HGMN Bands

Soul Pilgrimage is a true sonic voyage, navigating the listener through expanses of electronic texture and rhythm, rich and soaring electric guitar tones, insistent melodies, and layered harmonies, while riding waves of analog and digital synthesis and amplified electric guitar. Echoes of Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Ry Cooder, Parliament-Funkadelic, Genesis, Brian Eno, Miles Davis, and countless influences swirl in headphones and lurk in the nooks and crannies of a lush and detailed stereo soundstage.

"There is a family of musicians in Charlottesville unlike any place I have ever been. It's people like Michael Sokolowski who make it so special. He's world class." -- Dave Matthews, RCA Recording Artist

Michael has been performing, composing and producing music professionally for more than 30 years. After studying philosophy and music composition in college, he abandoned a graduate school academic path to spend time collaborating with some of the leading lights of Virginia's improvisational music scene in the 1980s (including modern guitar legend, Tim Reynolds; Chapman Stick master, Greg Howard; jazz trumpet great, John D'Earth; Dave Matthews Band saxophonist, Leroi Moore; and pianist Don Pullen's favorite bassist, Lenny Martin). Michael's love of free improvisation manifested in a duet album with Tim Reynolds and the formation of Offering (a multi-instrumentalist trio with Tim and Worth Proffitt). Offering released two CDs, including a live recording from New York's Knitting Factory in 2001. In 1985, he toured Europe as pianist with Lexington's Tim Eddy Trio, settling into an extended performance residency in Paris, France--most notably appearing in legendary film director Frederic Rossif's loving portrait of the French music scene, Coeur des Musiciens. Sokolowski's instrumental trio (with master funk bassist Houston Ross and late drummer extraordinaire Johnny Gilmore), Soko (now Sokoband), was a vital part of Charlottesville's musical landscape for most of the '90s and Sokolowski's most important musical project.

Formed in 1990 as a piano/bass/drum trio playing Michael's compositions, Soko was, in a sense, a proto jam band, exploring far-flung improvisation via jazz-influenced rock instrumentals. The band worked relentlessly, honing a sophisticated ensemble rapport where set lists and stock arrangements weren't needed and the trio felt free to disappear into the rabbit hole of the moment --musically reinventing itself every night, and developing a strong relationship with its audience. In 1997, the band released its debut CD, In November Sunlight, featuring guest appearances by members of Dave Matthews Band (Dave, Leroi Moore, and Tim Reynolds)-- friends of the band and fellow Charlottesville musicians. Because of this association, the disc achieved high sales numbers for an instrumental record. But from a performance and production standpoint, Sokolowski believed that the recording failed to capture the band at its best.

The band disbanded in 1998, though Sokolowski and Ross remained close friends and musical partners. In 2000, the two began work on their follow-up recording, Two--enlisting the help of many studio musicians to flesh out the textures and arrangements. Whereas Soko's music had previously been exclusively about Michael's tunes, now Houston Ross began to collaborate as a writer, arranger, and singer. It took a long time, but in 2005, the CD was released. Two years later, two of its tracks--"Storyteller" and "Stella: Reflections"--were featured in LA filmmaker Jon Ezrine's dark and comic documentary, Son of a Bitch! At about that time, Michael and Houston teamed up with formidable drummer, Nir Z (Genesis, John Mayer, Chris Cornell, Joss Stone and many others) to work on a re-recording of In November Sunlight in an effort to render more definitive versions of their early material. Sokoband was released in 2010, and included a bonus track of material from the Two sessions. The album features exciting and beautiful collaborations with jam band guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Kimock; Grammy-winning cellist and composer, David Darling; Tower of Power saxophonist, George Brooks; and other musical luminaries--in addition to friends from Dave Matthews Band--reprising their roles.

Over the last ten years or so, Michael put his musical projects on the back burner in order to focus on his e-commerce career and devote more time to family. Now that the kids are grown, he's jumping back into musical creativity in a big way. He's working with Houston on writing and recording a new Sokoband record; playing in a rehearsal jazz trio with Offering drummer Worth Proffitt; and recording an assortment of near-to-his-heart cover tunes. In addition, Tim Reynolds and Mike plan a follow-up to Common Margins. And in an exciting new development, 2018 will see the launch of Sokolowski's local music interview podcast, Hometown Fliers, a show where Michael and the stars of local music scenes will explore the relationship between art and place.

