Vernam Cipher (vocals, guitar), Joel Batty (harmonica, fiddle, mandolin), Mike Marsden (bass), Holly Pintozzi (drums), Sal Salvato (guitar)
Influences
Influences include the Davies, the Louvins, Wilco, Waits, the Elvises, the Kings, Marvin Gaye, Charlie Rich, Nick Lowe, various new or old Dylans, and many more.
Songwriter Vernam Cipher has an affinity for American music in all its glorious variety: rock ‘n’ roll, honky tonk, soul, string bands, and more.
A particular obsession for Vernam is the intersection of technology and inspiration (divine or otherwise), and hence the nom de guerre. His original songs combine irreverent lyrics with memorable tunes that are informed but never constrained by traditional music. "Older music is endlessly fascinating to me, but I’m not one to romanticize the past," Vernam says. "I’d rather be alive today than just about any other time, despite it all. I’m just as ambivalent as the next person about what technology is doing for and to us. You just take the good with the bad and try to keep your bearings, no matter how much the altimeter spins."
Has it really been only 3 months since I last featured one of your songs? Guess so; you must be pretty popular around here. Well, here ya go:
Just thought you'd like to know that "Pigeon Toed Girl" from your 2003 EP "Sweet Science" can be found (and heard) on my MySpace page right this very minute.
(but only for 100 plays)
And it's being listened to by god knows what kinds of people I have befriended.
Just thought you'd like to know (if you don't already) that "Robert Ryan" is up on my MySpace page and is being listened to by god knows what kind of people I have befriended.
Dude! Let me play bass with you again!!! Bob Stoppenbach and I were chatting recently, and the Higher Authorities neede to be back on the circuit really, really soon. By the way, I am in a Robert Ryan mood.
Bluegrass festival! Two Rivers- Aug. 23-25, Harrison, Illinois. FREE! Camp if you want, 10.00 with electric, 5.00 w/out. Indoor restrooms and showers, Handicap accessible. Butterfly Porkchop dinner on Sat. till 5 pm. NW of Rockford, 1/4 mile North of 75, on Shirland rd. (near the rivers). Watch for signs!
We have our own banner!!! Now you, yes you can put us on your myspace to show your support. If you'd like to add our banner to your site copy and paste the html code in the tiny box below the banner on OUR myspace page to your own edit profile page under "who i'd like to meet" on your edit page. Sorry if that was confusing. Thanks for all your support. RMO
Good to see you!... you know that it's time for the both of us to quit laying back--We gots to get back out there; the world needs what you be offerin'.
I am quite pleased that you have a recent Ballydoyle Connection. Very Cool.
Keep me posted--k? You never know Mrs. G-man and I might surprise you with a visit to one of your shows.
