Toro and the National Guard

Music

FEATURED SONG

Play
Play Next
Add to queue

Silver Bells

Album:

Released: Jan 1, 2009

Label:

1. Play
2. Play Next
3. Add to queue
Silver Bells
4:13
327 plays
1. Play
2. Play Next
3. Add to queue
I Can Take a Long Time
3:47
269 plays
1. Play
2. Play Next
3. Add to queue
Pukawiss
3:42
151 plays
1. Play
2. Play Next
3. Add to queue
Speakin' Out
5:57
124 plays

Total Plays: 3,028 / Plays Today: 1See All Featured ►

General Info

Genre: Country / Psychedelic / Rock
Location Kalamazoo, Michigan, US
Profile Views: 14936
Last Login: 4/8/2010
Member Since 5/29/2007
Website www.thievesanonymous.com
Record Label Strutt Records
Type of Label Indie
Bio
.......... .. .. .......... .. .. Toro and the National Guard formed in 2006 under the songwriting of Andy Catlin and Grant Littler and vocalist Julia Toro. Their first album Plum was recorded on a 4 track in various living rooms across Michigan. In 2008, the band recorded their second album At the Grand Inn featuring pedal steel player Bill Winks, bassist Griffin Drutchas and drummer Arthur Velez. The album was tracked live in a Kalamazoo basement in more or less one day. In recent months, Toro and the National Guard has performed as the backup band on various albums including Bill Winks - The Onion Farmer, WGK - Legend of Pukawiss, and Pat Sperry's debut album. In 2009, the band revamped to include Kzoo's ultimate rhythm section of bassist Tod Kloosterman and drummer Adam Danis. In November 2009, Toro and the National Guard released a new full length "Ride Free" featuring songs by Andy Catlin, Grant Littler, and Colin Post. Get ready for 2010 as Toro and the National Guard will begin to perform as the back up band for the one and only Graham Parsons. Stay tuned for tour dates! .. .. "Pick of the Week: Toro & The National Guard: A rag-tag band of incredibly skillful musicians and songwriters, Kalamazoo's Toro & The National Guard is one of the most fun and talented bands in Michigan right now. Blending elements of country, folk, indie rock and good ole' rock and roll, Toro & The National Guard are an incredibly diverse and underappreciated group of musicians. Featuring vocal work from Julia Toro, Andy Catlin and Grant Litter, beautiful petal steel playing from Bill Winks and some brilliant drumming from Adam Danis, Toro put on a remarkably tight and charismatic live show that is not to be missed!" .. .. -CM Life (CMU Newspaper).. .. .. "What [TANG] comes down to is some seriously good song construction: strong, guitar-driven rock ‘n roll with that smoky country flavor, complimentary harmonies and interesting transitions...The songs are full of dynamic changes, transitioning from soft vocals to chaos and back again with remarkable precision. Its sound can be reminiscent of several things at once, spanning a variety of times and genres, but is something all on its own." .. .. -Revue Mag, Grand Rapids .. .. ......http://www.westernherald.com/arts-and-entertianment/cd-release-for-toro/........ .... .. .. .. .. .. ....................
Members
Toro - Vocals .. Andy Catlin - Guitar/Vocals .. Grant Littler - Guitar/Vocals .. Bill Winks - Pedal Steel .. Tod Kloosterman - Bass .. Adam Danis - Drums .. Graham Parsons - Lap Steel/Vocals/Muscle
Influences
Raymond Carver, Gene Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Lee Hazelwood, Phil Spector, The Outlaws, Joe Meek, Buck Owens, Louvin Brothers, Colin Post
Sounds Like