Shaw-Blades, also featuring Tommy Shaw (Styx/Damn Yankees). After a national tour of the “Influences” record, AD was invited to open some shows for Styx gaining many new die-hard fans along the way with their explosive live show.
The members of The American Drag have been developing loyal fans working in various combinations over several years: making albums, playing clubs and theaters, climbing in and out of vans across the US and in Europe. Now with the band firmly established in the SF Bay Area scene, AD is now preparing to put their new music on national and international stages with their next album.
hey, please check out music producer/engineer/mixer Eric Greedy www.ericgreedy.com (HURT, Fu Manchu, Staind, BRMC, Smashing Pumpkins and many more) if you are interested in working with him let me know and I will get you in touch with him
Yes, there are real people out here--in answer to your status question.
I was talking about you, Will, yesterday, at the Journey/Night Ranger concert in Austin. I asked the guitar tech, forget his name-oops-, if you, Jack or Tommy stole those Taylor guitars from the show that you guys did in the booth!! Ha!! I didn't get a Taylor guitar but I did snag a Taylor guitar bag for my new Takamine. Oh well--baby steps huh??
Let me know if you are doing anything at NAMM or in the surrounding area this coming January. I'd love to hear you again.
BTW-I took video of that NAMM gig last year. PM me and I'll give you the link to my youtube acct.
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