Mike Erb
guitar/vox
Scott Galloway
piano/vox
Matthew Lima
upright
with guests:
Shane Guse
fiddle/mandolin
Jon Steen
pedal steel
Influences
Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Kris Kristofferson, Townes Van Zandt, Gene Autry, Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family
Old Country For Young Men
Hanker Chiefs passionate about country music's roots
Most singer/songwriters will acknowledge that classic country and western music has had some level of influence on their sound, but it's become rare for those outside of the country field itself to actually try to interpret those songs themselves. Kitchener's Mike Erb has always been an artist to straddle the fence that divides country and pop, having made the prerequisite pilgrimage to Nashville's Music Row several years ago, and he is now fully embracing the country side of his personality with the Hanker Chiefs.
"I had kicked around the idea for a while with (pianist) Scott Galloway and (upright bassist) Matthew Lima," Erb says. "As far as I know, there's not many old-time country bands in the area, so it felt good doing something that was fresh, yet steeped in tradition.
"Because our other tours and projects keep us busy, we don't get to play as much as we'd like. But that's also kind of a good thing 'cause when we do get to play together, it's always a treat."
The Hanker Chiefs got their start by doing regular monthly gigs at the Boathouse in Kitchener, and Erb says it didn't take long before he started noticing the same faces in the crowd for each gig. It has confirmed his suspicions the songs in the band's repertoire will never go out of style, in spite of what contemporary country radio might have its audience believe.
"This is a band that is passionate about the history of country music and old-time standards," Erb says. "Everything from Jimmie Rodgers to Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. We love pulling out songs from the '40s, '50s and beyond and seeing the effect it has on the audience. When people first hear the word 'country' and see how young we are, I don't think they expect us to be playing the old stuff we do. It's fun to see the expressions on their faces when we pull out an old Hank Williams tune or a traditional gospel tune that perhaps they haven't heard in years."
Erb adds that he would like to record a Hanker Chiefs album in the coming year, which would consist of classic songs as well as a few original numbers that fit the mould, but that would be on top of making his next solo album, and also his other gig playing guitar for Anne Murray's daughter, Dawn Langstroth.
"That work has kept me extremely busy," Erb admits. "We've been travelling a bunch -- all over Ontario and the East Coast for shows -- so it's been hectic, but a lot of fun. I've started working on writing another record, hopefully to be released in 2009. It'll be a more acoustic record with a very minimalistic approach. My first record was in front of a live audience, and the second was a full-on studio production. So this one I'd like to approach a little differently and try some new things."
Erb concludes, "I imagine and hope that once Dawn's record is released, I'll be hitting the road with her again, but we'll have to see how that plays out. Right now, I'm just happy to be around my friends and family for the holidays and even more thrilled to be playing with the Hanks again."
yeah man, we should totally do that! maybe we can work on that one tune some more.. i'd really like to get some words. how bout "baby, baby you is fine, won't you love me long time"?.. somethin like that. tomorrow's gonna be fun dude! later! wish u could come skiin with us! balls
The Hanker Chiefs
Saying a BIG HELLO to my new Friend!
It's Wednesday; HUMP DAY!!!
Whatever you do today may you have an awesome one!
Peace,
Angela Siracusa
