The Grandsons

Bio:

.. Things are going great for The Grandsons as they move and shake into their 23rd year in the world of rock and roll. The group won a WAMMIE award for ARTIST OF THE YEAR in 2008!! And their 6th CD--Live at the Barns-The Legendary Wolf Trap Recordings Volume Two, won a WAMMIE for BEST ROOTS ROCK RECORDING (read what the Washington Post said about the CD here). The roots rock quartet has performed extensively throughout the US, and has even toured internationally in Germany, France, Canada, Taiwan, and the British & US Virgin Islands. The Grandsons spent 2006 promoting their nationally acclaimed fifth recording, Party With The Rich. Their previous studio album, Pan-American Shindig, spent ten weeks in the Americana Radio top-forty and their musical reach has extended further than ever.

A fan aptly described The Grandsons exuberant sound as "American music in a blender with the lid off." The more prominent elements in this eclectic whirlpool are New Orleans rhythm and blues, rockabilly, swing and country two steps. After eight years of plying their pop sound around the country as Grandsons of the Pioneers, the group's increasing notoriety resulted in a high-noon showdown with singing cowboys Sons of the Pioneers, who balked at the idea of acknowledging paternity to a low down tuba-toting, sax-blowing rock and roll band. Counseled by their team of cut-throat lawyers to keep on playing rather than pause to litigate, the band shortened its name to The Grandsons and has been going full throttle ever since.

The Grandsons bring with them a pawn shop of instruments. Vocalist-guitarist-trumpeter Alan MacEwen charms audiences with his sly wit and winsome original songs; DC blues veteran Matthew Sedgley locks in the groove on drums and percussion. Saxophonist Chris Watling puts out a sound so meaty and memorable that he is in demand all over as a guest artist and session player.

Member Since:

February 21, 2006

Members:

.. Alan MacEwen-vocals, guitar, trumpet
Chris Watling-tenor & baritone saxes, accordion
Matt Sedgley-drums, vocals
Bassists John Young, Eric Bowers, Steve Sachse, Moe Nelson, Scott MckNight, to name a few.

Influences:

.. New Orleans R&B, Duke Ellington, Slim Gaillard, Sam Butera

Sounds Like:

.. They Might Be Giants, Los Lobos, the Blasters

Record Label:

Whirling House Records