Artist description BIG WOODEN RADIO is a roots-based acoustic band featuring tight harmony vocals. Their eclectic sets are highlighted by original compositions as well as unique arrangements of traditional and contemporary songs. With three highly acclaimed CD releases to their credit, the latestin the spring of 1999, Big Wooden Radio has been steadily gaining a regional and national following.They have opened for national touring acts such asWilco, The Neville Brothers, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Del McCoury Band, Dan Hicks, and Big Sandy & His Flyright Boys. The Radio's music has been used as a soundtrack for the ABC Network's Emmy Award winning news program, 20/20, and their latest release was featured on NPR's flagship music & entertainment program, Anthem. The band has also appeared as main stage performers at the famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Music Style Americana - Acoustic pop -New Grass

Musical Influences The Band, Little Feat, New Grass Revival, Greg Brown, Jules Shear, Beatles, Bill Monroe, Steve Earle, Marshall Crenshaw, George Jones

Similar Artists The Band, Crowded House, Del McCoury Band, Buddy Miller

Artist History Big Wooden Radio was formed in 1991 in Iowa City,IA by Joe Peterson (mandolin/vocals), Will Jennings (harmonica/vocals), Sam Thompson (guitar/vocals) and Dan Brown (bass/vocals), with the goal of creating a sound that reflected their varied musical influences (bluegrass, pop, singer/songwriter, roots rock) driven by vocal harmonies, strong instrumentals and innovative original songs. Drummer T.J. Gates became a part of the ensemble in 1999...further developing and expanding BWR's musical sound and repertoire.What has developed, over 10 years of playing, is a sound that is impossible to pigeon-hole and absolutely their own.

Group Members Dan Brown - Bass and vocals, Will Jennings - Harmonica and vocals, Joe Peterson - Mandolin and vocals, Sam Thompson - Acoustic guitar and vocals, T.J. Gates - Drums and percussion

Instruments Acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, mandolin, harmonica, drums, violin, pedal steel guitar

Albums Big Wooden Radio (1993), Along These Lines (1996), Visiting Normaltown (1999)

Press Reviews ''Big Wooden Radio has more great singers than most choirs, picking AND singing its way through a delightfully unique amalgam of original folk, country, pop and rock that simply must be heard.''--Jim Musser, ICON Magazine ''Big Wooden Radio plays very satisfying acoustic music. A little bluesy, with strong harmonica and mandolin being the most distinctive flavors on this disc...these songs are strong!''--John Bobey, Jr., Dirty Linen Magazine''An awesome acoustic army, stirring original and familiar tunes in a hard-to-pigeonhole style. Part gospel grinder, part edgy pop unplugged, a measure or two of Little Walter, some sweet soul music to be sure. The songwriting is first-rate, the harmonies keening.''--Steve Wine, Associated Press

Location Iowa City, IA - USA

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