Apolitical Blues:
TJ McFarland (Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Tambourine, Vox)
Will Kimbrough (Electric Guitars, Mandolin, Electric Sitar, BVox)
Smith Curry(Lap & Pedal Steel Guitars)
Paul Griffith (Drums & Percussion)
Billy Mercer (Bass)
Influences
Guy Terrifico, Theodor Seuss Geisel (The Doctor), John Steinbeck, Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons, Dwight Yoakam, Hank Williams, Mike McClure, Oscar Wilde, The White Stripes, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Merle Haggard...oh and Charles Lutwidge Dodgson...of course.
Howlin’ Wild is a glance, a shock, a breeze…a daymare belonging to a pack of hungry thieves, murderers, corrupt priests and hobos in holy garb. It’s a first attempt at murder…the murder of that which binds the child-like mind. The “realist” lives in a square leaking house with his plump wilted wife Iris and from a slick leather chair regurgitates out of print sermons to a congregation of two…one fortunately deaf and the other with flees. I am attempting to walk down main street naked…basking in the twilight glow of high expectations and limited options. I’ve seen the ghost and he is becoming more physical with each passing breath. I will give him a copy of this record and I believe he will offer me a toke or a glass of warm Beaujolais. He is always alone and humbled penny-less. He has come to the realization that everyone he’s met including himself is not devoid of hypocrisy, but that is no reason to remain silent. This is imperfection, this is growth, this is honest and revealing. This is also a stone shattering glass in the middle of a dark, dark night. I am not Oscar Wilde…this is more than just a joy ride. -TJ
Howlin' Wild Press:
This Tulsa/Nashville native’s new album, “Howlin’ Wild,” is terse and charming. It is John Steinbeck writing a Dylanesque post-millennium epic, replete with tales of Kurt Cobain and a girl slain by a streetcar named Desire.
--Tulsa World
TJ McFarland writes small stories of murderers, thieves, and corruption. Influenced by Woody Guthrie and pre-electric Dylan, McFarland continues the tradition of the troubadour or storyteller with his tales of the common man's woes. His rich voice, combining an acoustic guitar and fiddle, allow the words to float forward, focusing on the story. A great step forward from his excellent 2005 release Rosenbum's Gin. (BE AWARE!)
-- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music
"Listen here dear boy, I nicked your chickens. and, in fact, the old geezer was very anxious to preserve them from my depredations. I had the devil's own job to break into the kitchen and it is clear that the old boy would have laid down his life to prevent me. So what i suggest is that you give him back his job. In fact, i will go so far as to say that my patronage of this hotel, and of the entire chain to which it belongs - depends upon you reinstating him." KEITH MOON
Caught your show at 8.0's in Fort Worth last week. Enjoyed it. Didn't realize until I was leaving that I knew of you from Myspace. We live near Ft Worth and am a friend of Charlotte Autry's! Small world!! Gail Jones
I feel it. Like your sound a lot: reminds me some of Guy Clark, Norma Kaukomen, Chris Knight. Sort of like this minimal power to it. Best Wishes ! Bruce
It was great to see you guys Friday night again!! I wish I would've know you guys were gonna be there before I was half way to Tulsa so I could've caught the whole show. Looking foward to the next time you guys play here! Take care!