Home Town: 
Charlottesville, VA
Region: 
South East
Genres: 
Instrumental
Jazz
Rock
A genre-bending rock quartet from Raleigh, NC, Cosmic Superheroes blend creative songwriting, catchy lyrics, and danceable improv jams, vowing to give audiences a unique experience each show.

A fun addition to the Southeast music scene, these guys consistently create interesting moments shifting between many styles packaged into cartons of joy.

In Summer 2020, the group will release their 3rd full-length studio album, titled simply, Cosmic Superheroes.  Featuring 8 new original tracks, this collection is the band's first ever LP on vinyl. This collection of tunes showcases heady songwriting, mesmerizing riffs, and blazing grooves. 

Home Town: 
Raleigh, NC
Region: 
South East
Genres: 
Jamband
Psychedelic
Rock
Stephen's music is heartfelt and mesmerizing. He performs each song like it's the last time he's ever going to play it. His unique brand of songwriting and performance will definitely be a great addition to any music roster. His live performance is a must-see!

Drawing from Americana and Jamband roots, Stephen's music collides with the Funk and Soul of the deep south to inspire heartfelt lyrics, groovy rhythms and creative melodies. His background in the theatre arts creates an electric and magnetic stage performance which has to be witnessed to be believed.

Stephen primarily performs as a solo act using a loop pedal to incorporate rhythm guitar, bass, beatbox, lead guitar, vocal harmonies and effects. He performs mostly original music, but is known to throw a good cover into his repertoire. His compact set-up and break-down make him an excellent option for festivals and multiple act events.

He tours with his live show regularly and is always looking for new corners of the Earth to explore and perform. He can also be seen playing bass in Funk Butter Band or rhythm guitar and vocals in Feral Swine Experiment.

Home Town: 
St. Augustine, FL
Region: 
South East
Genres: 
Americana
Funk
Jamband
Rock
If you love reggae, you’ve heard Andy Bassford play guitar. It’s that simple. From Horace Andy’s 1977 classic “In The Light,” to 2018’s Sting/Shaggy duet “44/876,” Andy has recorded or performed with reggae artists from the Abyssinians to Zap Pow. In April of this year, Andy released his first solo album, “The Harder They Strum,” a loving remake of the classic soundtrack that jump-started his reggae career.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Andy was classically trained on violin and viola. He then taught himself harmonica, electric bass, mandolin, and tenor banjo. Inspired by seeing B.B. King on TV, Andy switched to guitar. A quick study, Andy was playing in rock bars before he could drink in them. But when Andy saw the Jimmy Cliff film "The Harder They Come" at college in 1973, he immediately fell in love with reggae. Andy soon discovered that Hartford's large Jamaican community had its own record shops and reggae bands. He joined one, the Mighty Venturians, the week he graduated from college.

Studio One veteran Horace Andy, then living in Hartford, hired Andy to play on the NYC sessions that became "In The Light." It sold well. But when no tour materialized. Andy returned to rock, also playing in Latin jazz, folk, country, and new wave bands. In 1980, Horace and Andy reconnected. Horace invited him to Jamaica to record again. The project never happened. But Andy fell in with a crew of hot newcomers, producer Junjo Lawes and the Roots Radics band. Together they recorded Michael Prophet's "Gunman" and the Wailing Souls' "Fire House Rock." Andy decided to stay in Jamaica to pursue studio work.

In January 1981, Andy joined Lloyd Parks and We The People Band. The group toured with Dennis Brown, did sessions, and played marathon stage shows and dances. It was an unparalleled learning experience. During this period Andy also kept up a busy session schedule, recording with Sly and Robbie, the Wailers, and most of the other major reggae producers and artists in Jamaica.

