Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Only 5 stars? After hearing this CD, I wish I could give them more...I think I will...10 stars!! Incredible group sound, outstanding vocals on songs that are well written! Can't wait to see THUNDER ROAD live if they sound this GOOD recorded! I have my copy, you better get yours before they're all gone! And when this band is heard, they will be gone FAST! THUNDER ROAD IS BEYOND AWESOME!!!!! - WKKG Columbus, Ind.
Rarely does country music spread its wings and soar with such conviction, emotion and clarity as we find in the Thunder Road self-titled album. With a touch of crossover appeal, threads of sonic, accessible pop and earthy, rootsy rock, this modern male country touches on all the qualities that draw country fans to an artist- substantial warmth, clear and solid songwriting, rich instrumentation and memorable vocals that carry you through the stories and journeys with a personal, honest attitude. While Thunder Road compares itself to Lonestar and Blackhawk, they certainly touch on a wide variety of tastes from old school to new school. Five stars for this new release. - CDBaby.com
“THUNDER ROAD - Thunder Road . . .
Five-man band from San Bernardino, CA, sound like a real contender for the big time. . . . thanks in large part due to the powerful lead vocals by Michael Austin. Thunder Road’s album includes the original cut of the song, “Time Well Wasted,” just recently released as the title track tune on Brad Paisley’s new album. Other covers here include What If I’m Right, part of Shane Stockton’s debut album, and What Your Hear Is Telling You,” previously done b Canadian west coast band, McQueen. Some of hte BEST BETS here include Heartbreak Tattoo, Over California and Eight Miles South of Sanity.”
- Country Music News November, 2005
“Toby Keith, back on Gilley’s stage again Sunday night for a drop in with Ricochet. He came by on Saturday night and, after having a drink in his favorite bar stool at the front(far left seat), he joined Ricochet and Thunder Road and performed for well over an hour. Also there: comedian Bill Engval.” - Las Vegas Review-Journal December 6, 2005
"Aside from the quality musicianship, each Thunder Road performance is paved with the energy exuded from lead vocalist Michael Austin. Bill Shapiro, Bill Roberts, Paul Burkhart and Luke James provide excitement and a powerful stage presence. Thunder Road, a contemporary country group, has appeared throughout the United States. The individual members were brought together to form a high energy, high harmony new country band!” Tower Records
- Tower Records
“When I hear the band Thunder Road, I hear talent that is just waiting to be released to a national audience. . . The talent begins with their song writing. They know how to tell a story while showcasing their individual musical talents. . . . Thunder Road is a rare breed, they are a band with talent, energy and heart that needs to be put on a national stage so that the world can enjoy what Southern California has been talking about.”
Jimmy Hoppa,
Air - Personality
KFRG 95.1
San Bernardino/Orange County CA. - 95.1Radio F.M. San Bernardino/Orange County CA.
“ Thunder Road is . . . high energy, clean and new. They were great.”
Shawn Parr,
Radio Personality; KZLA
Los Angeles/Orange Counties, CA. - KZLA Radio, Los Angeles/Orange Counties, CA.
“. . . I am truly impressed with their sound and stage show. . . their original material is as good as any I play on KFRG. Thunder Road has several songs in their list that are very radio friendly and that could put this group on the map.”
Dave Hasslehop,
Air - Personality KFRG 95.1
San Bernardino/Orange County CA.
- KFRG 95.1 Radio F.M. San Bernardino/Orange County CA
“Thunder Road, a contemporary country group, has appeared throughout the United States. The individual members were brought together to form a high energy, high harmony new country band. Aside from the quality musicianship, each Thunder Road performance is paved with the energy exuded from lead vocalist Michael Austin. Bill Shapiro, Billy Roberts, Paul Burkhart and Luke James provide excitement and a powerful stage presence.”
Hillcrest Records; Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
- Hillcrest Records; Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
“I have spent several years in Las Vegas with Thunder Road, not just catching their incredible high energy show, I've been on the bus, rehearsed and performed with them. These guys are friends and I know it’s just a matter of time. . .”
Bill Engval, comedian
- Bill Engval, comedian
Discography
"Thunder Road" Self Titled Album (2005)
Everything's Different Now
Man In The Moonshine
Eight Miles South Of Sanity
Time Well Wasted
Don't Get No Better
Over California
What If I'm Right
Heartbreak Tattoo
What Your Heart Is Telling You
Take It Like A Man
"Over California" Single (2004)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Thunder Road was formed in 1997, when several top musicians got together to form a high harmony, high energy vocal group. Bill Shapiro's roots are as a rock lead guitarist. His interest in pedal steel landed him in country music. He also plays slide guitar, acoustic guitar, MeloBar lap steel, banjo and Dobro. He sings lead and backup vocals. * * * Michael Austin's rich and distinctive voice is the centerpiece of Thunder Road, wrapped with backup harmonies. Michael's signature vocals are equaled only by his showmanship and stage presence which makes a TR show a real experience. Thunder Road's tribute cover songs are mastered by Michael's ability to duplicate voice and inflections. * * * "The great thing about country music is that I get to play my guitar and sing", says Billy Roberts, who started playing country music when he was a kid. Billy plays lead guitar, sings lead and backup vocals. He is also a songwriter. * * * Paul Burkhart has a well rounded musical education and plays several instruments, but prefers the drums. He loves to sing and enjoys arranging the rich backup harmonies to round out the signature Thunder Road sound. Paul is also a talented songwriter and lyricist. * * * Luke James was a hard/metal rocker from Memphis, TN who went west to California where his musical interest spilled over into country music, and country is where he stays. Luke plays bass guitar and provides backup vocals.
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