Chris Berry's story sounds like it was written by a Hollywood script writer. Maybe that is because it is hard to believe that a California white boy moved to Africa, became a spirit caller, and went on to sell over a million records in Southern Africa, where he still sells out stadiums. Now he is positioned to do the same in America. A lot of small-town American kids flee home as soon as they hit legal age, in search of something. Many find their way back home, but few journeys match those taken by Berry. His own winding and unexpected journey took flight at age 18, when Berry and his mentorexpat-African drum master Titos Sompa, with whom Berry had been studying since age 13, boarded a plane for Congos Brazzaville. After a ten-day boat trip up the Congo River, Berry arrived in a remote village and immersed himself in the culture and music. His fascination of Zimbabwean mbira (thumb piano) music eventually lured him to Harare, where he settled and studied under legendary mbira master Monderek Muchena for ten years. During that time, Berry put together his band Panjea, whose pioneering blend of indigenous music, dance hall, and hip-hop earned platinum album sales throughout Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and beyond. Berry became one of the first Westerners to be accepted among the elder mbira masters as one of their own. After over a decade living in Africa, Berry has now settled back in America following the edict given to him by African ancestor spirits to make a difference here, launching a slew of new activities to convey his message of justice and peace. His renewed American mission launched when he and his band released "Dancemakers" in 2006. Berry has since drafted String Cheese Incident's Michael Kang for new collaborations. Preaching an uplifting transcontinental message of hope to contagious, dance beats based in the Zimbabwean mbira and sacred Congolese ngoma drum rhythms, Berry has been deemed a master of both mbira and ngoma drum, earning the title of gwenyambira (one whose music calls the spirits), a distinction reserved only for those who have achieved the highest fusion of the technical and the magical in music from the elder with whom he lived and studied during his years abroad. Berry and his band bring it all home to America with their high-energy mix. The musicians are tight, and the music is smokin'. But the root is Africa: Africa is the source for almost all the popular music of the world, he insists. "You can hear it in blues, rock & roll, funk, hip-hop, and jazz. Ive just found a more direct line to the source. We've got the medicine, and its pure and strong." This Band’s MySpace Page
Formed over 10 years ago, Cornmeal has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally recognized live music institution. 10 years together is no simple task these days, especially when the last five have seen the band spending over half the year on the road. Heavily influenced by American roots and folk music, Cornmeal blends lightning fast tempos and impeccable harmonies into an unrivaled live performance that continues to expand upon the five-piece acoustic-electric groups’ vast musical repertoire. While steeped in the tradition of the past, Cornmeal continues to forge their own path, pushing the boundaries of bluegrass, Americana and folk for a whole new generation of music lovers. With a rapidly growing fan base and ever-evolving sound, Cornmeal challenges the recipe of the bluegrass sound and live performance. In the beginning of 2010, Cornmeal released their first live album, Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I, an album that pays tribute to the fans. For the first six years, Cornmeal performed each and every Wednesday in Chicago to small yet loyal crowds. Throughout the winters of 2007-2009, Cornmeal returned to Chicago to pay homage to that tradition. The album is for the fans as a thank you for all the years of dedication, for believing in Cornmeal, and for creating a wonderful community for them to come home to. The album was recorded live throughout the winter of 2009 at Martyrs’ in Chicago, IL. Unlike Cornmeal’s three previous albums, Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I captures the band in its raw, intense format, bouncing through song after song of fast paced, fierce originals and extensive improvised jams that showcase the immense talent and connectivity that have gained them so much fan appeal from coast to coast. With the release of their debut album "In The Kitchen" (2001 Livin' Live records), Cornmeal secured its place as one of the top bands in its genre. 