Elliot Road
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Elliot Road

Wichita, Kansas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2003 | SELF

Wichita, Kansas, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2003
Duo Folk Singer/Songwriter

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Band of Brothers"

Tagline: "Music makes for a harmonious relationship between James and John Beasley of Elliot Road."

Like many brothers, James and John Beasley weren't exactly inseparable while growing up. A five-year age difference meant different schools, different sets of friends and different interests.

But today they're closer than ever, thanks to their acoustic duo known as Elliot Road.

"I think music is something that's really brought us together," James said. "We're the best of friends now."

The Beasleys, who released their first studio CD in February, play tonight at the Artichoke and Saturday at Riverside Perk. Both shows are free.

The brothers — James is 31, John is 26 — grew up in Phoenix and Pennsylvania, moving to Wichita with their parents a decade ago.

They took the name of their band from an Arizona rock band their father, Jim, performed in. James and John have played together since middle school. For a while, they concentrated on alternative rock.

But seeing "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," the 2000 movie built around a soundtrack of traditional American tunes, set them on an acoustic track and led them to discover many of the progressive folk artists — such as Gillian Welch and Nickel Creek — they consider major influences on their playing and songwriting.

"It seemed to us like music that spoke to a broader audience of people," James said.

Achieving the kind of clean, stripped down, effect-free sound they were after meant becoming better musicians, in his words.

"You can hide in a rock sound. When you're playing acoustic, it either works or it doesn't."

Between them they've picked up mandolin, banjo and harmonica in addition to guitar.

Nevertheless, John said, "I'd say the primary feature of our shows are our vocal harmonies together."

They also wanted their original tunes — which make up most of their sets — to be of a high quality before making a professional recording. Feeling they'd reached that point, they spent nine days this winter in Wichita's Brickhouse Studio recording their CD, which is called "The Dust Covered Man." Violinist Jenny Bowen appears on several tracks.

The title is taken from a nickname given to Ulysses S. Grant, but the songs aren't about the Civil War (although the music of Ken Burns' Civil War documentary was another big influence).

"We're saying life is not easy," James said. "The dust-covered man could be a character in any of these songs. He's the Everyman. We write songs about the Everyman."

Indeed, the brothers try to avoid writing lyrics that are explicitly "about" anything, hoping everyone will find their own meaning.

That's been happening more and more, they say. In the past year they've played shows in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Nebraska and Oklahoma in addition to regular stops at Mead's Corner, the Donut Whole and Rock Island Live in Wichita.

They'd like to develop into a regional act with Wichita as their base. Whatever happens, it's the people who come up after shows to say the brothers' harmonies lifted their spirits who make it worthwhile.

"That means more than any acclaim we could ever get," John said.

URL: http://www.kansas.com/2010/04/09/1261584/band-of-brothers.html - Wichita Eagle - Written by Joe Stumpe


"Elliot Road Makes A Solid Debut Album"

Introducing Elliot Road: a Wichita based, independent singer/songwriter duo. They’ve been playing around town quite a bit lately, and between all the live appearances, they’ve finally had the chance to lay their latest tunes down on a 12 track LP which they’ve aptly titled The Dust Covered Man. In a paradoxical performance that is simultaneously effortless in its simplicity, and profound in its complexity, James and John Beasley have created a solid recording debut.

Spearheading this refreshing duality is the lyrical melodies of the Beasleys’ compositions. Take for example “Lost Inside” (track six), an optimistic love ballad that mourns a once shared, but now unrequited love. Each line is purposeful and measured, though it cleverly dances between slow and fast rhythms. Verses and choruses are divided by space and thoughtful instrumentals that feature short interjections by violinist Jenny Bowen. Despite the way that the vocal line snakes through this varying landscape of compositional techniques, James’ gentle delivery and accessible (yet artistic) wordplay makes the whole song sound “matter of fact”, as if you knew the line, even before you heard it.

The accompaniment in Elliot Road’s songs add to the overall compositional complexity of the album. This is best illustrated by “Crabtree”, a piece whose progressive character greatly contrasts from the rest of the songs. It opens with a driving guitar picking pattern, shortly followed by a guitar strummed in much the same rhythm. With each new section, the Beasleys add elements that are fundamentally modest, but add up to a sonorous collage of instrument and voice, expanding to the very last measure.

As for the recording itself, the quality is clear and intimate, highlighting the organic musicianship that James and John Beasley present on The Dust Covered Man. The performances are excellent, yet appropriately informal – as if when listening you’re just hanging out with the band on your front porch. This tone remains well defined throughout most of the album.

