Artist description A genre-bending homebrew of blues, funk, jazz, bluegrass, country, alternative, psychedelia, and good ol' rock n' roll.

Music Style Jam-rock

Musical Influences Grateful Dead, Allman Bros. Band, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Phish, Son Volt

Similar Artists Screamin Cheetah Wheelies, Little Feat, moe., Black Crowes

Artist History Northbound Train sprung up in early 1997 from an extended family of musicians who had been playing together in various different formations for some time. Ben Kauth (Bass), Dylan Heckman (Guitar & Vocals), and Tom Clasen (Drums) had played together in two working bands: The Backpage, with guitarist Tim Scheutz (who is now Northbound Train's soundman, producer and technical guru) and the psychedelic trio known as Liquid Sunshine. Matt Brinkman (Guitar & Vocals) and Dan Allwarden (Vocals, Harmonica & Percussion) had been playing and writing songs together on and off since high school. Both Dan and original lead guitarist Brian Jagodzinski had jammed with Liquid Sunshine on a few occasions in the past. In January of '97 Tom began jamming with Matt, Brian and Dan, while still gigging regularly with Liquid Sunshine. Mike Kinney soon joined on bass and Northbound Train was born. After only a month or so of rehearsals, and one gig, Mike left the band to join The Boilerhouse Blues Band. Ben stepped in on short notice, and the chemistry seemed to be incredible. An unwillingness to commit to the band led to Jagodzinski's dismissal as lead guitarist, and in April Dylan took up guitar duties. In the spring of 1998, David Budner (formerly of the Wayfarin' Strangers) began taking occasional journeys on the train, and by June he had settled in as the sixth member. Dave's versatile talents saw him covering keyboards, MIDI and acoustic guitars, percussion, and vocal parts. In March of 1999, Budner played his last show with Norhbound Train, and left the band to pursue a solo career. Northbound Train again became a five-piece band. Through it all, the music continues to expand in many directions at once, while still remaining true to its roots. Since the embryonic beginning, Northbound Train's music has developed into a highly danceable original stew of blues, country, jazz, funk, and good ol' rock n' roll. Mixed in with a healthy dose of covers in the rock and blues vein and lots of jamming, they think you'll find it tastes.... Good.

Group Members Dan Allworden - Vocals, Harmonica, PercussionMatt Brinkman - Guitar, VocalsTom Clasen - DrumsDylan Heckman - Guitar, VocalsBen Kauth - Bass Guitar

Albums Self-Titled EP (1997), Fadeaway Moonlight (2000)

Location Stevens Point, Wisconsin - USA

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