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Ass Ponys
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A music scene is only as good as its bands, and the local Roots scene's strength is evident if you've seen the following bands in action. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? We know there are numerous other bands that would fit under the umbrella of Roots music, but this is simply a good place to start for those interested.
Big In Iowa
Well-played, catchy Roots Rock. Big In Iowa are currently on their second tour of Europe, and they've released several well-received albums on the European label, Blue Rose. Their most recent release, Green Pop, is out now overseas with a domestic release date pending.
www.biginiowa.com
Messerly and Ewing
Formerly solo singer/songwriters, Mark Messerly and Brian Ewing joined forces to create folksy, acoustic gems that have made them a local favorite. Their new album, featuring a variety of top local players, is due out this fall, and they'll debut their full band at Saturday's Uprooted fest.
www.grossi.org/markandbrian
Crazy Chester
With great Roots Rock songs written in a Tom Petty/Neil Young style and a superb, strutting stage presence, Crazy Chester are one of the bright lights on the local music front. The band is currently working on a new album, due later this year.
www.crazy_chester.homestead.com
Greg Mahan's Indestructible Band
Mahan's creative take on spacious Folk music was wonderfully displayed on his self-titled debut released last year. Although he often performs solo acoustic, his band has included local players like Chris Arduser, Messerly and Ewing and Brian Mahan, among others.
www.gregmahan.com
Pike 27
Excellent, heartfelt and occasionally rowdy Roots Rock featuring players with history in both Rock and Bluegrass. The band is currently finishing up its debut album, due out later this year.
w3.one.net/~newport/pike27.htm
Wolverton Brothers
A classic Cincinnati band on the far, warped side of Roots music, the band mixes a Fall/Bad Seeds/Pere Ubu sensibility with surf and spy-theme music and the scarier side of Appalachia.
members.aol.com/wolvertons/home/index.html
The Warsaw Falcons
Led by local hero David Rhodes Brown, the Falcons' mix of Blues, Rockabilly and Rock recently caught the attention of Virgin Records imprint Pointblank Records.
Jake Speed and the Freddies
You may have seen Speed busking around town with just his guitar and a collection of traditional Folk and Blues songs. He also performs regularly with The Freddies (Caleb Bennett on upright bass, Cedric Rose on drums and Brad Schnittger on slide guitar).
The Graveblankets
Led by drummer/guitarist/singer/songwriter/king-of-the-hyphen Chris Arduser (ex-psychodots/Raisins), The 'Blankets play melodic Folk Rock with a Pop base. Their latest album is the superb Where It Hurts, and the group is working on a new album, planned for a spring 2002 release.
www.graveblankets.com
David Wolfenberger
After founding two eclectic Folk acts, Marshwiggles and Thom Scarecrow, Wolfenberger moved on with the mature, melodic Folk Pop of his first solo album, Tales from Thom Scarecrow. Wolfenberger's outstanding songwriting caught the attention of Folk heroes Victoria Williams and Mark Olson, who asked Dave to do some shows with them after seeing a Blue Jordan Music Festival appearance. Wolfenberger has recently spent a lot of time playing in Europe.
www.bluejordan.com/david
Ed Cunningham and the New Radio Cowboys
Cunningham is a longtime Bluegrass vet who has performed with numerous local musicians and his own bands, Prospect Hill and Ohio Valley Rounders. His current group, New Radio Cowboys, is a pure Country and Western Swing act whose debut album is due out this summer on B-Sides Records.
www.bluegrassed.com (coming soon)
The Mud Pies
Part Mountain, part Neil Young, these relative newcomers put on a great show, spotlighted by great playing and a stellar version of Emmylou Harris' haunting, Young-penned neo-classic, "Wrecking Ball."
The Stapletons
The crown princes of the local Roots scene, the Stapleton brothers play catchy but soulful Rock with a healthy nod to artists like Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers. They're currently working on their debut full-length, following up last year's Electric Record EP.
www.1freespace.com/music/stapletons/staplehome.htm
Len's Lounge
With a revolving lineup featuring many local greats, Len's Lounge's "countryfolkrock" is driven by Jeff Roberson well-crafted songs. Their latest release is Road Dog and More Train Songs.
www.lenslounge.com
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Greg Mahan
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Crow Medicine Show
Led by singer Ma Crow, this is the band that splintered off of the demise of Ma Crow and the Flock (Dave Gilligan now leads The Flock). A great, eclectic mix of Bluegrass, Folk, Country and much more.
Monkey Biscuit
The Biscuit are a straight-up, no B.S. Rock & Roll band with a touch of Country influence and a heart of gold. They're currently working on the follow-up to their 1996 release, Zoom.
www.monkeybiscuit.com
Star Devils
Priding themselves on playing authentic, pure Honky Tonk, Rockabilly and Country, these local newcomers have began making their mark on the local Roots music scene with regular shows at the Southgate House, as well as high-profile opening gigs with bands like Squirrel Nut Zippers and Hank Williams III.
The Ass Ponys
The Ass Ponys have long been loved in and out of the Cincinnati area for their amazing songs and organic, off-beat musical approach. Their latest album is Lohio, recently released on Checkered Past Records.
www.assponys.org
Lohio
Catchy, layered Roots Pop, these guys were known as Tess before they decided to re-embrace their rootsier tendencies. And, yes, they know that's the name of the Ass Ponys' new record (they laid claim to it first and "loaned it out").
www.lohio.com
