Bonepony

Bonepony is coming to your town to play their brand of stomp music. What is Stomp music? you may wonder ? Stomp music is a marriage of techno, rave, bluegrass, and rockabilly.

"Stomp music came to fruition while we were recording out first album. Scott recalls. "We would be writing and stomping the beats out on the floor. When we got out to play, there were no wood floors beneath our feet and we felt something was missing. We initially built wooden boxes and we would stomp on those but the resonance off of the boxes was not loud enough when we started playing larger venues." So Bonepony created the stomp shoe. It is literally a shoe that Nick wears. It has a trigger and a pickup (the device that amplifies a guitar) hot glued inside of its heel. When Nick stomps on it goes to a drum brain and makes a loud thumping sound making the audience wonder where the drum kit is.

Bonepony's debut CD, Stomp Revival, was released by Capitol Records (June '95). Soon after, the band leapt on tour with such venerable acts as Crosby, Stills & Nash , Rusted Root, Widespread Panic and Santana. In the summer of '96 they toured with Bob Seger where they played for more than half a million people. "It was incredible to share the stage with a legend," Scott said, "I kept thinking about all the times I had listened to Bob Seger while I was growing up." Bonepony's relationship with Capitol Records was not as memorable and the band left the label while working on their second CD.

The band locked themselves away in a lake house for most of the following winter to record Traveler's Companion (April '99). The record was picked up by Americana radio stations across the country and charted for most of the summer, reaching # 15 on the Gavin chart. For Traveler's Companion Bonepony's touring strategy changed. This time, instead of short opening sets for established bands, they sweat it out on the club circuit, playing a nearly four hour set every night. Bonepony also concentrated on colleges and universities, playing schools close to their hometown Nashville. They played Western Kentucky, The Univ. of Tennessee, and The Univ. of Virginia. Music festivals became a vital showcase for Bonepony and they were asked to perform at Farm Aid, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and many others. "We just like to play music," said Nick, "Wherever people get together, that's where we want to be."

Bonepony released their latest live CD, Funhouse, on December 31st 2000. Funhouse was recorded primarily in Nashville. Like Traveler's Companion, it was packaged in industrial HEMP. Environmental issues are important to the band, so alternative packaging for their CD was a priority. Says Scott. "We want to make sure that our music is not contributing to the detriment of the environment. We want to leave as light a footprint as we can."

- Ariel Publicity

Stomp around with Bonepony
Thursday, March 08, 2007
From Web reports
Special Sections
"It makes you feel good inside."
That's the catch phrase Nashville's Bonepony uses to describe what it does, and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who has seen the band who didn't agree.
The four-man band has been making people feel good inside for years, crisscrossing the nation, stopping in big cities and tiny towns to bring its unique brand of "stomp rock" to audiences with all the fervor of a traveling tent revival mixed with arena-rock spectacle.
Bonepony performs Saturday night at Crossroads.
"We play our hearts out," says Bonepony front man and founding member Scott Johnson. "I don't know any other way to play these songs."
The band - Johnson, Nicolas Nguyen and Kenny Wright - tours year-round and has developed a large and devoted following. Bonepony has warmed the stage for acts such as Bob Seger, Santana and ZZ Top and played countless open-air festivals such as Farm Aid and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
"We've made friends in every small town and major metropolis," Nguyen said.
Bonepony's sixth release, "Feeling It," went to No. 1 on XM Radio's X Country chart, no small feat for a band without label funding or radio promotion. The music itself is a melodious hybrid of rock 'n' roll, folk, country, bluegrass and soul.
Last week, the band filmed its show at Nashville's historic Belcourt Theatre for a DVD/CD package that will be released this summer. The show also will be part of "Diehard" weekend, an annual gathering of Bonepony fans (or Diehards, as they have dubbed themselves) who meet in a planned city and travel in groups for a series of shows.


