Runaway Planet
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Runaway Planet

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"Runaway Planet has arrived"

"Local rock bands come and go, but bluegrass groups are not quite as prolific in arriving on the central Arkansas scene, so it was worth noting when Runaway Planet arrived in our music galaxy. This quartet has now released its first CD and it's a collection of sad songs played in happy fashion, at 98 mph, more or less. The dozen original songs are book-ended by two similar versions of "St. James Infirmary Blues," both of which are less than a minute in length. Though the original songs were all written by members of Runaway Planet, some have a timeless feel, such as "Who's Gonna Work The Farm?" and "Long Way To Memphis," while "Red Barn" is one of those murder ballads that gives one the creeps even as it continues to fascinate. Steve Brauer's banjo skills are the highlight, although bassist Michael Proveaux, mandolinist Ben Ellis and guitarist Greg Alexander are almost as flawlessly exceptional. Alexander does the majority of the singing, although Proveaux sings on a couple and Brauer does the honors on three cuts. The way this Planet has launched its orbit is a promising development in local music and fans of the sort of bluegrass music played by the legendary outfit Old and In the Way, will want to grab a copy of this. B+"

- Jack W. Hill - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Jack W. Hill


"got to have"

"DEBUT CD HITS A HOMERUN By: Mark Bee Let me start out by saying there is a problem with this CD. The problem is this. Once your debut of mostly original music comes out, it is well above average; and is at the top of the list of several DJs and critics, how do you follow it up? Runaway Planet is the name of the group, and you will hear of them. They are one of those unique bands that has the capability of pleasing fans of traditional bluegrass and fans of 'newgrass' alike. The group, made up of Greg Alexander (Guitar and vocals), Steve Brauer (Banjo and vocals), Ben Ellis (mandolin), and Michael Proveaux (Bass and vocals), has the makeup up a traditional bluegrass band. Their sound is dead on. The name of the project is "No Part of Nothin'", and this is one of those CDs that makes you proud of the fact you are a bluegrass fan, and it makes your dad proud too. The talent of these musicians runs deeper than just picking and playing. Alexander, Ellis, and Proveaux all wrote songs for the project. The CD opens (and closes) with 45 second reminder of their roots. A mando/banjo version of "St. James Infirmary Blues". Then it jumps right into the up tempo "Here I go"' . The song is lyrically pleasant, but the playing is superb. Here's the best part, it's just a preview of what's to come. Track 2 is the lead single from the CD called "Who's Gonna Work The Farm" and it is as near perfect as any bluegrass song cares to be. While listening to the CD, I had to keep reminding myself that this was indeed, a debut recording. The harmony vocals are perfect and the sound was amazing. For bluegrass fans who like a newer sound, there are tracks for you as well. Track 5 "Herbal Tea" sticks out as my favorite of the newgrass selections, followed closely by "Long Way to Memphis". The other track I wanted to be sure to mention, was the song titled "Movin' On". It's bluegrass meets ballad rock. It conjures up images of the Eagles, but with a banjo. Oh yes, in my minds eye, I can see Henley singing this song. Yup. It's just that hard to classify. If I were managing this group, I would release this song as a single to soft rock/top 40 stations. It is nice to hear bluegrass musicians who can expand their horizons and stay true to their roots at the same time. Over all, this is a must have CD for any collection. Some day these boys will be a household name, at least in bluegrass circles, and it will be nice to own their first release. My suggestion? Go out and get this CD."

- Mark Bee (Program Director and Host of the internationally syndicated bluegrass radio program 'Blades of Blue" Independent Country Universe Blades Of Blue Syndicated radio productions of Boulton Beach Studios www.greenmountainmusic.com & www.bladesofblue.com)


- Mark Bee


"June 2006"

If the solar system seems a little out of sync in Little Rock, one needs only to look to hometown grassers Runaway Planet. No worries however: These four longtime friends have charted a course of contemporary bluegrass and launched a dynamite debut – No Part of Nothin’.

Runaway Planet initially revolved around traditional influences Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and The Stanley Brothers, but it puts bluegrass into overdrive on No Part of Nothin’. The band is crisp, clean, and in control throughout. Steve Brauer (banjo), Greg Alexander (guitar), and Michael Proveaux (bass) contribute solid songwriting, lead vocals, and 3-part harmonies, while Ben Ellis blazes on mandolin.

An instrumental opener and reprise of "St. James Infirmary" bookend a dozen snappy originals. Songs range from the traditional sounds of "Who’s Gonna Work the Farm?" and "Lonely Drifter" to the newgrass standout "Movin’ On." "Burn the Clutch Out" and "Red Barn" infuse hepped-up humor into the mix.

With its 2005 SXSW appearance, the band hopes to broaden its reach beyond its Arkansas and Missouri stomping grounds. Efforts like No Part of Nothin’ should send Runaway Planet spinning straight towards success." (TW)

- Bluegrass Now - June 2006
- Bluegrass Now


"lot of speed and edgy tones"

