The Spud Puppies came together in 2001 with their newgrass credentials already established, being eight veterans of the Midwest acoustic and jam-band scenes.
But on their new, aptly titled second album, Off the Leash, the Pups take their sound in rich new directions. While maintaining the warm three-part vocal harmonies and hot round-the-horn solo breaks that established their reputation, they have traced their beloved mountain music back to its European roots, and forward to its lingering traces in country, R&B and rock.
Uniquely anchored by drums and percussion, the sound the band used to call "bluegrass with a kick" is now better described as Celtic Cajun country music or transatlantic folk-rock. And just like their recorded work, the live show is marked by blazing instrumental prowess that never outshines the stellar songwriting. No fewer than five members contribute songs to the repertoire, with lyrics that ring true to contemporary audiences while resonating with a sense of history.
Founding guitarist-vocalist Greg Ziesemer is the primary writer and the nearest thing the band has to a leader, though the Pups pride themselves on democratic decision-making and a shared spotlight. Acoustic bass guitarist Gary Wasson also writes and sings, and lead guitarist Dave Bigley contributes backing vocals when not tossing off stunning electric and acoustic solos.
The pillars of the band’s bluegrass element are Boyd Thaxton on mandolin and Kevin Donnelly, known to some fans as Delmar Lincoln, on the banjo. Keyboard wizard Garry Bole adds exotic flavorings and intriguing instrumental arrangements. And the band’s most surprising quality, perhaps, is the seamless way in which Tim Williams’ hand percussion adds solid grooves and world music accents to musical genres that generally shun both.
Voted their home city’s Best Folk/Bluegrass Band by the critics of Indianapolis Monthly magazine, the Spud Puppies promise a musical experience that transcends, yet honors, both time and tradition.
Dave Bigley: acoustic and electric lead guitar, vocals, banjo
Garry Bole: accordion, dobro, lap steel guitar, piano, organ
Kevin Donnelly (a.k.a. Delmar Lincoln): banjo
Boyd Thaxton: mandolin, vocals
Gary Wasson: bass, vocals, acoustic guitar
Tim Williams: percussion, bohdrain
Greg Ziesemer: acoustic guitar, steel resonator guitar, 12-string guitar, vocals
Big Indianapolis Songwriters Cafe show *THIS* Friday! Cliff Snyder takes a writers spot instead of hosting this month and is joined by some of the best original musicians Indy has to offer! Really!
Stop by the site, read an article or check out the community calendar for all sorts of songwriterish shows. (make sure to send your show dates for the calendar if you're doing original acoustic music!)
See These Boys! White Lightning Boys with special guests The Huckabucks. Live at The Bluebird in Bloomington Friday, May 23rd Show at 10:00 P.M. Only $3 cover at the door so bring all your friends! This a late booking so please help us get the word out.
Hello there! If I've already been in touch on this please bear with me but I'm trying to get the word out about www. indianapolissongwriterscafe. com
I'm working to create a place that ties together all the people, places & events that are relevant for an Indianapolis songwriter or a fan of this kind of music. There's also a community calendar (that needs a lot of dates added to it) that will soon be a one-stop shop for any songwriterish shows going on around Indy.
If you'd really like to help spread the word I'd be grateful as can be if you copied the little piece of code from either the ISC website or myspace page to display the banner on your page. Just drop me a line if you'd like to but aren't sure how.
Let's get a show together in Indy on August 30th. We're playing at the festival in Kendallville on Thurs, Fri, and Sat and would love to do something with you guys.
Isn't Kevin just the best banjo player you've ever heard?
Merry Christmas!!
