For publicity inquiries, contact:
Emilee Warner
Big Shindig Media
Emilee@bigshindigmedia.com
615.418.4846
www.bigshindigmedia.com
* * * * * Sam Wharton Lead and Harmony Vocals, Guitar
Mark Schimick Lead and Harmony Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar, Piano Andy Thorn Lead and Harmony Vocals, Banjo Nicky Sanders Lead and Harmony Vocals, Fiddle and Accordian Charles R Humphrey III Lead and Harmony Vocals, Bass
* * * * *
and friends from the SFTRB Vol I & II albums! Robert Greer: Lead and Harmony Vocals Lance Mills: Lead and Harmony Vocals Shannon Whitworth: Lead and Harnony Vocals Clyde Mattocks steel guitar and dobro John Stickley Rhythm Guitar Kevin Brocke drums Jill Fromewick Harmonica
To Book Songs From The Road Band
send emails to ch3bass@yahoo.com
Rocky Mountain Mullet, Dixie Slam Mob, Canyon Creek, Big Fat Gap, Larry Keel, Steep Canyon Rangers, Shannon Whitworth, Hank III, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris, Waylon, Hartford, Ghost Driver, New Orleans, Salvo, Tarheels, and more......
It might not be there quite yet, but Asheville, NC is starting to look a lot like the new Nashville, at least when it comes to bluegrass music’s roots and branches. Leading the way is the Songs From The Road Band, an aggregation of some of the area’s hottest songwriters, singers and pickers named for the project that first brought them together—a 2006 solo release by Steep Canyon Rangers bass player and songwriter Charles Humphrey III that came out just weeks before the Rangers were handed the IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year trophy. Now, with the release of As The Crow Flies, the Songs From The Road Band is serving notice that they’re more than a one-time get-together.
“This time we wanted to make it clear that this is an actual band,” says Humphrey, who again wrote or co-wrote all of the album’s material. And indeed, where Songs From The Road offered an engaging set that left listeners feeling like they’d listened in on an easygoing jam session, this time around there’s a higher purpose—or, more precisely, a theme—in mind. “We were looking for what you might call outlaw-themed songs,” Humphrey notes. “We’ve got no taxes, no war, no music industry—all kinds of edgy or political stuff. And this time, I was wanting to cross the bluegrass with some of the Gram Parsons kind of sound—what he called Cosmic American Music, with drums, and some old country steel guitar. So we wound up writing songs especially for the album, and that made it fun, trying to give it some unity from beginning to end. We even decided to wrap it up with all the different guest vocalists singing together on the last song.”
Indeed, it’s clear just how wide a net the SFTR Band has cast after just two songs; the straight-ahead bluegrass rave-up of the title track is followed by an old country lope that includes some nifty accordion by fellow Ranger Nicky Sanders—and tells the story of a farmer trying to hang onto his land by growing something that’ll “ease your mind…make you smile.” And the breadth of subjects and styles is matched by the sweep of the bandmembers’ resumes. There’s bluegrass, of course—the Steep Canyon Rangers and Larry Keel & Natural Bridge are among the best known entries—but there’s old-time string band, blues, honky-tonk and hard-to-pin-down Americana affiliations, too, in the backgrounds and ongoing efforts of Shannon Whitworth, John Stickley, Sam Wharton, Robert Greer, Mark Schimick, Andy Thorn and the rest of the crew.
Asheville’s blend of old-time atmosphere and youthful energy has drawn a new generation of pickers and singers, and that—along with their many creative projects—finds a reflection in As The Crow Flies’ warmth and radiant good spirits. “The atmosphere is really light when we get into the studio,” says Humphrey. “Everybody’s just so excited to be together, because we don’t get to play together much. So everything’s fresh, and you get a lot of spontaneity—but it’s really good, too. Everybody wants to do their best for what the songs need, and the musicianship is so high; ideas just bounce off each other, and good arrangements just come naturally. But we learned a lot about production from the first record, too, and we really put that to good use this time around.”
