 |
| |
Background
Originally formed as an acoustic duo "Strange Folk" in 1991, Strangefolk (now one word)
added bass and drums within a year and took to playing the bars in and around the vibrant
musical community of Burlington, Vermont. The band rounded out its sound further in 2000
by adding keyboards to the lineup. Strangefolk has since built a national following based
on the impressive sales from four studio CD releases (Lore, Weightless in Water, A Great Long While,
and Open Road), and one live release (Coast to Coast), a rigorous touring schedule, and an annual
festival that attracts thousands which the band has funded, promoted, and hosted for seven straight
years called Strangefolk's Garden of Eden.
After over a decade the band shows no sign of slowing down. In 2002 the band hit the road performing
120 shows through 32 states. Strangefolk closed out 2002 supporting Gregg Allman & Friends on a tour that
took them from Florida to Michigan. Early 2003 finds the band on a headlining tour through the West, Southwest,
Pacific Northwest, and Rocky Mountains. More national touring, a release of a DVD, a release of another "live" CD,
and entering the studio again are also planned for 2003.
The Music
At the heart of Strangefolk's songwriting is a seamless blend of narrative lyrical content and inventive melody.
Rock, folk, blues, and bluegrass influences converge to create an instantly recognizable sound, which keeps Strangefolk's
listeners moving from start to finish. When punctuated with Strangefolk's trademark three-part harmonies and soaring lead guitars,
the band's unique songwriting ability develops a natural avenue for the band to extend themselves in a live setting. The result is one
of the more gratifying live music experiences around. Their latest project, Coast to Coast (2002) showcases the band's depth, variety, and
continued growth as songwriters and musicians.
|
jon@strangefolk.com
|
Jon Trafton - Guitar, Vocals
Articulating the "strange" aspect of Strangefolk, Trafton has developed a
highly original and captivating lead guitar style. Jon's playing is both
thoughtful and emotionally charged, shifting easily from tasteful
accompanying licks during verses to screaming impact when a solo peaks.
Jon's songwriting contributions feature an intriguing blend of pop, rock and
country elements.
|
|
patchen@strangefolk.com
|
Luke Patchen Montgomery - Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Vocals
With influences like Stephen Stills, Michael Hedges, Cat Stevens and The
Beatles, it's no wonder that Luke possesses such a powerful, yet tasteful
vocal style along with some blazing guitar chops. Luke incorporates open
tunings and flat-picking into his playing style and injects incredible energy
and emotion into the band's improvisational jams.
|
|
erik@strangefolk.com
|
Erik Glockler - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Glockler's style of bass playing is both grounding and melodic. Erik locks
down the groove of each song with force, and when the time comes to stretch
out live, he improvises melodies up and down the frets to weave a complex
tapestry that complements Trafton, Montgomery and Scott. Glockler has penned
many Strangefolk tunes and sings with a raw and textured voice, which lends
an edge to the Strangefolk sound.
|
|
russ@strangefolk.com
|
Russ Lawton - Drums
Russ grew up in the Boston area where he began drumming professionally, and studying with Gene
Roma from the Newton Percussion Academy. Early in his career, Russ played in the band Zzebra formed
by Nigerian born Lofty Amao from the London based group Osibisa. Lofty's afro-fusion group Zzebra based
in Burlington Vermont toured the East Coast for several years before moving to LA. In recent years, Russ
has been touring with Trey Anastasio of Phish and the Gordon Stone Band. Russ also keeps busy as a studio drummer
and has played on the independent movies Mud Season, Mike Gordon's Outside Out, and the LA movie Left Hand Path.
|
|
don@strangefolk.com
|
Don Scott - Keyboards
Don utilizes styles ranging from jazz and rock to bluegrass and honky-tonk to
create blistering solos, rich textures and funky rhythms. Preferring to
stand while he plays, Don's passion and energy create a dynamic performance
experience. He plays with a feel and passion that compliments other
instruments in a way uniquely his own. Swirling keys and rolling Hammond
organ combine to lay down a groove or bring songs to an explosive climax.
His influences draw from artists like Bruce Hornsby, Oscar Peterson, Brent
Mydland, Herbie Hancock and Ray Manzarek, to name a few.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
