The Corduroy Road: New EP/LP

THE CORDUROY ROAD IN JOHN KEANE’S STUDIOS IN ATHENS, GA
TWO NEW CDS TO BE RELEASED ON MULE TRAIN RECORDS

The Corduroy Road

Up and coming alt-Americana quartet, The Corduroy Road, is currently putting the finishing touches on two new releases in John Keane Studios in Athens, GA. Keane, renowned for his work with R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Uncle Tupelo, BR549, The B-52’s and more, recorded and produced the 16 tracks that will appear on the Just One Drop EP and the full-length Love Is a War to be released on the upstart Athens-based label, Mule Train Records, in April and June respectively.

Since its inception, The Corduroy Road has molded roots in Americana, folk rock, and old-time country with the rawest of live performances. The group was founded by Drew Carman (vocals, banjo) and Dylan Solise (guitar, vocals) in early 2006. The two were born and raised in the Central Kentucky Bluegrass Region where they learned their craft until relocating to the musical gem of the southeast: Athens, GA. With the addition of John Cable on drums and Tim Helms on bass, The Corduroy Road quickly gained a reputation in Athens as one of the best bands on the scene after sharing the stage with such notable bands as The Avett Brothers, Paleface, Ian Thomas, Langhorne Slim, Drakkar Sauna and more.

The new releases find The Corduroy Road taking a new direction; the two songwriters have found that it is more rewarding to not always try to answer questions in your heart, but learn to love the questions themselves, addressing the issues of relationships, life, death, love or loss, with the hope of evoking some sort of emotion in the listener. Carman comments, “In the past we have relied upon stripped down rawness and energy to guide our recordings. Now, with the brilliance of John Keane and resources of Mule Train Records, we have harnessed that energy, focusing on the arrangements and composition of each song, bringing our music to a whole new level.”

In addition to producing, Keane also contributes pedal steel guitar, dobro, mandolin, guitar and vocals to the recordings. Other guest players include Bill Mallonee (Vigilantes of Love) on vocals and harmonica; Tim White (Widespread Panic, Randall Bramblett) on organ; Andy Carlson (Cowboy Junkies, Vigilantes of Love, Vic Chestnut) on fiddle; and Rachel O’Neal on vocals. Keane adds, “The Corduroy Road combines soaring melodies and honest, thoughtful lyrics with primal acoustic energy. Their songwriting shows surprising range and maturity for such a young band. I believe this is one of those rare recordings that will truly stand the test of time.”

The Just One Drop EP will be released on April 7, 2009. The full length Love Is a War will be released in June of 2009.

Meanwhile, the band continues to tour heavily. See their full tour schedule HERE.