2003’s “Tales from Magic Stone Mountain” (Livin’ Live records) garnered much critical attention and became a staple on College and AAA top 10 lists throughout the country. In May of 2006, Cornmeal released their third album, “Feet First”, which became proof positive that Cornmeal’s tenure on the road brought on an honest and mature sound. Produced by guitarist Kris Nowak and bassist Chris Gangi, "Feet First" features a strong confidence in songwriting, musicianship and the ability of this band to stylistically ride the fence and bring it back home without missing a step. While playing a blend of high profile venues, jam-band and bluegrass festivals to thousands throughout the region, the band has shared the stage with such highly acclaimed national acts as The David Grisman Quintet, John Hartford, The Del McCoury Band, Little Feat, Leftover Salmon, Tony Rice, Yonder Mountain String Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Sam Bush, Umphrey's McGee and moe. They pride themselves on the energy they put forth each night creating an unrivaled live performance that continues to shape itself into a energetic one of a kind experience. Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I proves that Cornmeal continues to be a band to watch out for. Every show they play is a unique experience that leaves fans begging for more. This Band’s MySpace Page
Young in age and conception, Elephant Revival carries a fresh sense of creativity and inspiration that is felt by people of every generation. The neo-acoustic quintet is on the cutting edge of an emerging new genre that is known as ‘Transcendental Folk. The band consists of Bonnie Paine (vocals, washboard, djembe, musical saw), Sage Cook (electric banjo/guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, viola, vocals), Dango Rose (double-bass, mandolin, banjo, vocals), Daniel Rodriguez (acoustic guitar, electric banjo/guitar vocals) and Bridget Law (fiddle and vocals). Individually and collectively the band members have performed with some of the most prolific performers of our time like Bela Fleck, John Paul Jones, Michael Franti, Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic Leftover Salmon et al. In performance, Elephant Revival reveals hidden treasures deep within a vast repertoire of original material and a few carefully selected traditionals. In one show, the quintet can be seen delving into Scottish/Celtic fiddle tunes, original folk pieces, traditional ballads, psychedelic country, indie rock, powerful reggae grooves, 40s/50s jazz standards and an occasional hip-hop beat amongst other styles. Elaborating on Elephant Revival's live shows, independent film director Mike Eberle explains, "When I hear Elephant Revival I am struck by my inability to define it. I am forced to confront the music as it is, connecting to it with a virgin spirit of mind. Consequently it feels like I am experiencing music and all its joys for the very first time." In January 09, ‘Elephant Revival’ appeared in "Colorado Music Buzz" as the 1 played local artist on Colorado public radio stations. A steady climb of radio airplay is being seen across the nation on NPR, satellite and online radio stations. As Boulder Weekly entertainment writer Dave Kirby enthuses, "The album brims with poised folk ballads, modern Celtic fiddle dirges, hints of blues and Appalachia... coaxing the spirit but slyly avoiding climbing fully into each form's body." Marquee Magazine journalist Jefferey Keith further elaborates, "Following the lead, but not the footsteps, of groups like Leftover Salmon and Yonder Mountain String Band, the five-piece Elephant Revival has created a unique and appealing modern acoustic sound simultaneously soaked in all manner of tradition. Elephant Revival tours in a vegetable oil powered 1989 International School Bus which was converted in 08' by the great mechanical mind of ER multi-instrumentalist Sage Cook. Musically and creatively Elephant Revival is inspired to spread a message of sustainability while nurturing an awareness of positive change through the pure light intention of their music. This Band’s MySpace Page
In the past five years, Great American Taxi has become one of the best-known acts on the jam band circuit. Their uninhibited sound is a swinging concoction of swampy blues, progressive bluegrass, funky New Orleans strut, Southern boogie, honky tonk country, gospel, and good ol’ fashioned rock ’n’ roll. Great American Taxi was born when singer, guitarist and mandolin player Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon joined keyboard player and singer Chad Staehly for a superstar jam to benefit the Rainforest Action Group in Boulder, in March of 2005. “We put together a dream band of the best local musicians for a one-off gig,” Herman recalls. “It worked so well we had to do it again, and again, and again.” Great American Taxi quickly evolved into one of the best country-, rock-, and bluegrass- influenced jam bands in the land, masterfully blending acoustic and electric instruments into music they call “Americana Without Borders.” Great American Taxi has been equated with roots rockers like the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Grateful Dead, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, The Byrds, and Little Feat. Herman finds the comparisons flattering. “We’re definitely connected to all the acts in the country/rock spectrum, as well as the spirit of Gram Parsons and Woody Guthrie,” he says. “We want to address the issues appropriate to our times, while making