Eastbound Jesus
Greenwich, New York, United States
Music
Press
SARATOGA SPRINGS —– Ten regional bands rocked a sold-out house at SPAC’s second annual Battle of the Bands on Friday at the Spa Little Theatre. Eastbound Jesus, a bluegrass/rock band based in Greenwich, won first place, earning a $7,000 prize package that includes a professionally produced EP and video.
MaryLeigh and the Fauves, a blues/pop Saratoga-based band, placed second and The Late Shift, an alternative/rock band from Albany took third place.
Winners were determined based on a formula that weighted judges’ scores at 40 percent and audience response at 60 percent. The judges’ panel was comprised of Vinnie Amico, drummer from American jam band moe., Talia Billig, a talent scout from Blue Note records, and WEQX-FM DJ Joel Marshall.
“I’d like to congratulate our winners and all of the bands who were part of this terrific event. They reminded us that the new music scene in the Capital Region is thriving with talent and energy. It was an awesome kick off to our 2011 Season,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director.
Formed in the fall of 2010, Eastbound Jesus has a unique sound that moves between the genres of bluegrass and rock. The members of the band include Adam Brockway (guitar), Dave Wright (bass), Carl Anderson (drums), Luke Anderson (banjo) and Dylan Robinson (guitar). The band released a debut album “Eastbound Jesus; Greatest Hits Volume 1” in January. In addition to a professionally produced video by Modern Mix Studios and studio EP produced by The Recording Company, the band will get exposure on northeast radio station WEQX, have the opportunity to headline at Putnam Den and receive 100 custom T-shirts and stickers with their logo.
- The Saratogian
Eastbound Jesus
Formed in 2010 around a wood stove in Greenwich, bluegrass rock band Eastbound Jesus quickly made a name for themselves by plowing down all the competition at June's SPAC Battle of the Bands and coming out the winner.
Sadly, that didn't mean they got to play the expansive, historic stage and gaze out onto the lawn teaming with wild fans, but instead in the somewhat smaller (but still impressive) Spa Little Theatre tucked around back.
But even the "little" theater was still probably the biggest and nicest venue they've ever played, and with the notoriety from the big win, Adam Brockway (guitar) Dave Wright (bass) Carl Anderson (drums) Luke Anderson (banjo) and Dylan Robison (guitar) may be poised to glide across the lawn to the big stage in no time.
They optimistically named their first album, released last January, "Eastbound Jesus: Greatest Hits Volume 1." The scruffy bunch of North Country cowboys sure know how to throw it down. Just take a look at their YouTube video for "Ghost Town."
First Albany, then the world!
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Putnam Den, 63 Putnam St., Saratoga Springs
Tickets: N.A.
Info: 584-8066
- Times Union
Discography
Holy Smokes (January 2012)
Greatest Hits, Volume 1
Photos
Bio
Born and raised in the hardworking, rural small town of Greenwich in upstate New York, Eastbound Jesus began simply as a way to pass the time. In between putting wood on the fire in their barn practice area and running out for more beer, the band created a unique country rock sound that captures what many small time/town musicians love to do: hang out with your friends and write fun original music. Fueled by gritty lead vocals and backup harmonies the band takes elements of bluegrass and rock and serves them up in a blended style that has a way of becoming seriously stuck in your head. The band often hits hard with fast paced licks and catchy sing along lyrics but aren’t afraid to slow it down and soften it up from time to time. Americana, country, bluegrass, call it what you want. We’ll just call it Eastbound Jesus!
The band recorded their debut album Greatest Hits, Volume 1 in the winter of 2010, just months after forming. Radio buzz soon followed and in June the band won the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Battle of the Bands. Their energetic live shows are packing venues with their loyal rabid fans while making new ones all over the capital region. Eastbound Jesus is currently in the midst of recording their sophmore effort, Holy Smokes, due early 2012.
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