© 2007 The Huntsville Times. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- The Huntsville Times

BONEPONY - Feeling It

It should come as no surprise that Feeling It, Bonepony's fourth studio album, should open with a song like "Home." Although the band's roster has shuffled a bit through the years, revolving around frontman Scott Johnson, the current line-up of Johnson, Nicolas Nguyen and Kenny Wright represents decades of experience and tens of thousands of miles on the road. Grizzled veterans of countless local and regional bands, the trio has earned every right to be tired, fed up with the music business and worn down by the rigors of the road. Yet "Home," at once both spry and weary, is a celebration of both those left behind and the brotherhood of the road, "singing in a traveling band." The song offers the usual mixed genres of Bonepony's sound, an overall bluesy feel complimented by a bluegrassy stomp and strum.

Concerned with relationships -- with family, with friends, with fans -- Feeling It is an affirmation of the band's faith in the power of music. Relationships are hard to manage when you spend 100+ nights a year on the road, and the value of a family waiting for you increases with every mile traveled. Several songs here touch upon the subject, dissecting it from different perspectives. The guys are clearly reconciling the wanderlust of their chosen profession with the need for roots and romance. Whether directly addressing the issue, as with the Southern-fried funk of "She's My Religion" or the mournful, high lonesome sound of "Colour Blue," or indirectly, as with "Good News," the question rises to the forefront of the album. The wonderful "Something Good" is classic Bonepony, sparse acoustic instrumentation matched with infectious vocal harmonies in the creation of a complex love letter that would translate well to both rock and country radio (if the medium wasn't run by idiots).

The high point, in my mind, of Feeling It is the defiant "Farewell," a recommitment to the muse that calls all three bandmembers, a casting off of the ghosts of the past and the negative energy that would drag them down. Sung by Johnson with a deliberate hesitancy, the song brings the album full circle, where all roads lead back home. It jumps directly into the triumphant title song, the band finally succumbing to the siren of the stage, balancing family and fans with the magic of the music. It's only appropriate that the album closes with "Park City Jam," a brief yet energetic reprise of "Home" with whoops and hollers and handclaps that punctuate the joy and jubilation that is the root of Feeling It.

Bonepony's music, for those unfamiliar with the band, is an eclectic mix of rock, country, folk, blues and bluegrass. It's a sound as old as the Appalachian Mountains and as alien to today's trend-driven, focus-group-created-frankenrock as you could possibly be. This is music for the heart and soul, not for corporate marketing. Bonepony's sound translates well to the stage, where the acoustic instrumentation and the band's dynamic performances can spark a fire hotter than a Delta roadhouse on a Saturday night. With no disrespect to former fiddle player Tramp, the addition of multi-instrumentalist Kenny Wright to the trio was a smart move, widening the band's capabilities even as they strip these songs down to the basics. Feeling It will both satisfy longtime fans and earn the band new fans, the album's honesty and energy an antidote to the restless dissatisfaction felt by many music lovers. If you're looking for something new and exciting, look no further than Bonepony. (Super Duper Recordings)
copyright 2006 - Review by Rev. Keith A. Gordon

Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 8:00 pm ET/7:00 CT on KET1


Performers:

Bonepony

Since 1989, Bonepony has been entertaining audiences with an original, foot-stomping blend of roots rock, blues, soul, and elements of bluegrass. This edition of Jubilee features an energized performance by the band at the 2005 Master Musicians Festival in Somerset.

Though Bonepony performs mostly with acoustic instruments and takes its cues from various forms of American roots music, its style also displays an innovative approach to songwriting and a hard-working attitude toward performing. The band members cite a mixed bag of influences, from Led Zeppelin to George Jones and from Muddy Waters to J.D. Crowe. The group collaborates on each song, with each member providing music and lyrics and working toward a shared primary goal: Get the crowd moving.

Bonepony features founding member Scott Johnson on vocals; Kenny Wright on drums and guitars; and stringed-instrument prodigy Nicholas Nguyen on banjo, guitar, and several other instruments. The band has recorded three studio albums and tours extensively throughout the Southeast.
- KET Jubilee

Bonin' it up with Bonepony
Joey Hood
Issue date: 11/20/03

Nashville Americana band Bonepony has languished on both sides of the music industry spectrum.

Formed in 1989 amidst blacktop Baltimore strip malls, Bonepony quickly established a devoted following.

Their successes led to the inevitable "major label" stint on Nashville's Capitol Records. But however tempting corporate music looked on paper, Bonepony decided to market themselves as an independent outfit.

