Music
Press
...The band is pioneering the Northern New Mexico Jamgrass sound, steeped in the great tradition of past New Mexico touring acts like "ThaMuseMeant" and "Mary and Mars." Their well-crafted songwriting speaks to the earthly connected and the band conveys their message through enchanting lyricism and smooth vocal harmonies... The Random Family String Band is looking to embark on a musical journey out of their humble home of Taos, New Mexico to the world abroad. They bring with them a sense of the area in which they inhabit; a land which leads the nation in sustainability and environmental conservation. In Taos and Santa Fe, the Random Family String Band has shared the stage with Boulder Acoustic Society and Elephant Revival. This band of humble earth dwellers will soon become a cosmic force in the Jamgrass world. Marc Tonglen, The Mountain Ear, Nederland, CO - The Mountain Ear, Nederland CO
Acoustic music fans will be happy to know there's another solid addition to the local roster with The Random Family String Band... lots of instramental impovisation, a stretching of the songs and musical parameters...Regardless of what grass you call it, the music will get your feet tapping. Deonne Kahler, The Taos News, Feb. 2008 - The Taos News
Random Family builds upon bluegrass and folk roots with danceable grooves and instramental improv. Chris Aaland, The Durango Telegraph, March 2008 - The Durango Telegraph
Discography
The Random Family String Band (Self titled album) was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Howling Dog Studios by Don Richmond and the Random Family String Band.
Released in June 2008, their debut album has twelve original songs.
Photos
Bio
The Random Family String Band (RFSB) is a high energy Folkgrass/Jamgrass band from Taos, New Mexico. Their well-crafted, smart songwriting combined with their individual styles of play has made them a favorite in northern New Mexico. Up-tempo beats and exquisite vocals drive the audience to the dance floor. RFSB's original songs blend the contemporary with bluegrass, folk, and instramental improv. Equally at home in the Jam Band and Bluegrass scene, these boys love to pick. RFSB started playing in the winter of 2006. Ryan Besser, Clay Geisen, and John Mitchell had been playing together for several years, first picking in the evenings while tree planting in southern Colorado and New Mexico. After a hard day of planting trees they would return to camp start a fire, pour some whisky, and start picking. Meanwhile, Colin Jenkinson was making biodiesil, building Earthships, playing bass, and causing ruckus with his Chapman stick around Taos.
On one fatefull night at an open mic in Taos their four paths crossed and "The Random Family" was complete. After a year playing around northern New Mexico, Clay decided to take another path and Sean Konz took over the valorous role of guitar player. Sean had been busy building Earthships, playing bass and guitar in various bands, and working sound. Ryan's strong jam band and folk influence keep the music fluidly changing as the audiance feeds the energy. John's influences bring a solid ever changing banjo meets Neil Young , Sean's masterful solos and driving rhythm keep the dancers moving, and Colin Jenkinson's bass rumbles through your body and when he uses the bow angels will apear (not really). Join the Family folks, we'll have one heck of a good time.
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