4-21-2013 – As we watch the events in Boston unfold from this last week, we are thinking about our friends in the Boston area and the great time we had at Great Scott in Allston. Stay strong Boston. Here’s a free download of the show from April 6. We’ll see you again in the fall.
Download the song for FREE here
Our good friend and long-time manager Ethan Bessey’s beautiful 6 month old son, Ezra, was recently diagnosed with Type I Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a fatal genetic disorder with a life expectancy of somewhere between 1 and 3 years. Currently SMA has no cure, so the Bessey’s are facing the difficult challenge of making little Ezra as comfortable as possible as the disease progresses.
Ethan’s wife Emily has been courageously writing about their journey in a blog at EzraDavid.wordpress.com. We recommend reading through the blog to learn their story. It will break your heart and make you hold your loved ones closer.
We are releasing a new song to raise money for the FSMA organization that has given the Besseys (and many other families) steadfast support in the face of this terrible disease. In addition to supporting families, FSMA also funds research for finding a cure for SMA.
We hope you’ll also join us in making a donation (of any amount) to FSMA in Ezra Bessey’s honor and we hope you’ll share this post with your friends. In exchange for a donation of any amount you will recieve a download of our recent end of the year single, “One More Trip,” a song that takes a look back on a hard year to find solace in memories and in love.
Please keep Ethan, Emily, Daisy, and Ezra Bessey in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season, and cherish your time with those you love.
– The Band of Heathens
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two. SMA is an inherited and often fatal disease that destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement, which affects crawling, walking, head and neck control, and even swallowing. Two new-born children are affected each day in the United States, approximately 1 in 6,000 live births. One in every 40 people carries the gene that causes SMA, which means there are more than seven million carriers in the United States alone. Currently there is no treatment or cure.
Families of SMA is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1984 with the mission to find a treatment and cure for SMA. FSMA is made up of more than 85,000 members and supporters and has funded more than $53 Million in leading research programs since its inception.
Click here to learn more about Families of SMA and their programs.
Click here to go to the page to donate and download “One More Trip”
The Double Down: Live in Denver Vols. 1 & 2 (BOH)
With these two CD/DVD sets, each available separately, the total number of Band of Heathens live collections reaches four. It’s become obvious that Colin Brooks, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist, and company are most comfortable recording from the stage. Cervantes’ Other Side in Denver fits that bill here for two nights, the local crew boiling down six hours of music into two discs, each just over an hour long. Both overflow with the sextet’s sharply composed Americana, a sound borrowing liberally from Little Feat and the Grateful Dead with a side order of loose-limbed Texas funk. Check the guitar interplay on “Somebody Tell the Truth,” and try not to move to the boom-shaka of “Gravity.” If you had to choose just one,Volume 2 boasts a longer set list that includes favorites like dirty groover “Medicine Man” and the gospel swing of “Shine a Light.”
Greetings from the back of the Honky (our van). We’re a little more than half way into our first summer swing through the mountains, the west coast, the midwest and the south. That’s some nice routing… At the moment we’re on our way to Des Moines for a show tonight at People’s. I think we’ll be stopping in at KFMG in a little while for a performance that should air at http://www.kfmg991.org sometime just after 5pm Central Time Today.
This is our first tour with the new rhythm section, Ryan Bowman and Richard Millsap. They’re both sounding great, already adding their own sonic funky flavor to the mix, and we’re having a great time with it. Thanks to everyone for making them feel so welcome at the shows.
We just posted some choice pics to facebook from the past week too. Check them out at www.facebook.com/thebandofheathens
Some highlights off stage have been the beauty of the Joshua Tree Desert, the Wasatch mountains, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park (and Old Faithful), a couple of pet alpacas living at a gas station (they look like mini llamas), and a fight between two restaurant owners in Park City we got to watch while we drank coffee, which ended with, “Get off my property you silver spooned asshole!” and the appropriate and expected response, “My lawyer’s gonna eat you for lunch!” Classic.
Musically we’ve been jamming to some Warren Zevon, Father John Misty, Dr. John, Michael Kiwanuka, Blitzen Trapper, Ry Cooder, and John Coltrane. Dig in if you’re looking for some good tunes.