As for Elliot Road’s influences in creating this album, I had a hard time drawing on names. The music on this album sounds so native to the duo, that I’m not entirely sure that they would offer any of the following if asked. I felt like The Dust Covered Man is the endearing little step-brother of Sufjan Stevens’s Greetings From Michigan, not so much for the tone or grandiose orchestration (though Elliot Road’s “Not Over Yet” and bonus track fit Stevens’ album like a glove), but for the compositional complexity and genuine humanity of their songs. Additionally, it’s difficult to add the distinctive sound of a banjo to your recording and not have your album fall into a pigeon hole, but both Elliot Road and Sufjan Stevens pull it off with a similar grace. Also captured within this LP are faint hints of the ineffable Bob Dylan. This can be felt in the blaring harmonica that opens the first track, "All My Days", and in the timbre of the Beasleys’ voices.

Though this is a strong debut, I think it won’t be too difficult for the Beasleys’ to produce an even more impressive subsequent release (the sophomore slump being something music fans and performing artists dread). Elliot Road brought a lot of great ideas to The Dust Covered Man, perhaps too many. I found myself wishing they had cut back the violinist’s role. This is not to say that her performance didn’t add to the album, as Bowen really shined on choruses and in her solos, but it seemed her performance became somewhat lost in verse accompaniments, which distracted me from the focus of many of the songs. Though I mentioned above that the tone of the album is pretty defined throughout, there are a couple tunes that are big departures from the rest. In the context of a single, I really enjoyed these variations, but tunes like “Not Over Yet” (track three) somewhat confuse the overall character of the album.

The Dust Covered Man would serve as a great companion for a Saturday morning. Its accessibility, memorable lyrics, and cheerful energy give you that “glad-to-be-alive” feeling. At the same time, I could picture this music playing through my headphones while on a pensive walk along the Arkansas River. The songwriting and the performances are truly engaging, with all the elements coming together to create something of a masterpiece out of down-home, folk ideas. This thoughtful album debut, matched with their tireless gigging efforts, will surely win Elliot Road listeners across age groups and genre lines. I very much anticipate the coming year and look forward to additional milestones made from their founded talent, and growing bounty of musical ideas.

The Dust Covered Man by Elliot Road: 4/5 Stars

URL: http://www.jbrickman.com/2010/02/15/elliot-road-makes-a-solid-debut-album/ - Written By Jared Brickman - ROK ICT!


"Elliot Road On KSCW's Listen Up!"

Check out the URL below for the video interview/performance:

http://www.kansascw.com/Global/story.asp?S=11895541 - KSCW Ch. 33 (Wichita, KS)


"Elliot Road To Perform At Iron Horse"

El Dorado, Kan. - Elliot Road, made up of brothers James and John Beasley, will be bringing their music to town Saturday night as they perform at the Iron Horse Concert Hall.

James and John have been writing and performing since they were in middle school.

They started off as guitar players in rock bands, quickly developing a passion for singing and performing a unique blend of alternative acoustic folk music rooted in old-time country.

Their set list includes progressive music accompanied by traditional instruments of acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin and harmonica.

They get their name from their father’s first band, "Elliot Rhode." Their father played an important role in their musical career, instilling a passion for music in them at an early age.

Their mission is "to create good music that attracts a global listening audience."

Their debut studio album is "The Dust Covered Man," and it showcases their vocal range and song writing ability. It will be released later this month.

Based in Wichita, they have performed throughout the Midwest.

Saturday’s performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Iron Horse, 315 S. Main (enter through Circle Gallery). It is presented by the FlintHills Folk Music Guild.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors. For more information, call 321-6348.

URL: http://www.eldoradotimes.com/news/x979444934/Elliot-Road-to-perform-at-Iron-Horse - El Dorado Times


"Fan Testimony - Josh Huckriede's Blog"

Elliot Road "The Dust Covered Man" CD Release Party
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 AT 6:24PM

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC IN WICHITA:: I saw these guys last night at Frida's here in Wichita. The only thing better than their music was getting a chance to talk to both of them during the night. They are humble, funny guys and we had a good time. I'm looking forward to hearing them again. I hope that you all give them a chance as well.

