Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Willie Dixon, Bill Monroe, John Prine, Charles Mingus, Jerry Reed, Buck Owens, John Hartford, Roger Miller, NRBQ, Jerry Garcia, John Hartford, Cream, Tom Waits, James Booker, Vassar Clements.........
Sounds Like
“The Spikedrivers love to act up — before, during and after any of their foot-stompin', crazified country numbers. But the group's singer-songwriter Jesse Henry, fiendish fiddle player Megan Palmer, guitarists Paul Brown and Steve Sweney, drummer Nate Anders, and ZZ Top-mutton-chops bassist Steven Fox do much more than toss their longhaired, sweaty selves around the stage. Their sound is a reflection of raw musical talent, and it has a distinctive flavor that comes out somewhere between The Wilders and Old Crow Medicine Show. Toss in a few melancholy tunes, the occasional weeping, heaving cello and a general old-timey feel to their jam, and the only conclusion is that The Spikedrivers deliver exactly what they advertise. It's a boom-funk-chunk, everything-in-the-kitchen, leave-behind-your-order-and-listen country kind of music.” -Jesse Nathan, The Pitch, Kansas City, Missouri
In 2003 a new sound sprang up in the Rust Belt; a raucous, down-and-dirty sound, an intoxicating and gritty sound that pulled people in droves to the dance floors across the Midwest. It was the sound of The Spikedrivers playing their unique blend of swinging, bluesy, upbeat, country-fried rock ‘n’ roll. Front man Jesse Henry’s unique, original and down-home song writing meets the electrified ruckus and wild precision of the backing band similar to what might have been if Woody Guthrie had led NRBQ.
In 2007 with one live album and their first studio album just released The Spikedrivers took their show on the road. They played in eleven states rocking the shores of Massachusetts, the bright lights of New York, and the fields of Illinois. The band gained fans across the East Coast and the Midwest. Along the way The Spikedrivers released their second live CD, “Live in New York City” which showcased how easily The Spikedrivers can grab hold of an audience in a packed club and turn them instantly to avid fans.
The Spikedrivers front man is Jesse Henry, who was raised Mennonite in rural Northwest Ohio and who spent his early years working on grain elevators and learning songs of the great American Troubadours. He brings his electrifying stage presence and musicianship wherever he roams. Megan Palmer, a registered nurse by day, turns fiddle playing superhero by night; serenading the audience with a sultry voice and ravishing them with white-hot fiddle leads. Steve Sweney, best known for his cosmic guitar work with the band Ekoostik Hookah, gets to showcase a different side of his playing. He strips down to just amp and guitar and listeners get to relish the raw tone and intensity. John Boestler the guitar wizard is the newest member but brings 40-plus years of experience as well as being Sweney’s early mentor. The rhythm section and backbone holding it all together are Nate Anders and Steven Fox. A vibraphonist and college educator, Nate beats the skins like a pack of hounds is on his tail all the while booming baritone harmony. Fox brings his lightning fast bow acrobatics and hard-thumping sound on the upright bass to adventurous levels as well as singing his sideburns off.
In the coming year The Spikedrivers look to continue their success on the road spreading their infectious joy to all who will listen, and to some who won’t. Also, they will return to the studio to release their second studio album filled with ear turning tunes sure to have people dancing in their homes waiting for the next live performance. We hope to see you there.
Buy The Spikedrivers' self-titled studio debut at CD Baby:
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Studio and live albums, T-Shirts, and stickers are all available for purchase at live performances!
Hey now Spikedrivers, it was great seeing you at Cabin Fever!!! Deadheads, Hippies and Kind Folks, DON'T MISS THIS REAL GOOD TIME!!! We welcome you to the Grateful Garcia Gathering 2008 at beautiful Legend Valley (formerly Buckeye Lake Music Center) in Ohio! "There Ain't Nothing Like A Grateful Garcia Gathering". Tickets are on sale now. Its going to be a WOOT! Dates are July 31st, August 1st Jerry Garcia's Birthday, and August 2nd. So tell me, how many friends can you fit into your car? The 3G's Will Shine With You, SO DON'T MISS THE BUS! www. LegendValley. net www. GratefulGarciaGathering. com www. Myspace. com/GratefulGarciaGathering
Great set on Saturday.. You all ripped it up.. ALways a pleasure to see you perform and it was extra special to be on the same bill as you.. I want to thank Jesse for giving me props too, I appreciate that.. I love you guys..
Chicago missed you tonight! Got to the Tonic Room and heard that the gig wasn't going to go...bummer...hope everything is ok. Looking forward tot he next time you roll though town.
I am so excited you guys are playing at the Shammy fest, You guys seem to have lots cut out for you this year, I'll try to shake the floor at as many shows as I can.
Hello hello, What an amazing great time at the ledges this weekend. I very much enjoyed your set on Friday. Came down early just to make sure we didn't miss it. I love dancing to your music. Only sorry that i don't to see more of your shows. Also just in case i didn't mention yet i am SO happy to see that you are back at the Ranch and playing at this years Shamy Bash Frontier Ranch is my favorite place i have ever been. And well its extra special this year because i am getting married there on that friday 8-8-08! Glad to be sharing that weekend with so many of my favorite bands!!!! Its goona be a great fantastic wonderful magical weekend! Sending my love til the next time we meet, Your sister Renee
miss you guys, you should book a show in nerk/granville area... try brews. Liz who's friends with sweeney can hook you all up with that venue love all yous, even paul your dancing mascot, angie
