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 The Austin-based Gourds are both a cultural oddity and a musical treasure, perhaps the alternative to alt-country, creating traditional honky-tonk sounds with an off-beat style. From the quirky radio hit “I Ate the Haggis” to their genre-bending version of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice,” the Gourds have consistently defied classification, becoming one of the more original, and certainly iconoclastic bands in modern country, or pop.
Formed in 1994, the group’s original lineup was comprised of songwriters Kevin Russell on guitar, mandolin and vocals and Jimmy Smith on bass, guitar and vocals, along with Claude Bernard on accordion and Charlie Llewellin on drums. Their debut album, Dem's Good Beeble, was released in 1997, followed a year later by Stadium Blitzer, where the band’s innate quirkiness, but deep musical sensibilities emerged on tracks like "Plaid Coat" and "I Ate the Haggis." It was with the live EP Gogitchershinebox, however, that the Gourds became firm college radio favorites with a couple of zany cover songs — "Ziggy Stardust" and "Gin and Juice." Drummer Keith Langford joined the group soon thereafter, replacing Llewellin, and Wilco banjo and fiddle player Max Johnston (who had contributed to a number of their recording sessions) would also become a permanent member. Ghosts of Hallelujah came out in 1999, further cementing the band’s increasingly fanatical fan base, and was followed by Bolsa de Agua in the summer of 2000. A reputation for high-energy live shows plus a steady run of well-received albums — Cow Fish Fowl or Pig in 2002, Blood of the Ram in 2004, Heavy Ornamentals in 2006, and Noble Creatures in 2007 — only added to the legend.
With their ninth album, Haymaker!, and a relentless touring schedule, the Gourds have become a true maverick musical force, acknowledged for their artful songwriting, expert musicianship and sly sense of humor.
Provenance: Austin, Texas
Latest Release: Haymaker! (2009)
© 2008 Nigel Music Media LLC. Used by permission.
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