Railroad Earth

Infobox musical artist
Name = Railroad Earth


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Origin = Stillwater, New Jersey, USA
Genre = Jam band
Bluegrass
Years_active = 2001–Present
Label = SCI Fidelity Records
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URL = [http://www.railroadearth.com/ railroadearth.com]
Current_members = Todd Sheaffer
Tim Carbone
John Skehan
Andy Goessling
Carey Harmon
Johnny Grubb
Past_members = Dave Von Dollen

Railroad Earth is a roots and Americana-based jamband from Stillwater, New Jersey, New Jersey. Their name stems from a Jack Kerouac poem "October in the Railroad Earth," and the band has a song by the same name. Railroad Earth's music combines elements of bluegrass, rock and roll, jazz, celtic and more, and the group is known for its extensive live improvisation and lyrical songwriting within an acoustic base.

History

The band members first came together in early 2001. Originally comprised of guitarist/vocalist Todd Sheaffer, violinist/vocalist Tim Carbone, mandolinist/vocalist John Skehan, multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Andy Goessling, drummer/vocalist Carey Harmon, and bassist Dave Von Dollen, the group played both original compositions mostly written by Sheaffer, the former From Good Homes songwriter, as well as traditional songs. After just three weeks of rehearsals, they went into a local recording studio and tracked a five song demo. Recorded live with no overdubs except backing vocals, "The Black Bear Sessions" set Railroad Earth's career in motion. Within a week they had a manager on board who then sent their demo out to several festivals, quickly landing a slot at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was their tenth gig. "The Black Bear Sessions" was released to the public in June 2001, and following their appearance at Telluride Sugar Hill Records approached the band and offered them a record deal. "The Black Bear Sessions" contains some of the most popular songs in Railroad Earth's repertoire, including "Seven Story Mountain" and "Head."

In June 2002, Railroad Earth released their follow-up album to "The Black Bear Sessions" (and first official Sugar Hill release) entitled "Bird In A House", featuring songs such as "Like A Buddha," "Mighty River," and the title track to the LP. The band continued its steady touring schedule, playing theatres, folk-music festivals, jam-band festivals, and other venues, while gathering much praise for its unique sound and enjoyable live concerts. The band eventually built up a fanbase who call themselves Hobos.

In 2003 Dave Von Dollen was replaced by bassist Johnny Grubb. In 2004 the band released its third studio effort, "The Good Life", featuring "Storms," Mourning Flies," and "Goat." The band continues to tour throughout the country, and its first live album, "Elko," was issued in late January 2006. They performed at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on September 15, 2007.

The band has a new studio album, entitled "Amen Corner", to be released in June 2008. The new album features songs such as "Been Down This Road," "Waggin' The Dog," and "Lovin' You." They will continue to tour throughout 2008.

Fan Base

Railroad Earth fans (termed "Hobos") are known for their intense devotion to the band and frequently join Railroad Earth for a number of shows during any particular tour. Like the Grateful Dead, their music is often described as transcendent and spiritual in nature by some of their admirers. Many first hand reports of concert goers report this transcendent and spiritual nature.

Members

Current members

*Todd Sheaffer - guitar, vocals (2001 - present)
*Tim Carbone - violin, vocals (2001 - present)
*John Skehan - mandolin, vocals (2001 - present)
*Andy Goessling - acoustic guitars, banjo, dobro, mandolin, flute, pennywhistle, saxophones and vocals (2001 - present)
*Carey Harmon - drums, hand percussion, vocals (2001 - present)
*Johnny Grubb - upright bass (2003 - present)

Past members

* Dave Von Dollen - bass, vocals (2001 - 2003)

Discography

Albums

External links

* [http://www.railroadearth.com/ Official website] - contains biography, sample MP3s, tour dates, merchandise, and contact info.
* [http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/earthboard/ Earthboard] - Railroad Earth fan discussion site, with lyrics, band and concert updates, music trading, and more
* [http://www.archive.org/details/RailroadEarth Live shows at Archive.org] - provides over 600 free and legal downloads of complete Railroad Earth concerts from 2001 to the present
* [http://www.musicbox-online.com/interviews/rr-earth.html Railroad Earth Takes a Live Ride] - The Music Box, Vol. 13, #2
* [http://www.rrecentral.com Railroad Earth Fansite] - contains news, message board, setlists, tourdates and articles.
* [http://www.johnsonsdepot.com/blueplum06/blueplum06.htm Concert Photo Gallery] - Photos from Railroad Earth concert at Blue Plum Festival - Johnson City Tennessee in 2006.
* [http://www.honesttune.com/content/view/974/49/ Say Amen! Railroad Earth Returns WIth Their First Studio Album In Four Years] from honesttune.com.