Nelsonville-based band Without Papers twists funk, rock and blues in its anthems of civil unrest for the working class and ballads of political injustice.
After five years of playing together and the release of two albums, the band continues to rock local bars and festivals with its dark melodies and psychedelic saxophone solos.
We just try to represent Southeastern Ohio and the working class people
the real people lead singer, guitarist and founder of Without Papers Nick Collura said. There's no bells or whistles about it.
We're pretty honest; you're not going to get much (from our shows) besides good music bass player Johnny Z. Riggins said. It's just good rock 'n' roll to keep people dancing.
Despite the long hair, Pink Floyd and Neil Young influence and the repetitive use of sister and dude in their lyrics, this band isn't your average hippie rock group with an audience exclusively of flower children. They play for all music lovers and people who appreciate good live music, Riggins said.
We'll play the young and the old. We've played VFW shows playing to the old folks
and they get down too
Riggins said.
We haven't played any birthday parties yet
percussionist, saxophonist and singer Todd Parish added.
Fellowship and songwriting are the group's strongest qualities, Parish said, because they have been playing together for such a long time.
The band was born when Collura called Riggins about an idea for making a band in 2000.
I was watching football and I got a phone call. I was just being really lazy for the most part and when I came (to the studio
) Nick made me a BLT
and the band started
Riggins said.
Riggins and Collura recruited guitarist Matt Fickel and drummer Jerry Boyer, and in 2002, they released their first CD, The Ballad of Johnny Z
dedicating the album to Riggins, who was planning to leave the band because he was moving away.
When his moving plans fizzled, the band made Riggins walk out the door then right back in five seconds later. Without Papers picked up Parish later that year to round out its sound.
In 2004, the band released its sophomore album, No Bells or Whistles. Without Papers is now recording a two-disc third album, Ugly
in the new INSEA Sound Shop in Nelsonville. It is scheduled for release in 2006.
This summer the band looks forward to playing several festivals such as The Big Bend Blues Bash in Pomeroy July 29 and the Athens County Fair Aug. 12.
Without Papers is playing with Forealious at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Smiling Skull Saloon, 108 W. Union St.
