Echoes influences ranging from the Byrds and Bob Dylan to Brill Building pop and classic British pub rock.

10 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, ROCK: Americana

Show all album songs: Mississippi Sessions Songs


Details:
For fans of the real thing, the wait is over. The X-Angels are back.

After several years of limited activity, Portlandâs premier purveyors of roots-rock soul return with a new CD and renewed commitment to live performance.

To the bandâs devoted followers, this is good news indeed. For the uninitiated, itâs the chance to experience one of the Northwestâs best rock nâ roll bands.

When they arrived on the Portland scene in the early 1990âs, the Angels (then known as the Cowboy Angels) immediately moved to the front ranks of the roots-rock/alt country movement that was taking hold in the city.

Leader and chief songwriter Tom McGriff had just fled the LA rat race; the debut CD, appropriately titled âEscape from LAâ, caught the attention of both critics and fans, who praised the bandâs smart songwriting, passionate performances and superior musicianship.

The Angels also built a reputation as one of the best live acts in the region, with a sound that echoed influences ranging from the Byrds and Bob Dylan to Brill Building pop and classic British pub-rock.

Over the next few years, the band released three more critically acclaimed Cds: âX-Blondeâ (1996), âDivine Riverâ (1999), and âFour Bridgesâ (2001); they also played hundreds of live shows and built a devoted fan base.

The record, titled âMississippi Sessionsâ, features 10 new songs by Tom McGriff. It also marks the reunion of the original X-Angels line-up of McGriff on rhythm guitar and vocals, Steve James Wright on various guitars, mandolin, etc., bassist Rich Gooch, and drummer Tom Royer; the band is also joined by Dave Fleshner on Hammond B-3.