Music Style Honkytonk Country

Musical Influences Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam

Similar Artists The Derailers, Dwight Yoakam, The Mavericks

Artist History Formed in December of 1999, this red hot honkytonk combo now features former members of Two Dollar Pistols, The Blue Dogs, Jack Black, and Betsy in the Gene Pool. Led by singer/songwriter Hobart Willis, this band quickly began taking off in the Triangle area opening for an amazing array of artists like HotClub of Cowtown, The Cigar Store Indians, and The Tremblers. Their sound draws from a wellspring of renegade classic country and kicks into high gear creating an exciting, modern-day honkytonk sound. Check out "Painted Picture", a Hobart penned track that echoes the glory days of Billy Joe Shaver and Waylon/Willie.Also, listen to "Here You Go Again", a danceable Bakersfield shuffle, not unlike the Mavericks or Derailers. "Introducing Hobart Willis & The Back Forty", the band's first CD, is now available. A rocking six song EP produced by John Plymale for Mad Anthony Productions. Available at Schoolkid's Records, CD Alley, Gate City Noise and online at www.milesofmusic.com

Group Members Hobart Willis Pat McGraw Dave Quick Tim Barnes

Instruments acoustic guitar, electric guitars, bass, drums

Press Reviews Hobart Willis and the Back Forty "Introducing..." 2001 Back Forty Sometimes it seems as if all the young folks in central North Carolina are either playing basketball or learning how to fiddle. With country-influenced groups like The Backsliders, 6 String Drag and Whiskeytown having either broken up or taken long hiatuses, the twang torch in the state capital area still burns thanks to potent shots of whiskey like this being blown on it from time to time. You're likely to hear similarities to The Backsliders and Chapel Hill's Two Dollar Pistols on this six-song EP. It's even produced by John Plymale (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Superchunk), who handled those duties on the Pistols' first album. But while the Back Forty certainly share an appreciation for hardcore honky tonk and aren't afraid to venture down the streets of Bakersfield, Willis' deep-but-sweet vocals and the rockabilly-funkiness the band shows on songs like "Wicked Ways of Love," "Me, My Baby, And the All-Night Radio" and "Needle to the Groove" make them stand up on their own. Willis, with two scoops of Waylon Jennings and a sprinkle of Johnny Bush on top in his voice, particularly shines on the slower songs like "The Way We're Living" and "Painted Picture," his vocals matched perfectly with banjo and mandolin. With only six songs, this EP leaves the listener with the best kind of criticism a band can get: more please. (Hobart Willis. E-Mail: hobartwillis@hotmail.com) - Andy Turner Country Standard Time

Location Snow Camp, NC - USA

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