In the mid 1990s a closely-knit St. Louis music community brought together a collective of talented musicians rendering such bands as Wagon and Nadine. Danny Kathriner, Chris Peterson (both of Wagon), and Todd Schnitzer (formerly of Nadine) have worked together since the inception of these bands and have now joined in a refined effort called Half Knots.
Danny and Todd began to collaborate musically after Todd co-engineered and co-produced Wagon’s first release “Soon” in 1993 (he also co-engineered and co-produced Wagon’s fourth release “Beauty Angel Queen” in 1999). Todd co-founded Nadine in 1997 and has since worked on a variety of musical projects that have brought him international acclaim for production and performance. Wagon has released three records through Hightone and Glitterhouse Records that have received critical praise across the U.S.A. and Europe.
Wagon’s personal lives have put restraints on touring and recordings, but Danny has kept with his prolific song-writing pace. In late 2000 he pitched the idea to put a collection of his songs together as a side project, and Chris and Todd enthusiastically agreed. Chris began making frequent trips from Austin to St. Louis and thus their creative process began.
Recorded mostly in Todd’s basement studio in St. Louis, this collection of songs is often ambient and melancholy and yet at times purely driving. Danny's introspective lyrics weave effortlessly in rich layers of dulcimer, mandola, guitar, electric piano, organ and strings. Simply put, this is a smart and most impressive first release by these three friends from way back. This is Half Knots. Enjoy.
