SIDNEY – In the last year, the Sidney-based Woodshed Prophets have gained a considerable following in the Norwich area. That should come as no surprise considering the group – known for its alternative, rock-n-roll approach to folk and country music – features members of both Dirt Farm and Fetish Lane, both local favorites in the past.
Comprised of guitarists Dan Hardy and Rob Stachyra, bassist Ed Gliha and drummer Sean Kanazawich, the band is set to officially release its self-titled debut album with an 8 p.m. performance and CD Release Party tonight at McGirk’s Irish Pub, 1 Kattelville Road, Chenango Bridge, according to Gliha, formerly of Fetish Lane.
Featuring a selection of 16 all-original compositions – with songwriting duties split fairly even between Hardy and Stachyra – the album attempts to faithfully recreate the energy, spontaneity and originality of a live Prophets performance. Gliha added that nearly a dozen guest musicians – including producer and engineer Pinecone Fletcher – make an appearance on the disc as well, which only adds to its depth.
With such a wide range of country, rock-n-roll, folk and Americana influences – including the likes of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Wilco, Willie Nelson, The Beatles, John Prine, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones – it’s no wonder the Prophets’ sound is so hard to categorize. In addition, the band’s live performances focus almost exclusively on original music, said Gliha, which can be a fairly rare occurrence when it comes to the local live music scene.
From the psychedelic, country-western twang of “Creepy Cowboy” to the heartfelt tribute of “Missing You,” the album is a truly original piece of work, from John Champlin’s unique cover art to the recording itself.
Recorded at Panda Records Recording Studio in Binghamton, mixed at Trax East Recording Studio in South River, N.J. and mastered at West West Side Music in New Windsor, copies of the disc will be available for $10 at tonight’s CD Release Party.
For those who can’t make it to tonight’s show, The Woodshed Prophets will return to Norwich for a pair of performances on April 1 and May 6 at Beadle’s Lounge, 15 Lackawanna Ave. For more information visit www.woodshedprophets.com.