Rikki Jean and the DWBs

In Feburary
2014, Rikki Jean walked into the Switchyard to record with Jason Payton.  Only having played a few open mics and picking around a few campfires had Rikki played in front of people.  The recording kicked off with high hopes and low expectations.  As J. Payton captured song after song of Rikki Jean pouring out her heart through her vocals and
playing soothing rhythms on guitar, the both of them knew they were onto something.  Not knowing how many songs would ever make it on an album they recorded 11 different songs that afternoon, mostly in one - three takes.  A full length album, featuring many local musicians’ blues side, was born and named “Rikki Jean’s Glamorous Life”. 

Jason Payton, a local luminary of music, hosts Switchyard Sundays.  Switchyard Sundays is an acoustic house-show every Sunday with a line up of three acts, traveling or local.  New and old faces turn out and so much intimacy is created in the cozy little Indiana home.  Jason Payton oozes blues and soul music. 

A mix of delta blues and southern Indiana hillgrass country music, and the two decided
piano would be a great fit for several songs, and “Jakis” Strakis was introduced.  Strakis has played in different bands in central Indiana and often travels to Bloomington to share
his fine talent with the band.  He learned piano as he admired his grandfather’s honky tonk style growing up. 

Always finding the pocket, Devin Brown, joins them on bass.  His counter part in the rhythm section, Griz McGillie on drums.   

Recently the DWBs have expanded to include a brass section, with Kyle Franke on Trombone and Laura Wanner (from Local covergroup, "The Vallures") on Trumpet when she is not shaking her tambourine!

In this world it can be frightening to be on your own.  Rikki Jean faced severe abandonment though-out her life, but she found strength in her mother’s words,
“Let it Grow."  You can find this same sentiment throughout her repertoire; hitting bottom and getting back to the top.  

Rikki Jean & the DWBs have just released their second album "Darkness Surrounds Me" on Switchyard Records.