Returning to the US in 1985 for family reasons, Andy stayed with Dennis Brown until 1988. Between tours, Andy recorded for Coxsone Dodd's Studio One until the latter's passing in 2004. He spent twenty-two years with Toots and the Maytals, culminating in 2004's  Grammy-winning "True Love" album. Andy has also toured with Yellowman, Super Cat, and the Skatalites. In 2003, the Jamaica Federation of Musicians honored Andy for Outstanding Contributions to the Jamaican Music Industry.

Outside of reggae, Andy has recorded with Rihanna, Natalie Merchant, Bobby Keys, Graham Haynes, Felix da Housecat, Matt Andersen, and Adam Pascal. He has performed with Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Lavern Baker, and Rosco Gordon. Based in the Bronx, Andy performs with Jamaican jazz master Monty Alexander's Harlem-Kingston Express and reggae bass legend Derrick Barnett's Statement Band, plays sessions, and teaches.

Home Town: 
Brooklyn, NY
Region: 
North East
Genres: 
Reggae
Dedicated song crafting has always been the cornerstone of The Freeway Revival.

A group forged on the road, they continue to use their lyrics and powerful vocal harmonies as a window into the life of a traveling band on the current American landscape. Their refreshing and explosive blend of southern roots rock, funk, mountain music and psychedelic soul translates into a genre-dissolving sound that feels strangely familiar yet remains entirely unique to itself.

Turning heads all over the east coast and continually growing a dedicated grassroots fan base, Freeway Revival has shared the stage with artists like Dumpstaphunk, Lukas Nelson, Melvin Seals, Everyone Orchestra, Big Something, Zach Deputy, Keller Williams, Toubab Krewe, Dangermuffin and many other great national and regional artists. After the successful release of their 2016 self-titled EP, The Freeway Revival burst onto the scene in the fall of 2017 with their heavy hitting debut album "Revolution Road", which appeared as #20 on Jambands.com National Radio Charts.

Performing live, The Freeway balances organized, well-crafted tunes with a jam ethos that lends a raw and explorative power to the music. The blend of tasteful guitar harmonies, vibrant four-part vocal harmonies, and a unique assortment of organ and piano melodies creates a soundscape that is both musically intricate and soulfully energetic. Rest that on the groove of a solid rhythm section, and you are sure to feel the magnetic force of this band! Each member plays a vital role in making the live experience unforgettable, and the journey is ongoing and exponential as the group allows the livelihood of what they do to shape their sound and experience - thus forming their mantra 'Live the Freeway'.

 

BAND MEMBERS

Adam Clayton: Keyboards and Vocals
Jonathan Clayton: Guitar, Pedal Steel, Vocals
Tim Husk: Guitar, Cello, Vocals
Kenny Crowley: Bass and Vocals
Cartwright Brandon: Drums 

 

Press:

 

"A well-written, superbly played collection, the album displays the group's distinctive character... Listeners who appreciated Delaney & Bonnie in the '70s -- or who enjoy the Tedeschi Trucks Band today -- will find a similarly eclectic and soulful mindset at work in the music of The Freeway Revival... If Spin Doctors had written less gimmicky tunes with stronger melodies back in the '90s, they might have sounded a bit like The Freeway Revival... Armed with its unique set of assets, The Freeway Revival seems poised for wider recognition."
- Bill Kopp - music journalist, historian, author

"As one listens to Asheville-based The Freeway Revival.. you're gonna hear a little bit of everything we've grown up with-the Allmans, Garcia-era Dead,  Dylan, on up thru the likes of Gov't Mule, the CRB, and Tedeschi-Trucks on today's scene.  We don't want to call them "Southern rock," because, although they have Southern roots, this music is much, much more... Their incredible musicianship, collaborative songwriting and spot-on harmony arrangements make this set special."
- Sheryl and Don Crow - Nashville Blues Society

"The Freeway Revival is a five-piece roots rock band from Asheville, NC, that prides itself on powerful lyrics and harmonies often lost in the larger jam scene. Their first full length release, the 11-track "Revolution Road," is a high-energy infusion of ripping blues licks, funky keyboard trills, smooth, welcoming vocals, and poignant stories perfectly accented by unique and impressive instrumentation...  "Sense of Wonder" and "Angel in Rymes" echo early String Cheese in a way that is fresh and innovative, but also familiar and exciting to hear again."
- The Jamwich

Home Town: 
Asheville, NC
Region: 
South East
Genres: 
Americana
Jamband
Rock
Roots
Joe Craven, 30 + years in the biz, has recorded & performed with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Alison Brown and Rob Ickes + swapped licks with folks from David Lindley & Howard Levy, to Stephane Grappelli & Roy Rogers.

