Hard-edge Americana… NEO style
Old Time music is the rage of late. Thank you, U.K. import Mumford & Sons.
Locally, the Crooked River Blues Band is also taking a stab at the genre, channeling its influences — bits of yesterday, hints of today — into a Northeast Ohio soundtrack.
“I’d say we’re kind of like an eclectic Americana… a harder edge Americana,” said Twinsburg resident and drummer Anthony Campo, a 1985 Maple Heights High School graduate. “It’s really hard to classify it. They consider it a play on old-time music but with a lot of flair. What keeps us together is just a lot of different influences in the band. We’ve got me coming from a hard rock-heavy metal background, others from punk and even jazz. It’s kind of a weird mix.”
These are exciting times for the Crooked River Blues Band, which formed less than two years ago. The band — consisting of Myles McDonald (vocals, guitar), Myles Murray (vocals, fiddle), David Nosse (vocals, bass), Klaus Newmann (vocals, keys), Eric Radcliffe (vocals, banjo) and Anthony Campo (drums) — plans on releasing a full-length debut this fall. Among the songs in the mix are the up-tempo “Texas Star” and the driving “Ride This Train.” As for any connection to the aforementioned Mumford & Sons, Campo said the sextet falls more in the shadow of Drive-By Truckers, switching between a folky and rocking mindset.
Aside from working on its debut, the band has been gigging quite a lot, including a recent opening slot for the Charlie Daniels Band at the Ottawa Fairgrounds, as well as local dates supporting Austin, Texas-based band Uncle Lucius and Louisiana-based groups Hurray for the Riff Raff and Tumbleweeds. Currently there’s talk of a mini-tour down south for November.
Not surprisingly, Campo said there’s a direct correlation between the outfit playing out and the increased degree of interest in the group.
“The momentum just started happening in the last couple of months,” Campo said. “I just think we’re really gelling right now, things are really coming together and the live shows are really coming across good. I think what’s great about the music is that it appeals to a wide range of audiences. It’s not metal music, country music, folk music. It’s a little bit of it all combined. It’s really been turning on lately, getting a lot of feedback and opening for some really good bands.”
You can see the Crooked River Blues Band in action Thu 9/1 @ the Grog Shop.
“There’s not anything like it in Cleveland going on right now at this level,” Campo said. “It’s just the level of talent in the band. Everyone is really good at their instruments. I think it’s really going to make its mark.”
Life appears to be good for Campo, whose day job is that of a hairdresser.
“Between that and the music, it’s a good way to meet the girls,” Campo laughed. “It’s worked out good but I got married a few years back. So my player card has been removed from my wallet.”
The Crooked River Blues Band plays at 8PM on Thu 9/1 @ the Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights. Also on the bill are Johnny & The Apple Stompers, Lo-Watt Radio and River City Trouble. Tickets are $5. Call 216-321-5588.
[Photos by Ken Clunk]
Freelance writer John Benson spends most of his time writing for various papers throughout Northeast Ohio.
When he’s not writing about music or entertainment, he can be found coaching his two boys in basketball, football and baseball or watching movies with his lovely wife, Maria. John also occasionally writes for CoolCleveland.com.