A combination of bluegrass, country, and Americana Roots music, with a splash of Celtic and Creole for good measure.

13 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Modern Folk, COUNTRY: Bluegrass



Details:
Thereâs a new and exciting form of music taking hold on the American roots music scene, and itâs music that the Indianapolis-based band THE SPUD PUPPIES play with precision. Call it ânewgrassâ or âjamgrassâ. Call it âdawgâ music, a term coined by mandolinist David âDawgâ Grisman. Itâs a unique blend of bluegrass, country blues, and rock ânâ roll with a twist of gypsy jazz for good measure, played on traditional string instruments. The result is a high-energy, refreshing approach to acoustic music.
Since early 2001 this band of music veterans has entertained audiences with their vibrant live performances which feature solid three-part hamonies, virtuoso pickinâ, and a rhythm section that not only kicks, but just wonât quit. THE SPUD PUPPIES move fluidly from smokinâ original tunes to tasty covers in seamless sets punctuated by blistering solos and intricate improvisation, creating a musical experience that transcends, yet honors, both time and tradition. From Bill Monroe, Stephen Foster, and other traditional American and Celtic folk music, to the adventuresome music of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles, THE SPUD PUPPIES interpret and execute fresh interpretations with a flair and style all their own. The band can even throw down a funk-grass groove to an Otis Redding classic without so much as batting an eye.
The stellar lineup of musicians begins with Greg Ziesemer on lead vocals and acoustic guitar. Greg has a long history in the Indiana music scene, founding various musical endeavors since 1988. Gregâs projects include Earthbones and Jam Sammich, as well as performances with steel guitar ace Buddy Cage. Gregâs longtime musical partner, Dave Bigley plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals. What truly creates the bluegrass sound of the THE SPUD PUPPIES is the talents of two of central Indianaâs finest pickers, Boyd Thaxton on mandolin and tenor vocals, and Kevin Donnelly (a.k.a. Delmar Lincoln) on banjo. These two veterans of the bluegrass scene have played together in a seemingly endless list of bluegrass and traditional acoustic bands, and their soloing is evidence of their undeniable proficiency on their instruments. Thaxton and Donnelly take the band and its music to new and unexpected heights. While traditional bluegrass music never incorporated drums and percussion, the duo of Gary Rakow on drums and Tim Williams on percussion drive the band in a way that makes one wonder how bluegrass ever lived without them. Gary Wasson rounds out the sound on acoustic bass, with a foundation thatâs rock solid and a voice that will melt your heart. The crown jewel of THE SPUD PUPPIESâ unique sound is the textural undercurrent and melodic soloing of Garry Bole on accordion, dobro, and mandolin.
The sound is unmistakable, the energy unbelievable. No matter what your musical taste, itâs impossible not to be moved by THE SPUD PUPPIESâ show. One taste will leave you yearning for more.
THE SPUD PUPPIES are the recipients of the Criticâs Choice Award for Best Folk/ Bluegrass Band in Indianapolis Monthly Magazineâs 2003 Best of Indy Awards, and their new CD âOff the Leashâ was just released in December 2005. The Spud Puppies first CD, âPick of the Litterâ was released in March 2004 to critical acclaim. âThe Pupsâ are also featured on the 2002 CD release, âBaptism of Fireâ by Greg Ziesemer, on Indie 500 Records. Their music can also be heard on the âFields of Bluegrassâ and âCity of Musicâ syndicated radio shows.