music that gets people up and moving.” They’ve made their reputation as an exciting live band, willing to invite the audience on stage for impromptu jams and sing-alongs. “When strangers join in to sing and play, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Herman grins. “It keeps you on your toes musically and brings out feelings of camaraderie and community.” That loose, anything-can-happen feel is the hallmark of Reckless Habits, Great American Taxi’s second album. The band — Herman, Staehly, Jim Lewin on electric guitar and vocals, Edwin Hurwitz on bass, and drummer Chris Sheldon — spent a couple of weeks at Backbone Studio in Loveland, Co, with producer Tim Carbone (from Railroad Earth) working together to bring the feel of an on-stage performance to the recording process. “We did the tracks live, playing together,” Herman says. “We like to make real music, as opposed to executing parts.” Herman grew up in Pittsburgh, the youngest of seven children in a music loving family. He played piano, guitar, and mandolin growing up, soaking up Motown, rock, bluegrass, and the polka music played by neighborhood wedding bands. As a high school freshman, he attended the Smoky City Folk Festival and was seduced by the social scene and the off-stage free-form jams. He studied acting at the University of West Virginia and moved to Colorado to finish his degree, but dropped out after meeting Drew Emmitt. He joined him in the Left Hand String Band, one of the first groups in the progressive bluegrass movement of the ’80s. His next aggregation was a Cajun jug band called the Salmonheads. When the two merged, they jokingly combined names, and as Leftover Salmon, a country/ bluegrass/Cajun outfit, became one of the best-known jam bands in the country. When banjo player Mark Vann died of cancer in 2002, Leftover Salmon lost momentum. Herman had a few rough years and survived a broken neck before joining keyboard player Chad Staehly to create Great American Taxi with guitarist Jeff Hamer, bassist Brian Schey and drummer Jake Coffin. After a few departures Taxi has settled into their latest incarnation with Lewin on guitar, Sheldon on drums, bassist Brian Adams and occasionally Barry Sless on pedal steel. They’re marking their Fifth Anniversary as a unit with the release of Reckless Habits. Herman, Staehly, and their Great American Taxi cohorts will be doing what they do best to support the record, touring heavily and getting ready for the beginning of the Festival season. "We believe in the blue-collar work ethic, improving our music by playing live shows and bringing people into the present moment with our lyrics and instruments. That’s what we love to do and we’ll keep on doing it as long as we can.” This Band’s MySpace Page
Initially formed as an acoustic string band, seven years of constant touring has transformed Hot Buttered Rum into a plugged-in, percussive powerhouse that wows critics and fans alike. Their left-coast rock reveals an access to jazz, country, and world music that few groups can match. While the band's music belies simple categorization, its songwriting and stage chemistry delights listeners at every turn. Hot Buttered Rum’s story is one of evolution. The “high altitude bluegrass” era captured on their first studio album, In These Parts, found the band enjoying success at such diverse stages as the Newport Folk Festival, Bonnaroo, Grey Fox, High Sierra, Wakarusa, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Along the way, the group shared the stage with some of today's most accomplished artists, including Phil Lesh, Bela Fleck, Ben Harper, and Nickel Creek’s Chris Thile. In 2006, acoustic pioneer Mike Marshall produced Hot Buttered Rum’s second studio album, Well-Oiled Machine, and captured the sound of a hard-touring band charting its course along the highways and byways of American music. The continued expansion of Hot Buttered Rum’s sound and writing found a home in Live in the Northeast. More electric pickups made their way to the stage, along with an increased focus on songwriting. As the band developed a heavier sound, fans and press began to describe them as a rock band with acoustic instruments. It therefore came as no surprise when, following the departure of mandolinist Zac Matthews, the other founding members Aaron Redner (fiddle and mandolin), Bryan Horne (upright bass), Nat Keefe (guitar), and Erik Yates (banjo, guitar, woodwinds, and resophonic guitar) joined forces with Everyone Orchestra conductor and drummer Matt Butler. The new lineup has recently emerged from San Francisco’s Mission Bells Studios, where they recorded Limbs Akimbo under the watchful eye of producer Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips). Featuring guest appearances by Jackie Greene (Skinny Singers, Phil Lesh and Friends) and Zach Gill (ALO, Jack Johnson), the album marks the beginning of a new creative phase. Limbs Akimbo now signals the arrival of a highly matured, impressively listenable, stirringly rocking, and pleasantly poppy sound. Proving himself a forceful producer, Bluhm