Last night we had a night off in Minneapolis, MN and I got to spend some time with my grandma and lots of other family I don’t get to see often enough. The rest of the guys split up and half of them went to go see The Dark Knight Rises and the other half went to Bunkers to check out the funky sounds of Dr. Mambo’s Combo. Needless to say, we all had a great night off.
Starting tonight, for the next 5 days in a row we’ve got shows in Des Moines, IA; Bloomington, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Nashville, TN; and Little Rock, AR.
If you can’t make it to a show, we are recording all of the shows, and we’ll be posting the recordings online soon. We’ve run into a few complications with our current CHNL platform (at http://bandofheathens.chnl.pro/) so some of the recent shows haven’t been posted, but the man behind the curtain is working on fixing the issues for us soon. Thanks for your patience!
Anyway, that’s all we’ve got for now. Gotta write a set list for tonight. Any song suggestions?
Hope to see you soon.
Gordy
A few weeks ago we shared with you that we were recording all of our live shows and, through the miracles of technology, making them available for sale at the end of each show on USB drives. TBoH Bootlegs has been a great success and the feedback we’ve received has been really positive. We’ve had lots of requests to make the recordings available to folks who weren’t at the shows, so we’re pleased to announce a site for all of the TBoH Bootlegs live show downloads.
The Band of Heathens CHNL (pronounced Channel) has individual live shows available for download or streaming. Check out the setlists from different nights, browse the cover art, and dig in! Were you at the Kansas City show and wished you had a copy of the recording from that night? Want to hear the debut of “One More Song” from the Little Rock show? It’s all there. (Most shows are available, and should be available going forward within 1-2 days of the show, but occasionally a recording is unavailable due to technical problems.)
Additionally, you can subscribe to the Live Show Downloads Subscription for a monthly fee and get ALL of the shows plus photos and videos from each night (included on the USBs offered at the live shows). With the subscription, you’ll get download and streaming access to every show as soon as it’s uploaded and available. Download as many as you want and as often as you like, all for one monthly price.
Finally, for all of you audiophiles out there, we are starting to make lossless versions of some of the shows available through LiveDownloads.com
(http://www.livedownloads.com/searchRes.aspx?searchStr=band+of+heathens&x=3&y=5)
Ladies and Gentlemen, at long last “The Double Down: Live in Denver, Vols 1& 2″ are here. This two volume, four disc set (each volume has a CD and DVD) was captured in October 2011 in Denver, CO during the Double Down in Denver weekend.
We can’t wait for you to hear and see it. Each volume is available to order separately, but if you get the discounted Double Pack (both volumes together) you also get a FREE instant digital download of both the Double Down Dead EP (4 Grateful Dead Cover songs) and the Double Down Covers EP (5 classic BoH cover songs). See below for the full track listings, as well as the covers on both EPs and the bonus material included on the DVDs.
| The Double Down: Live in Denver, Vol 1 | |
| TRACK LISTING (DVD & CD): You’re Gonna Miss Me Golden Calf Say Somebody Tell The Truth Let Your Heart Not Be Troubled LA County Blues Enough What’s This World Right Here with Me Nothing to See Here Should Have Known VOLUME 1 BONUS MATERIAL (DVD ONLY): Wilson & Otis Hey Rider |
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| The Double Down: Live in Denver, Vol 2 | |
| TRACK LISTING (DVD & CD): Medicine Man Talking Out Loud Jackson Station Judas ‘Scariot Blues The Other Broadway Nine Steps Down Second Line Polaroid Gris Gris Satchel Shine a Light Free Again Gravity I Ain’t Running VOLUME 2 BONUS MATERIAL (DVD ONLY): Behind the Scenes Featurette Footage from the Double Down Weekend |
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Order Double Pack $30Order Super Bundle- $60
If you purchase BOTH Volumes together, you will save money AND get a FREE instant audio download of two live BONUS EP’s from the Double Down weekend (Included only with the purchase of the DOUBLE PACK or the SUPER BUNDLE)
The Double Down Covers EP* (Audio Only)
TRACK LISTING:
Hurricane
Handbags and Gladrags
Look at Miss Ohio
Millionaire
I Got You (At the End of the Century)
AND
The Double Down Dead EP* (Audio Only)
TRACK LISTING:
Mississippi Half-Step Toodeloo
Ramble On Rose
Mister Charlie
Brokedown Palace
*Get these two digital EP’s only with the purchase of both volumes of the Double Down DVD/CD set.
