Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Roger Hoover displays a brash, full-force vocal that recalls the warm, throaty tone of John Fogerty. At other times, he's in possession of Southern-rock drawl that's uncommon for these times. During the first few cuts here, you get the feeling that this band could've easily been a radio staple alongside such rootsy fair such as The Allman Brothers, Van Morrison, CCR, and The Band. Hoover's songs possess a humbled sense of maturity and honesty whether he's working an intimate or fiery mood, and this fine release works everything in between.
- Miles of Music.com
While many music critics will over-zealously throw in references to Dylan, Westerberg, and Waits just to capture a reader's attention, those nods to hallowed names certainly apply when it comes to Hoover's evocative and imagistic lyrics (with maybe a little John Fogerty thrown in for good measure). Likewise, The Whiskeyhounds' roots-and-rumble style of playing references the work of such freewheelin' players as The Band and CCR. The band has reportedly begun working on a new recording with Band vocalist/drummer Levon Helm which may just launch them into the stratosphere of "critical darlings. - Buffalo Artvoice
Playing a mixture of country, rock and blues, the Whiskeyhounds have a narrative style that's garnered comparisons to everyone from Van Morrison and Bob Dylan to Dylan Thomas. Hoover doesn't just concern himself with catchy choruses and refrains -- he composes with a sensibility that recalls Nebraska-era Springsteen or present-day Steve Earle. - CLEVELAND FREE TIMES
The blues needn't always be a three-chord copy of some Delta master. The blues can simply result from the right songsmith crafting tales of love, loneliness, sadness, or madness. Roger Hoover is such a figure, with engaging songs and a credible, Dixie-tinged vocal persona. His partners, the Whiskeyhounds, generate a simpatico sound, by turns joyful and mournful, behind Hoover's sorties; they may be the best southern band in this half of the country. - CLEVELAND SCENE
Buckeye brand Americana: Creating anthems to sew up whatever holes might appear in the fabric of American society, Roger Hoover and the Whiskeyhounds are arguably one of Northeast Ohio's greatest musical treasures, channeling influences (Hank Williams and Johnny Cash) and following idols (Tom Waits and Elvis Costello) to become a critically acclaimed blues-based, alt-country band on the rise. Having just released its third album "Jukebox Manifesto," the boys are packing up for a Bible Belt road trip next month. - Cleveland Plain Dealer
John Fogerty fronting the Black Keys. - Cleveland Free Times
Discography
GOLDEN GLOVES - 2003 (Hayfever Records)
PANIC BLUES - 2004 (Bandaloop Records)
MAIN STREET - received extensive airplay
JUKEBOX MANIFESTO - 2006 (Hayfever Records)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Lovers of gritty rock and honest, literate songs would do well to pick up a copy of “JUKEBOX
MANIFESTO,” the third album from Roger Hoover and the Whiskeyhounds. Creating anthems to sew
up whatever holes might appear in the fabric of American society, Roger Hoover and the
Whiskeyhounds are arguably one of Northeast Ohio's greatest musical treasures, channeling
influences (Hank Williams and Johnny Cash) and following idols (Tom Waits and Elvis Costello) to
become a critically acclaimed blues-based, alt-country band on the rise. This Cleveland five-piece
has garnered praise from Americana and rock critics alike and are once again bringing their heralded
sound to the far stretches of the United States.
Led by Ohio-raised singer/songwriter Roger Hoover, the Whiskeyhounds have quickly earned a
reputation for their wildly energetic live shows. Not content to remain within the confines of
accordian and lap steel laced story songs or murder ballads, they also boast a set of raucous primal
blues and rock. The Whiskeyhounds’ broad and dynamic appeal has allowed them to share the stage
with such artists as the Black Keys, Dave Alvin, Junior Brown, Bobby Bare Jr., Leon Russell, and the
legendary Levon Helm of The Band.
Their third album, “JUKEBOX MANIFESTO” (2006 Hayfever Records) is comprised entirely of
originals, each vying to join the ranks of lyrical and rock standards.
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