has struck an impressive balance between highlighting the multi-instrumental, cross-genre elements of the band’s sound while avoiding the contemporary trappings of music that is complex and different merely for the sake of complexity and difference. The result is beautifully paradoxical: a tremendous, minimalist pop album full of hints, teases, and cameos of the band’s complex musical personality. In “Something New,” Keefe recites the familiar wedding adage “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” And right there, in a nutshell, is Limbs Akimbo: an album that is both an elegy and reincarnation of Hot Buttered Rum’s past sound, that borrows heavily from the rock pantheon while sprinkling in just a little of everything else. Limbs Akimbo is an album that evidences the acoustic string band of yesteryear while unapologetically propelling into the scene a mature left-coast, drum-driven, pop-rock band. This Band’s MySpace Page
"It was cool on one level, and then on another level it was kind of like getting gum on the bottom of your shoe." Steve Kimock remembers when the Grateful Dead's legendary front man, Jerry Garcia, hailed him as one of his favorite unknown guitarists. To Kimock, it was surprisingly bittersweet praise: The emerging artist wasn't looking for fortune or fame. "That doesn't go away," Kimock continues, lamenting Garcia's endorsement. "And there's a certain audience expectation that goes along with that." Despite any perceived added pressure to perform up to billing, it was certainly due appreciation for this musician who picked up his first six-string as a child. Ever since he was 10 years old, influenced by the instruments and songs he encountered at his Aunt Dottie's home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the only thing on Kimock's mind has been music. Nearly 50 years later, not much has changed; his road manager revealed that even after a lengthy gig, Kimock still takes a few guitars up to his hotel room to noodle away into the night. However, Kimock's talent and innovation have managed to go relatively unnoticed throughout the decades. His main fan-base stems primarily from in-the-loop devotees of improvisational rock who have followed his here-there-and-everywhere career, one that has haphazardly placed Kimock on stage with many of the best in the business. "I think the primary thing might be the complete lack of goal orientation," he says. "I never got my head around the idea that I would be OK being in a situation where the music itself had been formalized into some kind of product. So, as a result, I've just sort of done whatever I felt like." And that brings us to his latest project, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, a new, rather conscientious endeavor to inject at least some focus and structure into his music, bringing in both a bit of the old and a bit of the new. "There's less math involved," Kimock says with a grin. "It's a little dancier, a little more straight ahead. It's just not big-production pop." The lineup includes, most notably, legendary Hammond B3 organist Melvin Seals, widely recognized and acclaimed for his years with the Jerry Garcia Band. Arguably, though, the real talking point is the inclusion of Kimock's son, John Morgan Kimock, on drums, who, while only in his early 20s, is proving himself night in and night out as a bona fide prodigy. The wild card in this foursome is bassist Trevor Exter, a talented New York singer-songwriter who Kimock proudly claims they pried away from his cello. "Trevor and Johnny had a duo gig: cello and drums. And because he was hanging out all the time, playing with Johnny, it was like, that thing's got four strings and that thing's got four strings. Why don't you play that thing." Exter moved over to bass and the band was complete. Unconventional. Experimental. It's sort of the Steve Kimock way. This Band’s MySpace Page
2010 brings a new sound to a familiar face in the national music community. With an astonishingly talented cast of musicians, The Motet has refined their sound and their vision into a dynamic and expressive improvisational force. Founded and led by drummer Dave Watts, The Motet began almost ten years ago and hasn’t let up since. Featuring complex compositions written and arranged by Watts himself, the music tells a story through syncopated rhythms and melodies. Founded and led by drummer Dave Watts, the group began over ten years ago and hasn’t let up since. Featuring complex compositions written and arranged by Watts himself, the music tells a story through syncopated rhythms and melodies. As music and technology evolve at an astounding rate, so too has The Motet pioneered their unique sound while continuing to defy categorization. With roots in Jazz, Afrobeat, Funk, Salsa and Samba, The Motet keeps their audiences in a dancing frenzy by layering House and Techno rhythms into a style that is uniquely their own. With its 6th release, Dig Deep, The Motet once again proves that it is a group committed to exploring and pushing the sonic envelope, while still remaining