Once in a while a band will come along whose members seem made for
each other, exhibiting a natural chemistry and musical kinship that
brings out the best in each individual. Unofficially created around a
campfire at Horning's Hideout in 2004, Honkytonk Homeslice is an
amalgamation of complementary musical styles, offering a fresh,
homegrown sound characterized by exquisite musicianship, nuanced
melodies, and evocative harmonies. Conveying a breadth of emotion and
individual personality that renders the music familiar and accessible,
the band has quickly cultivated a deep musical bond, growing at a
startling pace while nurturing a friendly, intimate musical
environment that welcomes crowds—and often other musicians—into their
musical "living room."
Fans of Colorado's (now former) String Cheese Incident will instantly
recognize Billy Nershi, who co-founded Honkytonk Homeslice with his
wife, Jilian. Originally started as a part-time band, Honkytonk
Homeslice soon proved to be an outlet in which both gifted artists
could thrive naturally. Since adding longtime friend and hero Scott
Law to the mix in 2005, the band has coalesced into a musical force in
its own right, showcasing equal songwriting and vocal contributions
from each member. The dazzling musical interactions—revolving through
various formations—between Scott (acoustic and electric guitars,
mandolin) and Billy (acoustic guitar, dobro, lap steel, bass), will
instantly pull you into the musical fold, while Jilian's vocals fill
the heart of each song with warmth, color, and character. And always
ringing around the edges of the music are the overtones and harmonies,
adding an almost ethereal presence to the performances and turning
each room into a living sonic landscape.
Yet what is most striking is their collective ability to adapt to any
given situation. The size of the band and the open-ended, spontaneous
musical environment they have cultivated allow them the freedom to
"play to the room," no matter what size, and they are a favorite "band
at large" in the festival circuit. Whether making guest appearances or
collaborating with like-minded musicians in their infamous "joint
sets," Honkytonk Homeslice has always thrived on synergy, accumulating
an impressive history of epic jams with an array of talented bands and
musicians, including the Del McCoury Band, Railroad Earth, Hot
Buttered Rum, Assembly of Dust, ALO and New Monsoon.
A recent trip to Costa Rica best exemplifies this spirit of
collaboration. Some of their best performances to date, the Costa Rica
shows brought together a number of fans and musicians in a safe,
beautiful, and revelatory environment. As always, the band brought a
few friends along for the musical feast, including Drew Emmitt, Sharon
Gilchrist, Railroad Earth's Tim Carbone, Erik Yates of Hot Buttered
Rum, and a few local musicians, creating a lasting connection across
international lines and dissolving the barriers between musician,
spectator, and the natural, tropical surroundings.
If the trip proved anything, it's that this journey is only beginning.
The heady international adventures will continue in November, when the
trio, accompanied by SCI's Jason Hann, and Tyler Grant of the Emmitt
Nershi Band (both also Costa Rica alums), venture to Europe for a
handful of shows, beginning with a much anticipated appearance as the
house band (and honorary VIP judges) at High Times' 20th annual
Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In the meantime, members can
be found on the winding rivers near Yarmony Creek, jamming in their
studio in the shadow of the Sleeping Giant, or playing in the
legendary knee-deep Steamboat Springs powder as winter rolls around.
Rest assured, wherever they are, they'll be sure to bring their
instruments…
See you on the road!
The self titled studio debut from Honkytonk Homeslice delivers 13
songs of down-home Americana music and is available now in stores and
online. Music can also be downloaded at
http://www.honkytonkhomeslice.com/music/ and
htp://www.myspace.com/honkytonkhomeslice
