Wells-next-the-Sea

Chance encounters in the frozen foods aisle and at a going away party for a friend of a friend first brought the group together. Mike Medina, Dann Morr, Philip Robbins, and Sarah J Wille are a combination of new acquaintances and old friends; veteran sidemen to many Chicago artists and newcomers to the Windy City music scene. Their common interests in folk and roots music plus the enjoyment and challenge of learning to play new instruments inspired them to collaborate on a sound of their own. The result is Guest House, Wells-next-the-Sea's debut album.

After the release of Guest House, Philip relocated to Arizona and Dann assembled a revolving group of musicians to translate the music from the studio to the stage. Over several months of performing together, the revolving lineup evolved into a new Wells-next-the-Sea and the band returned to the studio to record their follow-up to Guest House. This time around Dann Morr is joined by multi-instrumentalists/songwriters Brennan Mackey and Danny Sherrard, New Zealand-born violinist/vocalist Liz Barnett and George Henner on drums. The new Wells-next-the-Sea EP, Passenger Side, is scheduled for release in March, 2012.

Wells-next-the-Sea has shared the stage with The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, The Giving Tree Band, Brighton MA, Gringo Star, Maren Parusel, among others.

"Jeff Tweedy, please note: your lost twin brothers are alive and well... Dann Morr and Philip Robbins have written and arranged a magnificent album that begs to be presented on the stage of The Ryman Auditorium." - Gary Gone, Independisc