dedicated to the musical traditions that have defined their sound. A heavy-horned Afrobeat influence countered with a textural blanket of Electronica, this album showcases the talents and strengths of the cast of characters that drummer and producer Dave Watts has assembled. Keyboardist Joey Porter lays down the funk under the coursing melodies of saxophonist Dominic Lalli in pure Motet fashion, with the ever driving beats of Watts' masterful rhythmic production pushing the music through sonic peaks and valleys that tantalize and invigorate listeners. If you've loved The Motet for years or are just tuning in, listen up. You won't be disappointed. From years of incessant touring and with a rich legacy under their belt, The Motet’s “resolve to evolve” has made them indispensable in the East and West Coast groove circuits. Writes Dave Kirby of Boulder Magazine: “Watts' dedication and artistic integrity have created an elusive musical entity which seems to be as much fun to play in as it is to go out and hear.” The Motet is a world-class ensemble that whips audiences into a whirlwind using sheer impromptu force. The rhythms are spontaneous and textured and the beats are hard-driving. The band uses this energy to create a rapport between the audience and themselves that is rarely seen in today's world of manufactured rock. The Motet consecrates the ground on which dance music meets free-form improvisation. This Band’s MySpace Page
As a bluegrass band that's anything but traditional, Mountain Standard Time follows in the footsteps of such Colorado greats as The String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon. While leading acoustically with guitar, mandolin, and banjo, MST brands its own style, boasting a big, full-band sound with saxophone, electric bass, drums, and electric effects. The members of Mountain Standard Time hail from all over the country, yet their musical paths crossed in Nederland - a small, Colorado mountain town steeped in bluegrass music. Whether you chalk it up to fate or coincidence, music goers everywhere are coming together to enjoy the "explosive bluegrass" that these six friends and musicians have come to create. MST has performed all over Colorado and across the country. Their roots stem from late night "picks" among the bluegrass faithful, making music lovers dance from mountain towns to backwoods campfires. Rich lyrics, original melodies, vocal harmonies and driving back beats have been moving fans across the country, while the band's unique charisma has been winning hearts. This Band’s MySpace Page
Billy Nershi was a founding member and acoustic guitarist in the String Cheese Incident, a jamband from Boulder, Colorado. Nershi has written a good number of String Cheese Incident's staple songs and often provides vocals. His latest project, Blue Planet, features Nershi's fellow SCI band mate, Keith Moseley on bass, Erik Deutsch on keys and Chris Misner on drums. This Band’s MySpace Page
Spring Creek Bluegrass Band from Lyons, Colorado, are quickly gaining a reputation as the hottest young band in the Rocky Mountains. The quartet play a mix of bluegrass standards and compelling originals, and all four musicians are also accomplished vocalists. Spring Creek is built on the fundamentals of bluegrass, yet they create their own classic contemporary style. The young band, whose members met in music school in Texas, have studied and performed together for several years, creating a tight, polished sound. Counting such bands as Country Gazette and Hot Rize among their influences, Spring Creek's members have a deep respect for tradition, as well as an innate sense of musical innovation. "We choose songs that suit our style," says guitarist Taylor Sims. "I enjoy the pilgrimage--learning songs the way they've been played for years and years, staying close to tradition. But a lot of different kinds of songs can fit into the traditional bluegrass style if they are done really well. We try hard to do each song justice, with real bluegrass-style harmonies and arrangements." Judges at two recent band competitions agree that Spring Creek have what it takes to deliver the high, lonesome sounds in the Appalachian tradition. The band won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band contest in June 2007, and won their second Planet Bluegrass title later that summer at the 35th annual Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival (RockyGrass) held in Lyons. "We won Telluride pretty exclusively based on the strength of our original material," explains Alex Johnstone, who plays both mandolin and fiddle in Spring Creek. "People are learning our tunes now and that's so exciting. Though they clearly appeal to traditional bluegrass fans, the Spring Creek musicians mix in a little something for everyone at their live shows. Expect to hear an Elton John or Gillian Welch cover squeezed in between a blazing fast Carter Stanley instrumental and a rip roarin' Bill Monroe tune. Band mates agree that they want to have a hand in initiating younger audiences into the bluegrass fold. “I’m into the idea of playing for general audiences where people might be exposed to traditional bluegrass for the first time,” says Chris Elliott, who in addition to his band's win at RockyGrass, also celebrated earning top honors in the festival's banjo instrument contest. “When I first saw younger people playing bluegrass, I thought, 'Wow, this could be really cool,'” says Elliott. "If more young people are exposed to bluegrass at the right time, they'll like it too." "We really want all generations to appreciate bluegrass," agrees bassist Jessica Smith. "Some kids think it's just sleepy music for older people. We show them that we have real energy and passion; we show them that it's something special." This Band’s MySpace Page
