The Aquila Band
The Aquila Band The Aquila Band materialized in early 2008 after Jami Lynn, then a sophomore at the University of South Dakota caught the ear of three members of Sioux Falls folk rock band Snakebeard Jackson. Within a month, Jami Lynn and the Aquila Band, comprised of Jami Lynn on lead vocals and guitar, Sean McFarland on mandolin and backup vocals, Josh Rieck on the upright bass, and Matt McFarland on drums, had formed and decided to record as soon as possible. In early July, the band headed to Two Fish Studios in Mankato,MN. With the help of co-producer and sound engineer, Wes Schuck, the next week eventually produced “Dreamer,” a full-length album to be released on July 25th of 2008. The band’s bluesy jam “Dreamer” showcases the eclectic sound derived from the unique style of each member. Jami Lynn’s soulful vocals are complimented by Sean’s McFarland’s tight harmonies and rhythm mandolin, while Rieck and Matt McFarland add depth and shape with instinctive off beats and slides. In its short time together, the band has played at annual Sturgis Biker Rally in the Black Hills, the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, the Newton Hills Hoedown and headlined at the Sioux River Folk Fest near Sioux Falls, SD. On the stage or in the practice room, the band’s main focus is to maintain their traditional music roots while stretching vocal and instrumental boundaries and maintaining originality. In the July/August issue of South Dakota magazine, staff writer John Andrews wrote "Listeners can hear the old time country influence in Dreamer, the first album from Jami Lynn and the Aquila Band. Its nine songs feature hints of country, blues, bluegrass and jazz. The haunting “Lost Lady” is contrasted by the upbeat “Oh Moon,” a song you might expect to hear on the Grand Ole Opry." The band has since slimmed to a trio and anticipates releasing its second album as "The Aquila Band" in spring of 2010.