URL: http://amurderofbananas.squarespace.com/journal/2010/2/18/elliot-road-the-dust-covered-man-cd-release-party.html - Josh Huckriede


"Reflections On Local Music Night @ Intrust Bank Arena"

Milestones are moments etched in time after which everything changes. They are events that represent transition, reformation, and ultimately elevation. For Wichita and the local music scene, January 12th, 2010 was such a date, when the INTRUST Bank Arena’s grand opening event played host to a night of local music. Not only did taxpayers see their shiny new arena; they also saw the best of their city.

You can gauge the depth and soul of a population by its artistic expression. Anyone who stepped inside the glass doors to enter the boat-like structure that is our new downtown arena witnessed a full-on explosion of local creative talent. The calming voice of Tony Ngo, the bubbly aura of Michelle Monger, the off-beat, alluring style of Elliot Road, and the earnest echoes of Scott Allan Knost were just some of the sounds that permeated the concourse. Crowds gathered around each act, spread out busker-style throughout the alley-like, circular corridor. The glass windows gave an elevated view of the city, putting into focus the unique architectural structures that encompass its core. Many in attendance remarked that they had never before realized the beauty of their surroundings. Effective art opens new portals of thought and understanding; anyone who doubted the potential of our community walked away realizing that Wichita is a city with vast intensity.

Wichita is also a city rich in diversity, and it’s often the arts that bring this illusive fact to fruition. Duirng the three hour evening event, a broad spectrum of folks populated the arena. It certainly wasn’t a “plain-grain” Kansas stereotype, as African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and a multitude of other races filled the arena. Ages, too, were just as diverse. Children munched on pretzels and hotdogs while their parents vibed with the sounds of Troy Hutson. Fashion-forward indie hipsters and the vanguards of ICT’s creative culture coalesced around Aaron Lee Martin. Baby-boomers and college students alike imbibed inside the Cox lounge to the jazzy sounds of the Lisa Hittle Trio. Middle-aged women and young punks danced together to the spinning of DJ F-Stop in the Budweiser Brew Pub. People weren’t just existing side-by-side, they were mixing and co-existing. Within those glass walls, a shining example of what unity and community can accomplish was on full display. That’s the magic of local music—it has an organic way of showing off the vast fibers of a people’s tapestry.

The crowning moment of the night took place inside the grandiose core. On an elevated stage and amidst the backdrop of dazzling lights, all the talent and diversity of Wichita collided to experience the finished product of a long-time area goal. Soulful blues from Big Clyde Sheely and Rib Bone, electrifying hip-hop from A-squared, and post-punk indie rock from polarOPPOSITEbear filled the giant bowl. Throngs of people amalgamated onto the floor to sing, stomp, dance, and celebrate this crowning moment for Wichita and the Wichita music scene.

Sometimes it takes a milestone to remind us of our potential. The local music night at INTRUST Bank Arena should stand out as an event that proves we can create our own successes as a city and stand out as a community. We have both the creative capitol and the intuitive resolve to make it happen. Let’s not limit our potential to just one night. Let’s support our local music scene and our new arena everyday—because doing so is supporting our community! - NakedCity Magazine - Written By Jason Dilts


"[listen] Elliot Road Album Release Party"

This coming Final Friday, there is even more reason to celebrate the flourishing local music scene in ICT. True gentlemen about town, brothers James and John Beasley have been playing local venues for years, and have now produced their debut studio album, The Dust Covered Man.

Drawing off of the love of music instilled in them by their father, the brothers display harmonies that can only come from a lifetime of sharing rhymes, rhythms, and melodies. Presenting a unique blend of alternative acoustic folk music and old time country, Elliot Road’s original set list defies categorization. Branching out across the Midwest, they have opened the eyes of a broad audience to their personal blend of progressive vocals and down-home instrumental magic.

While writing this, I’m listening to a sneak-peak of the duo’s LP, and as a lover of quite an eclectic variety of music, I couldn’t be happier. Presenting a unique blend of alternative acoustic folk music and old-time country, Elliot Road’s original set list defies categorization. The band has done what these days is seemingly impossible: created an album on which the skip button is never used.

“Georgia Line” is a sweet, but not over-the-top love song that borders on a lullaby, with soothing words every girl wants to hear. The instrumentals on “Ode to Those Less Fortunate” are nothing short of brilliant, sharing the stage with masterful vocals. And it’s songs like “Lost Inside” that ensure that no man can measure up to the lyrics women keep in their heads.

Brothers James and John wrote, performed, and produced each track on the album, and their love for what they do shines through in the harmonies that come only from a lifetime of sharing rhymes, rhythms, and melodies. The hauntingly beautiful violin performed by Jenny Bowen of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra takes several songs to an entirely different level and highlights the duo’s songwriting abilities.