Big Water is a multi-talented artist with a voice like liquid gold. As a one man show or backed by his band, his original music is a gift of heart and soul that blends folk, country, and R&B with beautiful melodies and grooving rhythms. With three CD’s, "Look, Listen, and Feel" (2001), "Life on Earth" (2005) and his latest release "In the Garden" (2007), Big Water has traveled the globe carrying love, truth, and healing to all generations. From sometimes ‘singing for his supper’, to playing festivals with other artists like Honkytonk Homeslice, The Everyone Orchestra, Railroad Earth, Cornmeal and Drew Emmitt, this artist is dedicated to his craft and to the shared experience between performer and audience. Big Water is surely an emerging artist to keep your eyes on with his ‘get under your skin and into your heart’ song writing style. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along on his songs whether you know them or not. Big Water is a feel good artist that rains on your spirit, shakes your soul, and soothes the heart. This Band’s MySpace Page
Performing bluegrass and acoustic fusion under the name Fireweed since 1997, Patrick Latella has been bringing together heavy-hitting pickers from the Boulder/Denver scene for what has been described as "blistering acoustic excursions" (Jeff Smith, Mountain Ear). Fireweed has included members of YMSB, Leftover Salmon, Runaway Truck Ramp, The Motet, Tony Furtado Band, Hit & Run Bluegrass, WhiteWater Ramble and the Drew Emmitt Band. With an ever expanding cast of amazing players creating a unique form of string music, Fireweed continues to push musical boundaries. For NedFest 2010, Fireweed will feature Patrick Latella, Christian Teele, Paul Murin & Jeff Fournier performing Latella's original composition "The Moondream Suite"...a melodic journey through Colorado dreams and transcendent memories of the soul as they cross time & space. This original piece was featured in Warren Miller's "Snowriders II" and sums up the musical and emotional power of Fireweed. This Band’s MySpace Page
Jaden realized her passion for guitar at an early age. Starting her venture with classical training, she quickly moved to acoustic and electric rock, teaching herself many of her favorite covers and writing her own original material. Possessing an amazing ear and an insatiable love for playing and performing, Jaden's repertoire includes her beautiful and touching originals, as well as many covers by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Trevor Hall, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Ziggy Marley, John Lennon, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, and more. She has performed with Michael Franti & Spearhead, Trevor Hall, Radioactive, Keaton Simons, Matt Butler, Rob Drabkin and Melvin Seals & JGB. This Band’s MySpace Page
Jerry Joseph is constantly touring. If it isn't solo, it is with his rock band The Jackmormons or one his side projects, including The Stockholm Syndrome or his duo with Wally Ingram. Regardless of the configuration, it is always about the songs. On this duo tour Joseph will be highlighting songs from his recently released album, "Civility" with Ingram. Joseph has also shared the stage with the likes of Neil Young, The Flaming Lips, DJ Logic, Curt Kirkwood and David Lindley. "Into The Lovely" features a who's who of Portland musicians including Jennee Connlee (The Decemberists) on keyboards, Willy Vlautin (Richmond Fontaine) on vocals, Steve Drizos on percussion, Mike Lewis, Pat Kearns and Joseph's co-hort from his Little Women days, Steve James, on guitar. When not touring or recording, Joseph is on the road with his power rock band, Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons. Joseph also writes and tours with his side project, the Stockholm Syndrome, a band he fronts with Dave Schools, Eric McFadden, Wally Ingram and Danny Dzuik. Joseph got his start in music in the 80's when he led the reggae/rock band Little Women, based out of Boulder, Colorado, which ruled the Rocky Mountain club circuit for most of the 80's and broke up in 1993. Joseph continued to record before an oft-publicized drug addiction temporarily sidelined his career. The process of getting clean took Joseph to New York, Montana, Salt Lake City, where the Jackmormons were formed in 1996, and eventually to Portland. Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons "Mouthful of Copper" was the second release from Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons on Terminus Records and follows the critically acclaimed Conscious Contact which was released in early 2002. Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons have released four other albums as well. This Band’s MySpace Page
