Casey Abrams- acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, lap steel
The Mysterious Strangers:
Jaime Chan- drums and percussion
Sven Larson- bass
Matt Tobin- violin, piano, organ, synthesizers, banjo, guitar
Influences
warren zevon randy newman paul simon hoagy carmichael chet baker elp ry cooder gordon lightfoot leo kottke steely dan joni mitchell fats waller johnny mercer jim hall leon redbone don mclean john sebastian todd rundgren frank zappa nick lowe king crimson john simon richie havens stephen bishop xtc the honeydogs the mills brothers kenny loggins bing crosby
“Casey Abrams sports the storytelling ease of Don McLean, the acerbically skewed perspective and laconic delivery of Loudon Wainwright III and the droll humor of Arlo Guthrie. His work fits comfortably with his impressive forefathers.”-Amplifier
“These songs reflect an impeccable knowledge of American music- from dust bowl folk to dirty southern blues to 1970s folk-rock; heck, he even throws in some ragtime because...well, why not if you're that good?”-Pop Matters
“Casey Abrams comes prepared with a guitar case full of crackling stories and a voice so rich and warm that it seems a shame I'm not listening to it on an old turntable. Thirteen American Ghosts? More like Thirteen New American Standards.”-Ear Candy
“...Crafts his own fresh take on familiar forms and breathes new life into them; thoughtful acoustic music from a singer-songwriter who's mastered the trick of looking backwards and forwards at the same time.”-Daily Vault
“Casey Abrams questions the culture with his literate, honest songs, and his obvious sincerity makes the whole thing work masterfully. He’s got some absolutely gorgeous guitar chops, and his skills fit the material perfectly.”-Indie Muse
Casey Abrams, a hyper-literate, generation-hopping singer-songwriter calls his performances "tramp art music"
Like the Depression-era Tramp Artists who created unique works of art from found objects like cigar boxes, lamps, and picture frames, Abrams crafts inspired music from a hundred years-worth of records, books and doo-dads found in the dusty attics and roadside shops of the rural South and the urban Northeast.
Abrams’ sophisticated songs have their roots in Americana, jazz, and the classic singer-songwriter tradition. The idiosyncratic performer is known for infusing ragtime, country blues fingerpicking and jazz chops into a repertoire that ranges from Fats Waller to John Prine, and from Stephen Foster to Todd Rundgren.
Most singer-songwriters start their musical journey with Bob Dylan. For Abrams, however, the road stretches back beyond the artists that influenced Dylan and continues into today’s avant-folk scene. In Abrams, listeners will find the link that ties classic tunesmiths like Hoagy Carmichael to peerless singer-songwriters like Al Stewart and modern artists such as The Decemberists and Wilco.
Casey Abrams is currently at work on his third album, Likely Story, due out later this year. This time out, Abrams and co-producer Adam Levy from The Honeydogs meld the jazzy, occasionally dark, prog-rock of King Crimson and Yes with the country-rock sounds of Gram Parsons and The Band. Likely Story is bound to please lovers of adventurous singer-songwriters like Randy Newman, Paul Simon and Warren Zevon, as well as fans of the current crop of indie-folksters led by artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, and Joanna Newsom.
Following the release of Likely Story, Casey Abrams and his backing band The Mysterious Strangers will bring their tramp art music to unsuspecting audiences with a full-scale national tour. Abrams is no stranger to the concert stage; over the years, he has performed in countless clubs, festivals and coffeehouses, including dates with the Joan Baez, Eric Burden, and Richie Havens, among others.
hiya Casey! greetings from Houston, TX. thought drop in a catch one of your lovely songs. really enjoyed your song, Ghost Story. very very nice! Well, hope you have a great upcoming week. later!
Hey Casey, Thanks for the add. I dig the sound reminds a bit of Benfolds on Ghost story. Nice!
Just added my songs to my new site. just jetting rollin.
Steve
Hi Casey!
Thanks for the request.
A M*A*S*H FAN AND TODD RUNDGREN?!?!?!
You are the freaking COOLEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROCK!!!!!
Mindy
ps: Here is a Todd Rundgren pic I took in West Palm Beach a couple years ago. TODD IS GOD!!!!
omg! nobodys song is soooo goooooood!!!!! i listened 2 it 6.....no.....yeah, 6 times 2day! ur really good! y arent u famous and all those sucky singers r?
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