The results are astounding. Both record label follow-ups, Traveler's Companion and Jubilee, are germane examples of music in its freest form.

I spoke recently with Nick Nguyen, who joined Bonepony after graduating from MTSU.

Joey Hood: First off, let's talk about your latest release, Jubilee, your second album composed outside the corporate confines. Do you feel a better sense of creativity on this record?

Nick Nguyen: Somewhat. Although, Traveler's Companion, our first independent release after the record deal, really went back to the roots literally and philosophically. As for (Jubilee), I guess that critics are probably digging this album more because it is pop sounding. And so, it is definitely a balancing act of finding our own place. It's still the same style of music but just at a different angle.

JH: Do you guys ever regret signing with Capitol Records? Is this like the dark period of your recording career?

NN: (Laughs) No, not at all. Actually, the recording deal came in before I joined the band. But they (old members Bryan Ward, Kenny Mims and vocalist Scott Johnson) got to go on tour with a lot of mainstream acts, which helped get our name out. I mean, even though the record deal tied our hands, there are no regrets. It worked out well for what it was.

JH: So as an artist who has seen both sides of the fence, so to speak, what's your advice for amateur acts who define success as obtaining a record deal?

NN: For sure, look for people who know art as opposed to just the "biz" aspect. Also, frankly, have an audience. Right now, with the way the industry is, there isn't much money to be made on young up-and-coming artists. Record labels are looking for acts that have a really large following. And if you don't have a large following, it doesn't do you much good, because the label will control every aspect of your career. But my advice is just to establish a grassroots following.
JH: All right. Well, say that you wanted to turn a certain college journalist on to good music. Which records would you recommend?

NN: Well, I love that new Outkast stuff.

JH: (Laughs) Oh yeah?

NN: Oh man, it's awesome. We were watching the "Hey Ya" video earlier and they just seem so much on the forefront of the music scene. As far as our influences, we like the Beatles, of course. And the Stones.

JH: What about Nashville acts? Are you feeling any local artists?

NN: Actually, we are on tour so much, that we aren't able to see many local acts. But we come across the Nashville acts every now and then. We're good friends with Will Hoge. And everything I've heard of his is really cool. I like what he is doing musically.

JH: Do you think that Nashville will ever shed its predominantly country label and branch out into other genres, though?

NN: I would think so. I mean, when I first started playing music as a teenager here, there weren't that many rock acts. But now, Nashville has all kinds of music, especially in Murfreesboro. Look back 10 years ago with Self. I mean, that has been going on for some time. But the reality is that country music brings in tourists and creates this whole image.

JH: So how do you feel about the future of music and the recording industry in general?

NN: I think that the future of music is exciting. I don't know about the recording industry. It's certainly more exciting for independent artists. There is no longer a big label in charge of giving music to people. Hopefully, people will keep scratching records and go deep within themselves. I hope people will not resort to easy listening like Britney Spears. That's for sure.

Bonepony will play their annual Thanksgiving show at 12th and Porter, Nov. 27. Tickets can be purchased via the Bonepony Web site at www.bonepony.com.

- MTSU

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Crown Royal Festival in the Field Set for Derby Week
Submitted by Anastvatz on Mon, 2007-04-30 10:34.
Posted under: Recreation Crown Royal Festival
Crown Royal Festival in the Field Set for Derby Week

Plans are finalized for the 10th annual Crown Royal Festival in the Field, a two-day celebration on the turf at Churchill Downs, May 3 and 4. This year's featured entertainment is the classic American rock band, KANSAS.

Fans who gather in the infield will enjoy two days of music and a full race schedule against the backdrop of Churchill Downs and its historic Twin Spires. Along with the music, there will be easy access to betting windows, concession stands and restrooms. Concertgoers can also enjoy a close-up look at all the day's racing action on Jumbotron video screens.

Admission to the Crown Royal Festival in the Field on Thursday, May 3, is free with $2 paid track admission ($1 for Twin Spires Club members). Gates open at 11 a.m. and post time for the first of the day's 11 races is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. KANSAS, along with regional favorites, the Big Rock Show and Bonepony, will play in the infield. Music begins at 12 noon.