WHAT IT IS: Imagine music covered, written and/or sung by Grateful Dead patriarch Jerry Garcia in a fresh bouquet of interpretation; "Franklin's Tower" with a funk filled Cajun two-step... "Scarlet Begonias" as a Cuban-Son-meets-Carlos Santana rocker... Irving Berlin with a Dobro in Russia... "Shady Grove" with a moody, slightly noir twist... "Gomorrah" with guitar slingers from a spaghetti western ridin' a dusty 2 beat trail with fiddle & bongos... Garcia Songbook is this... and much more in this tribute Joe & Co. pay to a man Joe recorded and performed with in the early 90s and his influence on all The Sometimers.

MUSICAL STYLES:  Rockin' Roots, Altered Americana, Twisted Twang & Whirled Music

PERSONNEL: Joe Craven (mandolin, fiddle, percussion / vocals), Bruce MacMillan (guitars, Dobro / vocals), Barry Eldridge (drums), Jonathan Stoyanoff (bass / vocals) & Hattie Craven (harmony vocals)

Home Town: 
Davis, CA
Region: 
West
Genres: 
Acoustic
Americana
Cajun/Zydeco
Folk & Traditional
Funk
Fusion
Jamband
Jazz
Rock
Roots
World Rhythms
The Trongone Band
Since their formation, the Trongone Band has been gaining momentum with a sound that falls between southern Rock ‘n’ Soul & Americana Jam. They have been turning heads and making an big impact on the music scene.

Formed as a family by brothers Andrew and Johnny, The Trongone Band enlisted much sought-after keyboardist Ben "Wolfe" White and award-winning bassist Todd Herrington to solidify their touring lineup. Herrington adds a crucial dimension of deep pocket groove and funk to the already seasoned unit. 

As a collaborative effort, the band is set to push forward and tour from coast to coast and continue their growth as a band. This four-piece ensemble may not all be related, but with a chemistry so emphatically discernible, it's fair to call them brothers.

Home Town: 
Richmond, VA
Region: 
South East
Genres: 
Blues
Country
Funk
Rock
Roots
Psylo Joe is a Psychedelic Rock trio based out of Greenville, NC.

Blending an array of tasteful covers with an impressive catalog of originals, they have been touring successfully for 5 years. Along the way, they have gained a loyal and congenial following throughout the Southeastern United States.

They have shared the stage with national touring acts including Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Spafford, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Big Something, Aqueous and many more.

Improvisation is at the foreground of their live performance and they blend different styles of funk and rock to form a sound that is unique, yet feels familiar. Striving to keep things fresh for their audience is one of the best aspects about this band. 

Home Town: 
Greenville, NC
Region: 
South East
Genres: 
Jamband
Jazz
Psychedelic
Rock
Twin Brothers, Eric and Kyle Travers, have been brewing soul stew since they first began performing together at 13 years old.

In 2012 the brothers formed their latest project, Travers Brothership, a 7-Piece Neo-Soul, Funk, and Rock n' Roll ensemble based out of Asheville, NC.

Travers Brothership performs a wide variety of music, making each concert a unique experience. Utilizing the the band's eclectic songwriting, they provide a live atmosphere that turns the audience into a community embracing musical fulfillment. Providing soulful grooves that insist on dancing shoes, Travers Brothership is sure to get you up on your feet to absorb their high energy performance.

In 2013, Travers Brothership released the "I Don't Mind" EP. It reached the Top 20 spot in Reverb Nation's National Charts, and peaked at the number 1 spot in the Asheville chart.

