Hopsing Project

"The crowd was excited; eyes were riveted to the stage. And through it all, this wonderfully exuberant, and yes, beautiful, woman was playing some of the prettiest violin music I'd ever heard along with good old rock & roll. This band has a solid following with a loyalty I've not witnessed much in club settings." Jay Mouton, Southeast Performer Magazine
Drawing large crowds and rave reviews, Hopsing Project has been named Chattanooga's best rock band 2003 by Enigma Magazine and the Chattanooga Scene. The six musicians have a rootsy alternative rock style which frequently walks the line of several genres, including jazz and alt/country. Each song is a precisely-performed musical journey with innovative mood and tempo changes.
Already the band has performed shows in many of the top clubs in the Southeast. The Nashville Scene said, "Expatriate Chattanoogans the Hopsing Project are a local institution in their hometown, thanks in part to frontman Greg Amell's jangly acoustic guitar and honey-smooth vocals. The guys (and one girl) borrow heavily from Wilco's poppier, pre YHF side." At the Rhythm & Brews in Chattanooga, they have been noted by Pollstar to draw over 400 people on a regular basis. Mike Dougher, club owner says, "this is a creative and innovative band that knows how to throw a party. #1 local drawing band for the last 2 years!"
The current line-up of Hopsing Project has been together since 2002,with the exception of the recently added pedal steel guitar, but lead singer/guitarist/songwriter, Greg Amell and violin virtuoso Sheena Swanson have been playing together since 1998. When piano/electric guitarist/songwriter Colby Rogers joined up two years later, the nucleus of the band was formed. The red-hot rhythm section of drummer Jonathan Susman and bass guitarist Taylor Jones complete the group. The addition of pedal steel by Dave Lapsley has added a unique texture that fits harmoniously with the rest of the group.
Bandleader Greg Amell has lived in LA, Nashville, Dallas and New York building his diversified lyrical background. Influenced by the movie, "Back to the Future", he began playing guitar at age 14. Greg's captivating vocals, songwriting and guitar work is the basis of the bands direction and success.
A classically trained violinist, Sheena Swanson has been playing since age 5. With a degree in music from Sewanee she has played with members of the Chattanooga Symphony and toured Germany with the Chattanooga Youth Symphony. Sheena also plays guitar, viola, piano, and mandolin. Her violin captures the mood of the songs, from classical-like string parts, to rocking guitar-like violin licks, and even too good ole fiddle.
Pianist/electric guitarist, Colby Rogers began in music as a solo artist playing clubs. Music was in his family as Dad was a country musician. Many of the band's compositions were co-written by Colby, and his piano and guitar solos are a showcase of his musical versatility.
Drummer Jonathan Susman and bass guitarist Taylor Jones have a combined musical background that includes reggae, gospel, heavy metal and country. Taylor's formal jazz training can be heard on his solos and bass lines, while Jonathan's outstanding meter and solid drumming drive the band's intricate grooves.

Performed with: Bela Fleck, Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Nickel Creek, The Duhks, Wheat, Blue Merle, Jay Bennett of Wilco, Ben Folds, Gov't Mule, My Morning Jacket, The Wailers, et al.