The words "folky" and "catchy" aren't often spoken in the same sentence (ones I use, at least), but it's true of Travis and Jonny—and it's not the only potentially confusing thing about them. Though there is a Travis and a Jonny, they are actually a five-piece and, while it's a folk band, their lyrics are (gasp!) about modern-day issues and not whiskey stills, tambourine men, and the like. It's folk music that does some soul-searching and exploration and doesn't just tell story after story of people who are hopelessly down on their luck or overcoming adversity with a perseverance of the spirit. It plays like folk music should in 2008: It's smart, addresses problems that have been around since the dawn of time with a keen, modern eye, and looks back in history for inspiration without giving anyone the sense that the band would rather be hopping a train with Arlo Guthrie somewhere in the Midwest with only their wits and a guitar. Pat O'brien - City Pages
You could take your parents (or, alternatively, your kids) to see Travis and Jonny. The group has enough alt-country sensibility and salt to appeal to the young ’uns, but they also conjure a nostalgia for 1960s pop. Jonathan Kraft (a.k.a. Jonny) comes across with the happy-go-lucky fervor of Paul McCartney on the White Album, even as the group, which is actually composed of five members, musically channels a mishmash of current country-folk artists. Refreshingly, they avoid folk-music clichés of losing wives and hopping freights in favor of contemporary issues, though they do have a song about a miner.
Jessica Chapman - Minnesota Monthly
This clip is from the film 'Moments and Truths' included with the new Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank CD 'Traveling Show' coming out Setember 1. Order now at www.hobonephews.com
Hello Travis and Jonny, I just stopped by to say hello. I wanted to tell you that I put songs up from my new cd "Chasin' the Timberline".. Take care, Josh
Thanks for the compliment, we've worked pretty hard on those songs. Have you guys been recorking at all lately? It would be nice to hear some new material. I think you guys should record with us next time you're in the area. Peace, Chartreuse
