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NUVO Weekly’s’ Best Folk Band of Indianapolis 2006
Bands with large rosters have been hot lately, but few can justify their numbers as easily as The Spud Puppies. With eight members (give or take a few) including multiple singers, percussionists, and instrumental soloists, they can play a range of original and reinterpreted bluegrass, folk, country, rock, and progressive acoustic music that is darned near ridiculous in it’s scope. Their second CD, Off the Leash, released in late 2005 showcases all those styles and links them back to their Old World roots.
Scott Hall, NUVO Weekly
Indianapolis, IN September 2006
The Spud Puppies, “Off the Leash”
Semi-electric bluegrass with shades of Bill Monroe and the Allman Brothers. This large band (9 players) sports some fine original tunes from the pen of Greg Ziesemer, with excellent contributions from banjo player Kevin Donnelly, bassist Gary Wasson, and the melodious piano (a la Chuck Leavell) of Garry Bole. There are some great Irish influences as well, especially in the rolling and crashing “Robert Emmet’s Jig”, while “Dutch’s Creole Waltz/ Zapataedo” transposes the whole party down to New Orleans. Their high and lonesome rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” thankfully obliterates any memories of Glen Campbell’s famous version. Off the Leash demonstrates how The Spud Puppies’ good clean fun and musical enthusiasm will get your tail a-waggin’
Lahri Bond, Dirty Linen
August-September 2006, Issue 125
The Spud Puppies, “Off the Leash”
Blessed with five songwriters and the ability to play every style imaginable, including, on this disc, “downtempo” bluegrass, rock, folk, Irish jigs, Creole waltzes, and even sea shanties, The Spud Puppies are a true musical-variety act in the guise of a contemporary bluegrass/ alt. country band. Flawlessly produced, “Off the Leash” finds Greg Ziesemer and comrades plowing through originals and a few covers with equal facility. Incorporating accordion, mandolin, organ, piano, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo and much more, the musicianship on this disc stands tall and delivers on song after song.
Rick Ziegler, InTake Weekly
Indianapolis, IN 12.22.05
The Spud Puppies, “Pick of the Litter”
Often the band concept hinges on the name. In the case of Indianapolis’ Spud Puppies, their moniker is a partial reference to Jerry Garcia, who was christened “Spud Boy” in the Old & In The Way bluegrass band. While it’s solely a spiritual influence, SP’s music takes a similar laid-back approach that best fits the “new grass” tag with a lineup of every stringed instrument imaginable (sans fiddle), light drums, and even an accordion. The rendition of Bill Monroe-Peter Rowan’s “Walls of Time” bridges their reverence for bluegrass and the direction in which it has veered lately. Songs, such as outlaw metaphor “Blind Side Love,” and the wanderlusting “The National Road,” and the waltz-tempo “Moon on My Pillow,” are quite tuneful and indelibly memorable. Likewise, the instrumentals - - the fiddler’s reel resembling ”Pullin’ Mule” and the bluegrass jammin’ “Rouge Run” - - are infectious, full of bright picking, and dressed with bell rings and snappy drum raps. Based on these sonic barkings, it won’t be long before these pups become the big dogs and own every fire hydrant in town.
Dan Willging, Dirty Linen
February-March 2005, Issue 116
- Various
Discography
Pick of The Litter - CD
Off The Leash - CD
www.myspace.com/thespudpuppies
Photos
Bio
The Spud Puppies came together in 2001 with their newgrass credentials already established, being seven veterans of the Midwest acoustic and jam-band scenes. But on their new, aptly titled second album, Off the Leash, the Pups take their sound in rich new directions. While maintaining the warm three-part vocal harmonies and hot round-the-horn solo breaks that established their reputation, they have traced their beloved mountain music back to its European roots, and forward to its lingering traces in country, R&B and rock. Uniquely anchored by drums and percussion, the sound the band used to call "bluegrass with a kick" is now better described as Celtic Cajun country music or transatlantic folk-rock. And just like their recorded work, the live show is marked by blazing instrumental prowess that never outshines the stellar songwriting. No fewer than five members contribute songs to the repertoire, with lyrics that ring true to contemporary audiences while resonating with a sense of history. Founding guitarist-vocalist Greg Ziesemer is the primary writer and the nearest thing the band has to a leader, though the Pups pride themselves on democratic decision-making and a shared spotlight. Acoustic bass guitarist Gary Wasson also writes and sings, and lead guitarist Dave Bigley contributes backing vocals when not tossing off stunning electric and acoustic solos. The pillars of the bands bluegrass element are Boyd Thaxton on mandolin and Kevin Donnelly, known to some fans as Delmar Lincoln, on the banjo. Keyboard wizard Garry Bole adds exotic flavorings and intriguing instrumental arrangements. And the bands most surprising quality, perhaps, is the seamless way in which Tim Williams hand percussion adds solid grooves and world music accents to musical genres that generally shun both. Voted their home citys Best Folk/Bluegrass Band by the critics of Indianapolis Monthly magazine, the Spud Puppies promise a musical experience that transcends, yet honors, both time and tradition. Dave Bigley: acoustic and electric lead guitar, vocals, banjo Garry Bole: accordion, dobro, lap steel guitar, piano, organ Kevin Donnelly (a.k.a. Delmar Lincoln): banjo Boyd Thaxton: mandolin, vocals Gary Wasson: bass, vocals, acoustic guitar Tim Williams: percussion, bodhran Greg Ziesemer: acoustic guitar, steel resonator guitar, 12-string guitar, vocals
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