Determined to bridge what they feel is an ever-widening gap between roots and pop music, longtime friends and collaborators Andy Campolieto and Ben Lee set out in winter 2006 to form an original roots-pop string band called Jo Henley. The goal was simple: to write and perform acoustic-based songs that were catchy, accessible, and steeped in the spirit and instrumentation of American roots music. To bring their black-and-white sketches into full color, the duo turned to one of New England's finest fiddlers in Tim Weed, and added the seductive jazz-inflected country drumming of Tien-Yi Lee. Led by Andy Campolieto's warm and engaging tenor, as well as Ben Lee's standout fretwork on guitar, dobro, and lap steel, Jo Henley entered the studio in summer 2006 to cut their acclaimed 7-song debut EP Long Way Home. This record became the blueprint for the band's signature country- and bluegrass-tinged pop sound.
The following summer, armed with a fresh batch of road-tested originals penned by Campolieto, the group recorded their full-length follow-up at The Recording Company in Upstate NY. Sad Songs and Alcohol is a 12-track collection of tattered tales of lost love and broken dreams told against a shimmering backdrop of acoustic guitars, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, train beats, and weepy steel guitars. Featuring the standout playing of bassist Tony Markellis (Trey Anastasio Band), Sad Songs and Alcohol finds Jo Henley in top form and is expected to bring this exciting young band much deserved mainstream attention this year and beyond.
In just over a year's time Jo Henley has been featured on television, radio, festivals, and continues to win over new audiences with its high-energy performances and well-crafted songs. Jo Henley is a top-notch act not to be missed.
Jo Henley is:
Andy Campolieto: vocals, guitar
Ben Lee: guitar, vocals
Harry Hussey: bass
Tien-Yi Lee: drums
Jordan Santiago, Tim Weed: violin
The following summer, armed with a fresh batch of road-tested originals penned by Campolieto, the group recorded their full-length follow-up at The Recording Company in Upstate NY. Sad Songs and Alcohol is a 12-track collection of tattered tales of lost love and broken dreams told against a shimmering backdrop of acoustic guitars, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, train beats, and weepy steel guitars. Featuring the standout playing of bassist Tony Markellis (Trey Anastasio Band), Sad Songs and Alcohol finds Jo Henley in top form and is expected to bring this exciting young band much deserved mainstream attention this year and beyond.
In just over a year's time Jo Henley has been featured on television, radio, festivals, and continues to win over new audiences with its high-energy performances and well-crafted songs. Jo Henley is a top-notch act not to be missed.
Jo Henley is:
Andy Campolieto: vocals, guitar
Ben Lee: guitar, vocals
Harry Hussey: bass
Tien-Yi Lee: drums
Jordan Santiago, Tim Weed: violin