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We’re pleased to share that Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster’s Son was included in the Americana Top Ten Albums of 2011 list. This marks the 3rd album in a row by tBoH to end up in the year end top 10 list.
Many thanks to all of the fans and the Americana DJ’s who continue to support the band and their music. We look forward to getting the band back on the road in 2012!
11.28.11
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Thanks to everyone who came out for our two Thanksgiving shows this past weekend. With your help we were able to raise over $1000 to feed the hungry and assist our friends at http://www.feedthemwithmusic.com/ We have much to be thankful for and look forward to closing out 2011 with a European tour and a few more shows in the end The final shows of 2011 have special significance as one of our founding members, Colin Brooks has decided to leave the band to explore other interests. Colin has been an integral part of The Band of Heathens family from the beginning, and his musicianship, songwriting and presence will be missed. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these final shows with Colin and we look forward to seeing your smiling faces in 2012 as we head out on the gilded road again. Thanks for making it all possible -tBoH |
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DOUBLE DOWN IN DENVER – THIS WEEKEND Jubba Jubba, wolly bolly everyone, we just wanted to tell you a little bit about what’s going on this weekend. Down in The Heathen den, we have cooked up a little experiment, albeit a modest one, in which we shall commune for 2 nights of music and happenings in one of our favorite places to play, Denver, CO. If you’re from Denver, you already know why it’s a great music town, if you haven’t experienced it, now is a perfect time. This is our first attempt at staging something larger than a one night stand sort of show, (we just wanted to prove that we do value deeper, lasting relationships). We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have found a tribe of like minds, music lovers and wanderers to share the trip with. We hope this is a chance to gather and be a part of the community, where we’re able to all get on the same page for a little while. It’s going to be 2 nights of music and fun, each night will be a completely different performance. We’re going to do some covers, some acoustic music, sprinkle in some rock and roll and generally try out some different things. Both nights will be filmed and recorded for a future live CD/DVD release, so come be a part of Heathen history. With any luck, we will all ride a sonic wave to glory while we wait for the deal to go down. You can purchase tickets to each show individually, get both shows together as a package deal, OR you can purchase the Double Down in Denver Weekend which includes two nights of hotels, a pair of tickets to both shows, and more. Click here for more details, or visit www.bandofheathens.com/doubledown Setlist Winner: Andy Zipper We got a boatload of very well thought out set lists in response to our asking you, the fans, to submit your ideas for the ultimate The Band of Heathens set. But the one that took the prize came from Andy Zipper. Contrats to Andy who will receive a pair of backstage passes to the shows for him and a guest. Check out Andy’s set on our Twitter feed here http://twitter.com/#!/BandofHeathens and VOTE on whether the band should play this on Friday or Saturday on our Facebook Page.
NEW SHIRTS IN THE WEB STORE We’ve got some new shirts up in the online store and more to come in the next few weeks. And don’t forget, Visit the store at www.bandofheathens.com/store
For a full listing of upcoming shows, tickets, and showtimes, click here As always, thanks for listening, Team tBoH |
Saddled Up for Serious Strumming
Michael Nagle for The New York Times
By NATE CHINEN
Published: August 4, 2011
The air was getting thick downstairs at Union Hall in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, and the members of the Band of Heathens were making themselves at home. Ed Jurdi, seated at a keyboard, was belting a Southern soul number called “The Other Broadway,” in his high, tremulous rasp. Colin Brooks, at the other end of the stage, attacked his electric guitar, uncoiling blues licks in a coarsened tone. Between them was Gordy Quist, blithely strumming a rhythm-guitar riff. The band played the song and then extended it, pushing an ecstatic four-bar vamp, louder and wilder with each turnaround but without ceding any control.
The six-piece Band of Heathens comes from Austin, Tex., one of the handful of American cities where a craft-minded rock group can be flush with success, and even the stirrings of celebrity, without making a splash nationwide. That last bit is a work in progress. The band has been touring doggedly in support of “Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster’s Son,” which was released on its own BOH label in the spring, earning a midlevel perch on the Americana radio chart.
