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The Story of The Mammals
Folk-rock quintet, The Mammals, have evolved since their birth in the spring of 2001, picking up new sounds and styles along the way. Now, wielding the combined power of Appalachain fiddle-banjo alchemy, thier own contemporary lyric poetry, and a dynamic rock-n-roll rhythm section, The Mammals look to the future with warm-blooded glee.
“It’s the band I’ve wanted to be in since I was seventeen!” crows gutarist/banjoist and singer, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, who grew up as fascinated by AC/DC as by his banjo-picking grandfather, Pete Seeger. “Music is music,” adds Michael Merenda, who shares the banjo/guitar duties, and is the group’s primary songwriter, “People think that The Mammals have pushed and broadened the boundaries of folk music. I think we've barely even started. There are no boundaries. There are conventions.”
It’s that wild-eyed attitude that has characterized the band from the beginning, and continues to attract new audiences today. Their first CD “Born Live” (humble abode music) is a rough-hewn collection of their early live concert recordings and gives the impression of a self-made boot-leg. Teaming up months later with their highly-regarded producer/engineer, Max Feldman, The Mammals entered the home-recording studio, and created a more polished but equally energetic gem, “Evolver” (humble abode music.) This is the CD that would eventually catch the ear of Jim Olsen at Signature Sounds. In January 2004, the Mammals’ released another live concert sampler called “Migration” (humble abode music) and in April wowed fans with their most evolved studio recording to date, “Rock That Babe” (signature sounds).
Based in Woodstock, NY, their journeys across the continent have been the source of great inspiration. “Summer festivals rock!” says Ruth Ungar, fiddler and singer. “We love the energy of those festival crowds and the cameraderie between the bands. We feel so fortunate to be a part of it.”
Bassist Jacob Silver and drummer Chris Merenda sensitively elevate The Mammals old-timey tunes and new songs with contemporary rhythm and a solid pulse. "His drumming is so awesome!" said one pretty girl at a recent show. "I love this job," said Chris.
Spring 2005 will mark The Mammals 4th Annual Western Migration Tour, a national sweep that includes a parade of concert dates along the Pacific coast.
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