Tim Easton (full band!) + Madison Square Gardeners June 29, 2011

Tim Easton is a consummate traveling songwriter. From his Ohio roots through stretches in Paris and Prague, Tim grew his credentials with stints in NYC and LA, leading to his latest encampment in the high desert country outside of Joshua Tree, California. This contemporary troubadour, in the strictest definition of the word, continues to make the rounds in a business where traveling is both the inspiration and the reward.

His continuous adventures down roads both easily traveled and not are evident in the songs on his latest effort, BEAT THE BAND, an independent release from Easton's own label, CAMPFIRE PROPAGANDA. Another revolution for Easton's songwriting, the observation and introspection on BEAT THE BAND marks his first entirely independent release since his '98 debut, Special 20. The album is also his first effort recorded with a traveling band since his college days with Columbus, Ohio's short lived Haynes Boys. Since those days Tim has shared stages in North America, Europe, and Japan with artists/influences Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt and M. Ward.

"This is a unique batch of songs - not just everyday stories," says Easton. "Some of these lyrics are brand new, some of them I've carried with me for the better part of 10 years."

BEAT THE BAND was recorded and produced by The Freelan Barons during a five day session at Nashville's Club Roar, and mixed by Grammy winner Steve Christensen in Houston. Easton's direction and depth of craftsmanship shine fully on BEAT THE BAND - one foot standing firmly in the history of American folk music, while the other strides deftly into lush pop harmonies and song constructions. The effect propels listeners from the melancholic soul searching of a night where Nobody Plays Piano in Athens, Georgia, to the redemption and hope stirring through the protagonist of Daily Life.

The bristle of Porcupine, Easton's prior release (New West, 2009), is still present in BEAT THE BAND, but it has gained the polish and shine that come only with a band that has developed a strong collaborative rapport. The songs were worked over prior to entering the studio by The Freelan Barons on a three week tour of the Midwest. The discipline inherent to band sets gave the folksinger with an aversion to doing things the same way twice a good reason to pin these arrangements down.

Knowing Easton's catalog didn't hurt either - both Mark Stepro (drums, Ben Kweller), Aaron Lee Tasjan (guitar & piano, Madison Square Gardeners) used to sneak into the music clubs of Columbus, Ohio to hear Tim play. Alex Livingstone, from Austin, TX's Grand Champeen, rounds out the rhythm section on a Rickenbacker bass. The talent present and time spent bashing these songs out in clubs has given a distinct edge to BEAT THE BAND.
http://www.timeaston.com/

Formed in 2008, The Madison Square Gardeners play fun, loud, simple rock'n'roll. With an arsenal of songs anyone can sing along to, the band has taken their show on the road supporting The New York Dolls, Black Joe Lewis And The Honeybears, Drivin' N' Cryin', Marah and many more. The band members have also served time in groups like Roseanne Cash, Justin Townes Earle, Ben Kweller and The New York Dolls. They are currently amidst a 4 EP project with the 3rd due out March 15th on First Of Three/IODA Records. The band is touring constantly in support of their music and is extremely grateful to anyone who listens to them. Thanks for being here.
http://www.madisonsquaregardeners.com/

Official Website: http://www.jamminjava.com/