HOT BUTTERED RUM STRING BAND: In These Parts

Hot Buttered Rum String Band

In These Parts

© 2004 Hot Buttered Rum String Band (829757506722)

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California high-altitude bluegrass. HBRSB exuberantly mixes bluegrass, folk, jazz and rock into a thoroughly intoxicating concoction.

tracks

1 Three Point Two
2 Flask, Alas!
3 Evolution
4 Old Dangerfield
5 I've Let Go
6 Lighten Up Your Load
7 Horseshoe
8 Reckless Tex
9 Immaculate Rain
10 In These Parts

notes

"Their original songs are instantly familiar and inviting." -SF Chronicle

" . . . melds past and present with stunning instrumental and vocal virtuosity." -Relix Magazine

"The band's rich and diverse musical background allows them to infuse a radical newness into the genre" -SF Bay Guardian

Who are these guys? It's tough to sum up quickly (see below for extensive bios), but, in a nutshell, they're a group of onetime casual pickers who, one night at a party in Oakland, California, decided to start devoting their lives to music. Someone else in the kitchen was brewing a batch of Hot Buttered Rum, and the name just stuck. A taste, a texture, a temperature, an intoxication - warms you up and packs a punch.

That's basically what HBRSB is all about. They'll butter your ears up with some sweet, sentimental singing, then flatten them back against your head with a scorching fiddle tune. Jazz, reggae, 80's pop - anything's game for this quintet, but they keep coming back to the well of folk and bluegrass to ground their sounds. Every one of them has a vocal mic, every one writes and contributes to the creative process. They absolutely love what they do, and it shows, both in their recorded and live performances.

"In These Parts," the group's first studio effort, was recorded in the personal studio of engineer Decibel Dave Dennison, renowned for his work on the Garcia/Grisman sessions. An expert with recording and mixing acoustic music, Db Dave was a perfect match for the group. With his expert assistance on all aspects of the production, the band has created an album that will grow with them even as they soar to new heights of musical ecstasy.


Read on for in-depth bios -

Bryan Horne - upright bass and vocals
Whether he's bowing or plucking his strings, Bryan's voice on the bass is a large part of what makes Hot Buttered Rum's music so buttery. Having a bassist who not only centers the groove but also often steps out front to solo makes HBRSB a favorite of bass-heads everywhere. Bryan plays an 19th century upright bass, Dark Chocolate. Or maybe Dark Chocolate plays Bryan. It's sometimes hard to tell who's in charge.

Nat Keefe - guitar and vocals
Nat's panoramic songwriting skills and strong baritone vocals play an important part in defining HBRSB's sound. Inspired at an early age by his musician parents, Nat earned a degree in Music composition/ethnomusicology and traveled to Ghana to learn West Afican music. His diverse musical background and steadfast commitment to both his songwriting and his instrumental chops make him an exciting young guitar player on the rise.

Zachary Matthews - mandolin, fiddle and vocals
Zac began playing mandolin because it fit well in his Sierra backpack. Convenience became passion. Zac's percussive abilities on the instrument anchor HBRSB's characteristic driving sound. He began playing violin at age five, and guitar in high school. His musical collaboration with bassist Bryan Horne began ten years ago in the popular San Diego band Oversoul. He now studies mandolin with Bay Area luminary Radim Zenkl.

Aaron Redner - fiddle, mandolin and vocals
There are few violinists who can play fiddle; there are fewer fiddlers who can play violin. Aaron moves confidently between both worlds. He has studied with revered fiddle masters and at one of the nation's top music schools - the New England Conservatory. To boot, he is also a fine mandolinist and songwriter. The addition of Aaron to the band has added a fifth finger to Hot Buttered Rum's musical hand.

Erik Yates - woodwinds, banjo, accordion and vocals
How does one guy have time to practice all those instruments? Erik began his musical life on the piano at age six. He has since blossomed into a true multi-instrumentalist, playing flute, banjo, clarinet, saxophone, accordion, whistle, piano, and the saxophones. Erik brings his experience with several traditions to Hot Buttered Rum, including jazz, classical, and Irish music - all of which influence his tasty and eclectic songwriting.

reviews

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  • Ahhh...real musicians!
    author: Z

    This'll tide me over until I can see 'em live. :-)

  • Huge Smiles
    author: Lindsey

    A huge smile never fails to appear on my face when listenin' to this energizing CD! Great energy.

  • In These Parts rocks my face off!
    author: Roxy

    This is a very talented bunch of guys. Listening to "In These Parts" takes me to another place filled with friends and laughter. Perfect blend of Blugrass/Jazz and a little FUNK!

  • outstanding
    author: jefe

    This band is very exciting! They are young, talented, and they're music is extremely tight, with great lyrics. I saw them at a festival, and bought they're cd immediately after they're performance, each of them was kind enough to autograph the cd. these guys are great!

  • Very intelligent lyrics that are both humorus and profound.
    author: Shannon Kyle Morrow

    In These Parts demonstrates plenty of musical talent, but the album's lyrics set it above the rest. Nat Keefe's words to Reckless Tex and In These Parts are brilliant, and Erik Yates' lyrics to Flask, Alas! and Lighten Up Your Load are also very good. These guys dedicate a lot of effort to crafting their message. When it pulls you in emotionally, you know it's more than just a catchy tune.

  • fantastic
    author: bryan

    this is a fantastic cd. my favorites are evolution, and lighten up your load. great album.

  • Excellent - love it!
    author: Tracy

    I saw these talented men live athe Newport Folk Festival and it was just absolutely amazing! They are wonderful and I hope they tour more often and more on the east coast!

  • I love Hot Buttered Rum
    author: Doug Clark

    This is one of my favorite bluegrass bands. A lot of energy and really fun to listen to.

  • I liked it.
    author: Josh

    I saw these guys play in Florida at last years Magnoliafest, and I've been hunting for the CD ever since. But I finally got it, and I guess I can say it was worth the wait. If you like bluegrass you'll like this CD

  • These guys are the real deal
    author: Troy

    Saw these guys in Madison. They can really play.

  • all that I expected and more . . .
    author: julie

    This cd was all that I had expected and more. I laughed, I cried, I stomped my foot. Everything you want in a great bluegrass album.

  • What we've been waiting for...
    author: Magi

    This CD is, simply put, amazing. It is a great way to remember the thrill of those live jams and the full perfect sounds that reach into heart and soul. From the rocking Evolution to the ever so sweet Immaculate Rain, this is why music lovers exist, to experience on CD what they heard live. I'm sure I am not alone when I say I hope there will be many more to follow.

  • Finally
    author: Jessica Henry

    This CD is the perfect addition to a great bluegrass collection, I can't wait until they start recording their live music which is even more amazing.

  • Great CD! I wish it had more banjo in it though!
    author: Joe Agins

    Great CD! I wish it had more banjo in it though and would be curious to hear some ol traditionals played HBRSB style! These guys are great musicians and great songwriters as well. Looking forward to seeing these guys in Tempe!

  • These Guys Are Amazing!
    author: Reggie

    A great CD from start to finish. Great song writing, vocals and boy can these guys play. Don't be fooled, this is much more then just bluegrass, these guys can go anywhere musically and on this album they do...

  • i don't pretend to be a bluegrass expert just someone who likes pleasant fun mus
    author: p. walker

    i do not consider myself a bluegrass expert but i know what i like and this is pleasant, fun, and uplifting - great stuff. the added flute and accordian make for a distinctive bluegrass sound.

  • Simply glorious.
    author: Tim

    This CD is amazing, I played it for a lot of my friends, and all of the sudden, we have a little HBRSB fan club here in Wisconsin.

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