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
Influences
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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This week's episode of The Hank in Chains Show features Alice in Chains' first new album in over 13 years, "Black Gives Way to Blue". Marred by addiction and the eventual tragic death of founding lead vocalist Layne Staley of 2002, only a few years ago no one ever assumed we'd ever hear from Alice in Chains again. However, after a few special reunion shows, guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez, and drummer Sean Kinney got the itch to bring the band back. They recruited former Comes with the Fall vocalist William DuVall to recreate Alice in Chains’ outstanding harmony vocals. People doubted the band, especially DuVall, but "Black Gives Way to Blue" has proven the critics wrong in a big way.
Other music this week from: The Drive-By Truckers, Warren Zevon, Hank Williams III, The Reverend Horton Heat, Eleven Hundred Springs, Gram Parsons, George Harrison, The Kinks, Stone Temple Pilots, The Songs from the Road Band, The Black Keys, and Jimi Hendrix.
The Hank in Chains Show returns Wednesday night on Flapdaddy.com with a special episode featuring a hodgepodge of 2009's best music. As HIC Show listeners have come to expect, great music from all genres will be featured from legends and unknowns alike. 2009 has been an amazing year for new music, making this comeback episode one you will not want to miss. Tune in from 9 PM to 11 PM and fall in love with the show all over again!
Including new music from: Bob Dylan, Alice in Chains, Clutch, The Avett Brothers, Watermelon Slim, Brendan Benson, The Dead Weather, Bruce Springsteen, The Low Anthem, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Dinosaur Jr., Pearl Jam, Songs from the Road Band, Joey Allcorn, The Black Crowes, Raul Malo, and Kris Kristofferson.
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.
Hey you guys! It's Kelli from the Back Room. I just wanted to let you know that I am sold out of cds at my gallery... Red Step Artworks so if any of you come to Hendersonville any time soon, please bring me some. You are an easy sell cause I love your music!
Hey Charlie, great to hear from you, and yes that definitely was one of the good gigs. I'll actually see you in a few days at Argyle, I'm playing with Long Road Home early on Sat. Should be there Fri. night through Sun. morning, let's boogie.
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