In an era when every independent band in the country seems to be moving to Portland, Oregon, it's easy to forget that the city has always had a homegrown sound all its own. Portland native Gavin Wahl-Stephens grew up at the city's blues festivals, grooving at independent gigs and ripping solos over old B.B. King tapes in his Southeast basement. After moonlighting as a reggae guitarist and getting his solo start at blues jams in Pabst-soaked taverns, Gavin became a mainstay in town with the release of his self-titled debut album in 2007. Maturing into a tight progressive blues and Americana outfit with distinctly Northwest quirks, his band has won accolades for its honest sound and roaring live shows, and Gavin has also been touted for personal lyrics that focus on the unavoidable feelings of perpetual motion. "I'm trying to find the laid-back groove of The Band," he explains, "but when it's time to kick down the door we're going for something like Dylan live in '66." Inheritor of the roots-rock tradition and an angular interpreter of American standards, Gavin produces a sound that moves between accessible folk and atmospheric jams -- call it dark, dynamic modern blues.
Hey everyone. Your running out of time to enter that origanal contest winning song. So if you havn't done so yet make sure you get it in before sept. 30th. www.showmethemusiccontest.com
kick ass show last night at the white eagle - very glad we went! you're bringing blues and americana into the 21st century - your live shows are outstanding! looking forward to more! ~Shane/LLD
(all in a high pitch voice) I'm coming back bromigo. July 4th, for good. Yes I'm washing the filth of Texas off my skin and returning to the land of the free.
The CD release party was so amazing!! You guys rocked lola's so hard. Listening to you guys is definatley worth a six hour drive from washington. Keep on rockin see you all again soon.