Produced by George Reiff, “Top Hat Crown” is a varied showcase, with songs by all three of the group’s front men, skirting Southern rock (“Should Have Known”), swamp blues (“Medicine Man”) and euphoric hippie jams (“Gravity”). But if the Band of Heathens is going to expand its fan base, the album can only be secondary to tour dates, and shows like the one at Union Hall: hungry, unflagging and lean. Fittingly, for a group that coalesced around a weekly singer-songwriter showcase, the live show is the bottom line.
There were some moments in this show — covers of “I’ve Got a Feeling,” by the Beatles, and “Look at Miss Ohio,” by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings — that called to mind the gnash and grit of an excellent bar band. Which may sound like faint praise, though it shouldn’t. At its best, the Band of Heathens makes the material seem almost irrelevant, which is good, since its songwriting can occasionally feel gestural and glib. (Now that’s faint praise.)
One exception in the show was Mr. Quist’s “Polaroid,” from the new album. Its sunshine-pop chord progression and honeyed vocal harmonies were reminiscent of the Jayhawks, another countrified rock band with more than one songwriter in the saddle. Just as appealing, in more of a vintage Neil Young vein, was “L.A. County Blues,” an older band staple with Mr. Jurdi singing lead.
Whatever the song, the band — with Seth Whitney on bass, John Chipman on drums and Trevor Nealon on Hammond B-3 organ — hummed with purpose, loose in actions but tight in rapport. And the contrast among the three lead singers was rewarding, especially on a newer song, “Gris Gris Satchel,” that had them taking turns in the verses.
That was the song before the closer, “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” a sprawling blast of country-rock with a simple refrain. “You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone,” it went, in yelping group harmony: not a bad mantra for a band on the road.
The Band of Heathens appears on Friday at the Iron Horse in Northampton, Mass., and on Saturday at the Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, Pa.; bandofheathens.com.
We’re pleased to announce that the Band of Heathens have been added to the 2011 lineup for Bonnaroo. Celebrating its 10th year, Bonnaroo is one of the world’s top festivals featuring some of the biggest names in music today. This year is no different, with Mumford & Sons, Ray Lamontagne, Buffalo Springfield, Arcade Fire and many other artists all scheduled to appear.
The Band of Heathens will play one of the Cafe Stages on Friday June 10, time TBD.
Tickets and info can be found at www.bonnaroo.com
3/29/11 – The Band of Heathen’s new album “Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster’s Son” officially hits the streets today at outlets nationwide. The band’s fifth album in as many years is being called their best yet and is currently making its way up both the Americana and TripleA radio charts.
The band kicks off a west coast tour starting tonight in Denver, CO then Park City, UT and throughout the western US. A complete tour schedule can be found on the tour page.
Read a note from Ed on the release of the new record on the blog page
Stream and purchase the record and get bonus tracks by visiting http://www.bandofheathens.com/release/top-hat-crown-the-clapmasters-son/
The Band of Heathens have announced their new record, “Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster’s Son” is set to release 3.29.11. Stay tuned for more information coming soon, including pre-orders and tour dates.
2/11/11– That’s right Heathens Fans. Live at Momo’s 5 Years Later. Horns and Special Guests. Download the whole damn set for FREE.
We love you, thanks for 5 years, now let’s make it 5 more!
12/15/10 – Nashville, TN — The Americana Music Association has announced its year end Top 100 Albums of the Year. The Americana Airplay Chart is managed by the Americana Music Association and represents the reported play of terrestrial radio stations, nationally syndicated shows, satellite radio and Internet stations which have agreed to submit weekly spin counts on Americana albums they’ve played during the previous week.
The Band of Heathens “One Foot In The Ether” came in at #7! Many thanks to the AMA community and the many radio stations who have supported the Heathens!
http://americanamusic.org/index.htm?inc=5&news_id=19164
10/11/2010 — With Sunday’s news of the passing of the great soul singer Solomon Burke, we’d like to give you a free download of the song “Millionaire”. Our friend the incredible songwriter Kevin Welch wrote the song and Solomon Burke recorded a version of it in 2006 on an album titled “Nashville”. Solomon Burke’s version inspired us to take a shot at recording it. 10/10/10 R.I.P. King Solomon
Click HERE to explore Solomon Burke’s music.
Check out Kevin Welch’s music HERE. He has a new record out called “A Patch of Blue Sky”.
