Some look to drive a spike between bluegrass and rock, but in an ironic twist of fate, one Southern Ohio band looks to bring the two together.
The Spikedrivers will play at Casa Nueva, 6 W. State St., with a mixture of styles that changes based on the various rotating members of the band.
“It’s not a conscious effort, everyone just brings their own musicianship to the group,” said Jesse Henry, frontman of the band. “It’s all about the musicians in the band. Last week we had a fiddle player come up and it changed everyone’s approach.”
Steve Sweeney is one of those members that gives the band more of a rock ‘n’ roll feel because of his more well-known work with the jam band Ekoostik Hookah.
The group boasts four albums in its repertoire, including an unpromoted EP Live from New York City, which Henry said showcases the band’s ability to take its bluegrass rock music to a larger nightclub audience.
The Spikedrivers’ latest recording Live at Stuart’s Opera House brings the music they love back to their core fans in Southern Ohio and to the vibrant halls of Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville.
Today, The Spikedrivers have garnered a Facebook following of 2,455 likes, but Stephen Fox, upright bassist for the group, said the page was started by fans, as it took them a little while to catch up to the social media wave.
Fox said they have always had a solid fan base in Southern Ohio, and they love coming back to Athens.
The group is even considering naming its new album Sunset Motel after the old building on Columbus Road. Fox said he had the unfortunate circumstance of staying a night at the motel and even decided to name a song based on his experience.
“It was a surreal experience,” Fox said. “If you like the smell of curry, you’ll be all right.”
However, the album’s official name is still under wraps. Henry said they hope to have the album out by the end of summer, although most of the songs are already recorded.
“We’re not in a hurry,” Henry said. “Everything is going well and then after listening to a few songs you’re like, ‘Oh my,’ we got a couple tweaks we need to do.”
wh092010@ohiou.edu