Come celebrate with this outstanding duo as Mead’s Corner hosts Elliot Road’s album release party on Friday, Feb. 26. As a longtime fan, I have seen the brothers’ gifts mature and blossom into the rich and unforgettable music presented on The Dust Covered Man. I can promise you that this is one album, and one band, that won’t leave the scene any time soon.

Details:

Elliot Road | “The Dust Covered Man” CD Release Party

Friday, Feb. 26 (Final Friday)

Mead’s Corner, 430 E. Douglas

8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Special Guests: Kandace Mars and Tony Ngo

URL: http://www.verbict.com/2010/02/26/listen-elliot-road-album-release-party/ - verb[ict] - Written By Bailey Ketterman


"Alumnus to release first album this week"

Alumnus James Beasley will release his band's first album this Friday at Mead's Corner.

Following his graduation in 2002, Beasley pursued a career in the technology industry.

During his free time, he and his brother John continued a longtime tradition of performing together.

Eventually, their musical ambitions transformed into the duo “Elliot Road," named after their father's band, which first inspired them to take up music.

“The Dust Covered Man" features several self-written tracks performed by James and John.

Over the years, the two have played a variety of music. Their present album has an “alternative folk" sound, a genre the brothers recently fell into.

“We use instruments like the acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin and harmonica in our music," Beasley said. “Although we play with traditional instruments, we consider our music ‘alternative folk' because we write from the perspective of our generation."

The brothers began performing in rock bands during middle school.

Although they originally played guitar, their talents over the years have expanded to include singing, composing and lyrical writing.

John said the band's sound today is what it is because the new music spoke to each of them personally.

“It is really interesting to see how our musical taste has drastically changed over the past few years," John said. “We owe a lot of that change to movies like ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?' and musicians like Nickel Creek."

Beasley said beyond popular culture, he and John are inspired by love, hope and the American dream.

“Our music is written about current issues in order to connect with anyone and everyone," he said. “We just want to write good, catchy tunes that make people happy."

Since both brothers hold professional careers outside of their music, they have yet to perform outside of the Midwest. Both said they hope to broaden their fan base soon.

“I hope to see us playing more regionally in the coming months and years," John said. “We are excited to promote the album we've worked so hard to create and share it with new audiences."

Elliot Road will host a CD release party during the debut of their album this Friday at 8 p.m. at Mead's Corner.

“The best part of playing in the band is that we get the opportunity to bring people together and make their day a little brighter through a shared love of music," Beasley said. “I look forward to continuing to tour the Midwest and promote our sound and debut album."

URL: http://www.thesunflower.com/web/isite.dll?1266978066866 - The Sunflower - Wichita State University


"Elliot Road CD Release"

Elliot Road's "The Dust Covered Man" CD Release was mentioned in the article below.

URL: http://www.kansas.com/2010/02/26/1199751/port-of-wichita-party.html - The Wichita Eagle


Discography

Where The Woodbine Twineth (2014) - Available for purchase @ http://www.elliotroad.com

The Dust Covered Man (2010) - Available for purchase @ http://www.elliotroad.com

Photos

Bio

Singer/songwriter brothers James and John Beasley have been performing in the Midwest under the moniker, Elliot Road, since 2003. Widely known for their infectious harmonies and dynamic stage presence, the Beasley brothers have won over crowds everywhere they have performed.

The duo, comprised of close-harmony vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica, write progressive songs rooted in old time country about everyday life and the pursuit of happiness.

Elliot Road has been featured on radio/tv programs in their hometown of Wichita, KS including KMUW's Strange Currency (NPR) and KTPS's Wichita Sessions (PBS) and have performed in many venues and towns throughout the Midwest including multiple performances at the historic Wichita Orpheum Theatre and Bartlett Arboretum.

In 2010, the Beasley brothers released their debut album, "The Dust Covered Man", a collection of heartfelt songs that span the duo's music career thus far. Elliot Road has continued to grow their fan base with each live performance and plans to continue sharing their passion for music with audiences far and wide. In early 2011, KMUW's Strange Currency (NPR) named "The Dust Covered Man" one of the top regional and national releases of 2010.

The Beasley brothers released their second album, "Where The Woodbine Twineth", in November 2014, which includes a song sung by their father, Jimmy Dale Beasley, who instilled a passion for music in them at an early age.

Check out their appearance on the KPTS Ch. 8 music show "Wichita Sessions":
http://www.vimeo.com/10134492

Band Members