KANSAS recorded two monumental albums -- 1976's Leftoverture and the next year's Point of Know Return produced the hit singles "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind." Kansas has a full tour schedule in 2007 celebrating the 30-year anniversary of Point of Know Return, and promoting their 2006 album "Works in Progress."

On Friday, Kentucky Oaks Day, the music begins at 10:30 a.m. featuring local bands Alpha Q, The Names, and the Jimmy David Band. The event is free with paid $25 track admission. Churchill Downs' admission gates open at 8 a.m. on Oaks Day and post time for the first of the day's 11 races is set for 11 a.m.

"There is nothing quite like the infield at Churchill Downs. The atmosphere is super-charged among the thousands and thousands of revelers," said Greg Leonard, Director of PR and Events for Diageo North American Whiskies. "We are excited to once again bring in top talent and complement the fantastic day of racing and the fine sport of people-watching."

In addition to hosting the Festival in The Field, Diageo, the proud owner of the Crown Royal brand, will celebrate the 16th running of the $150,000-added Crown Royal American Turf Race on Friday, May 4 which is run immediately prior to the historic Kentucky Oaks. The Grade III, 1 1/16-mile grass race for three-year-old thoroughbreds is one of the marquee races of the Kentucky Oaks Day racing program. In 2006, Steam Cat, under jockey
Julian Leparoux, closed with a fury in the last 50 yards to win by a neck over Go Between. The race will be televised nationally on ESPN (3-5 p. m. EST). Post time for the race is set for 4:47 p.m. EST. -http://www.prnewswire.com








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Bonepony
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Bonepony, an American rock band, formed in the late 1980s by Scott Johnson and Bryan Ward in the Baltimore, MD area. By all accounts Bonepony began as a hard rock band, similar in style to Aerosmith. The band recorded a demo and toured sporadically. During the early 1990s, Bryan and Scott moved to Nashville, Tennessee and left their fellow bandmates behind. In Nashville, the two met Kenny Mims, and the three of them created a new sound for the band, mixing the acoustic power of Led Zeppelin III with similarly styled folk, bluegrass, and country influences.

In 1994 the band was signed to Capitol Records and released an album entitled Stomp Revival in Mid 1995. The band toured with some major acts during 1995-1996, including Bob Seger and Santana. During these touring years the band also featured Jason Dunaway on bass and Mickey Grimm on drums. During early 1996, Kenny Mims left the band and was replaced by former Walk The West fiddle/mandolin player Tramp. The band's relationship with Capitol soured and they split with the label, releasing their second album, "Traveler's Companion" on their own SuperDuperRecordings imprint. Sometime in late 1996, Jason and Mickey left the band. Traveler's Companion continued with their brand of self-described "Power Folk" music. By Mid-1999, Bryan Ward exited the fold and the band recruited Nick Nguyen to handle guitar duties. The band continued to tour the US (playing close to 200 dates a year).

A live CD was released in late 2000 called Funhouse which was followed in 2002 by a collection of early and rare recordings entitled Rare Cuts. In 2003, the band released their new studio CD Jubilee and toured promoting it's grass-roots style. "Jubilee" mixed Johnson's folk and rock roots with Nguyen's polished, Beatle-esque songwriting and was well received by fans and critics alike, charting highly on the Americana charts. In mid 2004, Tramp left the band and long time friend and occasional member Kenny Wright joined the band on a full time basis, supplying drums, percussion, guitar and mandolin. With Nguyen and Wright splitting the instrumental duties as well as the addition of bass pedals (masterfuly played by Nguyen with his feet) the sound was refined and solidified so that the entire Bonepony canon could be performed live. During the Spring of 2006, the band released their newest CD called Feeling it, which reached the #1 spot on XM Radio's X Country chart. 2007 has proved to be a busy and exciting year for the band as they have recently wrapped up the filming and recording of a new DVD/CD to be called Celebration Highway, which will be released July 3rd, 2007. For more information on the band see www.bonepony.com.

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Categories: American rock music groups | American musical groups | Capitol Records artists | 1980s music groups | 1990s music groups | 2000s music groups
- Wikipedia