In support of the EP, Travers Brothership began touring nationally and has since performed 300+ concerts across the United States. The band has shared the stage with many accomplished acts such as: String Cheese Incident, Taj Mahal, Blues Traveler, Robert Randolph, Charles Bradley, Leftover Salmon, Traveling McCourys, Moon Taxi, Pimps of Joytime, Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band, Dr. John, and many more.

Over the course of two national tours, the band began to work on a full-length album with Grammy award winning producer, Juan "Pericles" Covaz, in Winter Park, FL, and Grammy nominated engineer, Matt Williams in Asheville, NC. After deciding to fund  the album independently, the band raised $5,000 with a Kickstarter campaign, and finished recording in the winter of 2015.

Travers Brothership's debut LP, "A Way to Survive", was released in 2016 on CD, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, and most other online distributors. The album has already received very positive reviews, and instantly received airplay on radio stations throughout the Southeast.

Travers Brothership is currently touring the U.S. in support of their debut album "A Way To Survive".

"This is a band that possesses a soulful magic and heart you don't find in many young bands. This is real art." - Danny Harlen Mote, Lucky Trend Music

Home Town: 
Asheville, NC
Region: 
South East
Genres: 
Funk
Jamband
Rock
There's always been something rambunctious about Nick Moss. While other artists settle into a genre, Nick has always been about discovering new sonic territory, new textures and new musical frontiers.

ROCK AND ROLL WITH SOUL AND BLUES WITH A GROOVE - Featuring the amazing vocals of Michael Ledbetter, (Descendant of the Great Leadbelly) and the blazing inventive fretwork of guitar master Nick Moss.

There's always been something rambunctious about Nick Moss. While other artists settle into a genre, Nick has always been about discovering new sonic territory, new textures and new musical frontiers. His recording career spans decades and his albums are staples at blues radio worldwide, and are now in rotation at stations with jam and rock formats. All this would leave most artists satisfied to stick with a niche. However, Nick's pursuit of sound comes from a restless, innovative and constant search for music that evokes a physical and emotional response. It's not just chords and progressions and songs that make up Nick's music mentality, but his desire to elevate an audience; to evoke a feeling of euphoric energy between performer and listener; to capture sound as well as sensation.

Nick's formative years were lived to the tunes of Led Zeppelin, Gladys Knight, The OJ's, Sly and the Family Stone, The Ohio Players, James Brown, The Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, Free and Black Oak Arkansas. "Music was everywhere when I was growing up," he remembers. "My mom and dad loved music and it was always playing in the house. Music was piped in at the pool we went to in the summer. The joys of my young life were going to the record store and flipping through vinyl." Nick laughs, "I actually carried a cassette in my pocket so if I was at a friend's house and they had something new, I could make a copy. There was nothing quite like popping that cassette into a deck and hearing something I'd never heard before." 

It's Nick's childlike enthusiasm for all kinds of music- backed by the guitar, vocal and songwriting chops to take on any style that is downright contagious and has contributed to his recognition as an artist not defined by blues boundaries. "A lot of my blues fans like what I'm doing with my non-straight blues," he explains. In 2011, Moss released Here I Am, which debuted at an impressive #2 on the Relix/jambands.com radio chart. Moss' 2014 release Time Ain't Free "reaches deeper into soul, funk, and rock 'n' roll...." said Billboard Magazine. Victoria Amps Mark Baier, writing for chicagobluesguide.com,  said Moss is "a modern cross generational musician." 

"I think authentic music, real music, is about experimenting," says Nick. "I love what I do but I don't want to do it the same way every performance or on every recording." It's Nick's insistence that he and his band expand territories instead of settling in or settling down to one style. 

Whether its blistering blues or Allman influenced rock or an apt social commentary set to brilliant music, Nick Moss continues to meld influences and reach into the unknown and experiment with the sounds he finds. And for Nick, it's not all about his own musical journey. It's always his desire from his place onstage, to pass along the passion and love of his craft to those who me to see him play. "It's about the experience," he says. "A shared love of music and being elevated and enlightened by sound."

Home Town: 
Chicago, IL
Region: 
Mid West
Genres: 
Blues
Jamband
Rock

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - HGMN Bands