“From the school of Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs comes bluegrass combo Runaway Planet from Little Rock, Arkansas. “No Part of Nothin'” (independently produced) is their first album and it has make quite an impact. On fourteen songs Greg Alexander (guitar, vocals), Steve Brauer (banjo, vocals), Ben Ellis (mandolin) and Michael Proveaux (bass, vocals) demonstrate that they understand the laws of bluegrass quite well. This means that the genre lover can enjoy cutting songs with the sounds of many strings - the solos on banjo, guitar and mandolin follow each other very quickly - with superior vocal harmonies. Although deeply rooted in the history (of the music) this quartet sounds considerably contemporary, yet not as alternative as The Hackensaw Boys, but much less harsh. An extra compliment for Runaway Planet, is that aside from the short, instrumental, traditional piece “St. James Infirmary Blues”, which starts and ends the album, the band wrote all the song material themselves. Therefore no covers and public domain-stuff such as is common in bluegrass-land, but a completely original repertoire. A dramatic song - concerning the destruction of the farmer’s lifestyle (tip: Who’s Gonna’ Work The Farm?), a road song (Long Way To Memphis, with the point of the song: “Long way to Memphis if you ain't from Arkansas”) and even a love song (tip: Red Barn, girl goes into a barn with another guy) The drama, road and love songs are characterized with a lot of speed and edgy tones. Not until Movin 'On does the band slow down which makes the song unusual compared to the rest of the album. But the musicians swing their sorrow away just like their heroes once did.”

- Bart Ebisch, altcountry.nl
- Bart Ebisch, altcountry.nl


"A little fun with life's miseries"


"Our first mission was to locate Little Rock's own Runaway Planet, sponsored by Nightflying. We found our intrepid heroes setting up their equipment in Latitude 30. They were the first band up in L30 that evening and little did we know they would set the tone for the evening. What a great bunch of musicians! RP is Greg Alexander on guitar and vocals, Steve Brauer on banjo and vocals, Ben Ellis on Mandolin and Michael Proveaux on bass and vocals. For this gig the band added Mark Simpson on the dobro. Now understand, neither of us were very big bluegrass aficionados before this night. I had always enjoyed the music but never found it a driving force in my humble existence. My partner was even worse. She couldn't believe we were really going to hear a bluegrass band. Once the guys started playing it was another world. Runaway Planet was the perfect blend of harmony with a resounding bass back beat, instruments and voices as one. The guys never broke a smile, further extending the persona that is bluegrass. However, their facial expressions masked the musical explosion that pulls you along with them. It was like they were saying "Hey, c'mon and let's have a little fun with life's miseries." The guys flew through their forty-minute set with originals and covers. Our favorites were Who's Gonna Work The Farm, Long Way From Memphis (if you ain't from Arkansas) and a really cool Pink Floyd cover. RP pulled off the surprise of the night. Not only did they represent the Altered State well they gained a couple of new fans for bluegrass music. Hey guys, can you do "Whippin' Post?"

- Nightflying Magazine
- Nightflying Magazine


"The foremost bluegrass band in Little Rock"

"The foremost bluegrass band in Little Rock, this quartet has performed with such bluegrass heroes as Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs and Sam Bush. Runaway Planet's brand of bluegrass takes a modern spin to what is often considered an antiquated genre, playing what many call "newgrass." Well regarded for its charismatic stage presence and themed outfits, the band is able to play their revved up tunes with an impressive balance of humor and musicianship."

- Little Rock Monthly
- Little Rock Monthly


Discography

No Part of Nothin' released in 2004

Photos

Bio

About the Band . . .

Runaway Planet, having evolved out of a long-time friendship between members and a mutual love of string band music. was founded in 2001 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The band is: Greg Alexander on guitar, Steve Brauer on banjo, Ben Ellis on mandolin and Michael Proveaux on bass. Drawing from traditional influences like Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and the Stanley Brothers, they are also inspired by more progressive bluegrass bands like the Country Gentlemen, The Seldom Scene and New Grass Revival. Their self-produced debut CD of original material, entitled "No Part Of Nothin'" was released on September 14, 2004. Their music is currently receiving airplay throughout the United States and several different countries through the support of community and public radio programming. The music of Runaway Planet is a mix of hard-driving bluegrass, three-part harmonies, complex arrangements and original songs written by members of the band. With an ever-growing schedule, Runaway Planet is winning over new fans, from traditional bluegrass lovers to younger fans new to the genre.

The members of Runaway Planet, both individually and collectively, harbor a wealth of talent, experience and credits including having shared the stage with such great as Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, The Del McCoury Band, Charlie Robison, The Derek Trucks Band, Iris Dement and Acoustic Syndicate. Runaway Planet has been featured on radio and television programs including "Spotlight On", an hour-long documentary featuring songwriters and musicians. The band is especially proud of their work with the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) in helping to produce a documentary film about the First Annual Arkansas Acoustic Festival.

In February of 2002, Runaway Planet was named winner of the 2002 Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase. In April of that year, the band won second place in the Arkansas Acoustic Festival held at the UCA campus in Conway, featuring Nickel Creek. In 2003 the band was selected to be a member of the Arkansas Arts on Tour, a program of the Arkansas Arts Council and continues to be on their roster of artists. In April of 2003 Runaway Planet played at the Arkansongs Music Festival, a tribute to Robert Palmer, featuring Arkansas roots music. The band has played several other festivals throughout Arkansas including the 2002 and 2004 annual Riverfest Music and Arts Festival - Arkansas' largest festival. In January 2005 the band was honored to perform during the official opening of the Clinton Presidential Center held in Little Rock, Arkansas. In February 2005, Runaway Planet was invited to perform at the annual South by Southwest Music Conference held in Austin, TX.

Known for their musicianship, tight vocal harmonies and entertaining live shows, the members of Runaway Planet are well-versed in many genres of music, but the love of traditional American string band music gives the band the energy that has earned it a reputation for delivering a hard-driving, danceable show. Runaway Planet has established quite a following since their formation in 2001. Drawing from traditional favorites and their own foot-stompin' originals, Runaway Planet promises even more great music in the future.