Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker, The Beatles, Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Jerry Garcia, Calexico, Jack Kerouac, Gary Snyder, Wilco, William Blake, etc . . .
Okemah (o-KEE-muh) N.
1. City in Oklahoma (pop. 3,085)
2. Home of Woody Guthrie
3. In the Kickapoo Language, means "Things up High"
Okemah is a Rock n' Roll band in the grand tradition of American music. Following the line of their musical ancestors, Okemah has one foot firmly planted in American roots music and the other in unchartered territory. This combination has helped Okemah create a sound all their own which has been described as "Roots Infused Rock n' Roll." Okemah's unique sound relies as much upon the long friendship between its players as it is on American music.
The founding members of Okemah grew up together outside of NYC. During that time, they were introduced to the likes of John Lee Hooker, T'Bone Walker, Patsy Cline, and The Band. Inspired by these artists, they formed a band, and began writing songs to emulate the spirit of their musical heroes. Similar to Wilco, The Black Keys, and M. Ward, Okemah's music pays respect to their roots while letting their music evolve naturally into a sound altogether new.
Okemah's music is truly at the crossroads of a lifelong friendship and the sincere desire to push the boundaries of American music while never losing its inherent spirit.
Johnstown Flyer
Okemah released their debut album Johnstown Flyer in November 0f 2008. The album was recorded at Basemental Studios in New Hartford N.Y. and was produced and engineered by Moe guitarist Al Schnier.
The title track “Johnstown Flyer” is an instrumental movement that is inspired by Anthony Ventry, an Air Force veteran who was paralyzed from the neck down in a tragic accident that occurred while he was still in the service. As a way to defeat his disability, he purchased a small single engine airplane and took to to flying as much as he could throughout the 70's and early 80's... as a way to reach beyond his disability and into the infinite. His good friend Geno piloted the plane and mostly flew over their home town of Johnstown, PA... “Johnstown Flyer.” He passed away in the 80's, but his spirit will always be flying in that small plane over Johnstown.
The music on this album is a testament to that very perspective ... as we intend to take the listener far away to a place that will excite, comfort, and ultimately help to discover a world beyond those physical and mental barriers that block, restrict, and suppress us day in and day out in our own lives.
Johnstown Flyer and other Okemah merchandise can now be purchased online by visiting the following link..... Okemah Store
Thanks for sharing a lovely night at Bread and Jam! You guys put on a great show. We should definitely do it again some time. Keep up the great work! Can't wait to hear your album. Today is my heavy travel day for work, so it's in the car, ready to play! Thanks again =) -Courtney B.
Hey, Whats Up? Just stopping by to show some love!! Also, if you haven't been to our page lately, swing by and check it out. Comment back and let us know how the hell you've been doing!
What up boys! Long time no nothing! If you guys would like to travel a bit and come down to the Apple, I can get you on a bill with my band, Gato Loco (check out this youtube clip and let me know what you think: http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=f54afkaHmTU. It would be great to hang and play together again. Maybe we can find a staircase for Damian to roll down. Be in touch...
I just realized that I posted about the same thing almost exactly a year to the day apart. Congrats on Johnstown Flyer...glad it's finally done! Can't wait to see y'all again!