The resulting blend of freewheeling creativity and deep skill makes As The Crow Flies a pleasure to hear, but in concert, the Songs From The Road Band strikes an even broader note. “You know,” Humphrey says, “everyone is so busy that it’s hard for us to get together, so this band is basically a recording band. But when we do get out to play, we always have a great time, because everyone has their own projects as well as this one, and so we get to incorporate some of that material into the set lists, too.”
“That first album was kind of confusing to people. They didn’t know where to file it – was it a solo project or a band,” he adds with a laugh. “So this time, we wanted to make it clear that this is an actual Songs From The Road band.” And as listeners at home and on the road are soon to learn, it’s a mighty good one, too.
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After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
On July 1st, The Hank in Chains Show will feature BR549 frontman Chuck Mead's first solo album Journeyman's Wager. While there are hints of BR549 in spots, the Ray Kennedy produced album finds Mead exploring his many musical influences. A little CCR here, a little Beatles there, and even a little Springsteen. Yet, the album is a cohesive rockin' country force, and a record of the year contender.
Artists/bands on this week's show include: Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Lucky Tubb, Muddy Waters, The .357 String Band, Louis Jordan, Hank Williams III, Songs from the Road Band, Warren Zevon, The Rolling Stones, The Hackensaw Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Cornpone.
COME SEE
Dylan Gilbert LIVE
Tuesday June 30th 2009
@ The Garage at Biltmore
101 Fairview Rd. Suite B,
Asheville, NC 28803
Cost: 5$ - Starts at 9pm
w/ Robots & Butterflies, Restrict This & We Got This
Vote audition that puts appearance to "Hasunuma '09" holding it now. We are the second places now. Could you vote for us pushing the button "このアーティストに投票" if it is good? Please continue your favors toward assistance please m(._.)m
It is possible to vote on 『e《meets》 [entame] market × SUMMER SONIC09'』 participation here!! Please continue your favors toward assistance pleasem(._.)m
It is possible to vote on 『e《meets》 [entame] market × SUMMER SONIC09'』 participation here!! Please continue your favors toward assistance pleasem(._.)m
It is possible to vote on 『Hasunuma』 participation here！！ Please continue your favors toward assistance pleasem(._.)m
On June 24th, after a long hiatus, The Hank in Chains Show returns to the internet airwaves! With a new and improved format, expect a great night of music and commentary on Flapdaddy.com at 9 PM eastern time. This week's show will feature the music of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly. Even though he tragically passed away at the age of 22 on "the day that music died", his hard-rockin' style continues to inspire bands and artists to this day.
Artists/bands on this week's show include: Bob Dylan, Jerry Cantrell, Scott H. Biram, Stone Temple Pilots, Raul Malo, The Gaslight Anthem, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Memphis in the Meantime, thenewno2, Hayes Carll, Chuck Mead, Screaming Trees, and Joey Allcorn.
naked j just won't quit. 19 songs in 19 weeks on his way to 52. thanks for being part of the acoustic journey. stop on by and listen if you'd like, june is sad song month.
Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane.To those who don't know me, I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio. Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! new videos too! Ruby Jane
Antonio Hoyos will be joining us on the 16th of June, appearing as "The Great Antoine!"
We are delighted that this great comedic performer can join our line-up.
The Pop Haydn Post-Modern Medicine Show will be appearing at The Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood! One show at 8:00 PM.
Pop will be joined by Professor Dave Bourne and the Medicine Show Band, Rob Zabrecky, Sophie Evans, Antonio Hoyos, Phil Van Tee and Pop's Candy Girls for a wonderful show of Old Time Music, magic, comedy and variety.
It'll make you feel better!
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
19th Century Attire Welcome!
You can buy tickets at LaughFactory.com or call: 323-6561336 ext 1.
For more information and video go to my Myspace Profile or:
HEY,HOPE EVERYONE IS GREAT. SAME OL', SAME OL' FOR US. THERE IS A NEW SONG(LEAN ON ME) UP ON OUR MYSPACE.PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CHECK IT OUT. HAVE A GREAT START OF THE SUMMER/ REBEL ROAD
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Online Now!