Kort McCumber travels highways and listens to the wheels roll along, just telling his story... to the tune of about 50,000 miles in the last year alone. “I don’t know for sure,” says Kort, “but I’d guess I’m creeping up on a half a million miles over the last ten years.” That’s a lot of miles, a lot of smiles, and a fair share of calamities, mishaps and broke-down rigs along the way. Not all the stories are born when the “wheels roll along.” Some roll along when the wheels don’t. “The road is tough,” admits Kort, “but I love it in a ‘man-am-I-crazy-or-what’ kinda way.” While he readily admits to loving the ‘playing music part of it … anywhere, anytime’, it’s the in between times that get tough; the getting there, getting set up, getting packed up and getting up to get goin’ to the next show that makes the road wearisome. That and the fact that he misses his home, wife, dogs “and the sanity they afford me. But when I weigh it all out, I know this is what I want to do. This is what I gotta do.” Over the last ten years, Kort has honed his skills as a working musician playing more than 1000 live shows throughout the U.S. and Europe. Kort writes, plays and sings Americana Music - equal parts folk, country, blues and bluegrass, with a healthy dose of something fresh. After moving to Colorado in 2003, the music took a decidedly more country/bluegrass turn and dug deeper into the roots of his Scotch-Irish heritage. Kort weaves a rich and diverse tapestry of musical experience, skill and energy into each and every one of his many musical endeavors. A classically trained pianist & cellist (he learned from his mom, Joy Myers, who played for the Jacksonville Symphony for more than two decades) today Kort plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, piano, bouzouki, cello, bass, and more. Live and in person or through the magic of recording technology, you gotta check out this hard driving and hard driven musician. Look for Kort in a town near you soon – at a gig, hangin' around a festival, sleeping in a campground, broke down on the side of the road or heading down another new one, “listening to the wheels roll along.” This Band’s MySpace Page
Formed from long-standing friendships with common musical interests, Moonshiner is a hard-driving bluegrass band on the verge of big things. Based out of Boulder County, Colorado, the five-piece band focuses on playing high-energy live shows that tap into deep-rooted bluegrass tradition, yet also include a keen devotion to their own unique material. The result is an entertaining mix of what they like to call, “White-knuckle Bluegrass.” With band members hailing from all edges of the United States, including Virginia and California, their cohesive bluegrass sound is graciously unique—mixing the traditions of Appalachian bluegrass and Southern roots music with elements of whatever influence the band is in the mood to explore. This Band’s MySpace Page
Elephant Revival is a magical blend of melodies and rhythms, with their roots in the past and hearts in the future," says Billy Nershi of String Cheese Incident. Whether it is distance, personal obstacles or differing states of mind, the contributors to this project are constantly working to break down the barriers in order to remove the obstacles and to embrace the revival. This is the dance we all revel in and the celebration is open for us all to share. In this respect, we can all help to revive the human spirit through song and dance. Featuring Daniel Rodriguez (vocals, guitar), Bridget Law (fiddle, vocals, mandolin), Dango Rose ( Upright bass, vocals, mandolin), Sage T. Cook (electric banjo/guitar, mandolin, vocals), and Bonnie Paine (vocals, washboard, djembe, cello). This Band’s MySpace Page
The members of Mountain Standard Time hale from different parts of the country, yet their musical paths crossed in Nederland-a small Colorado mountain town steeped in bluegrass music. Whether you chalk it up to fate or coincidence, fans are thankful for the sound that these six friends and musicians have created. MST has been performing up and down Colorado's Front Range for most of a year now and will hit the studio in Fall '09 after heading out on the road for the summer festival season. Their catalog of originals contains a great variety of styles and influences while showcasing a unique sound originating from a variety of musical backgrounds filtered through traditional bluegrass fundumentials. Origional melodies, songs rich in lyrics, vocal harmonies and a driving back beat keep imprinting MST's brand of "mountaingrass" on the minds of their enthusiastic audiences. "Full-steam Colorado Mountain Grass" This Band’s MySpace Page
