NORWICH – The Chenango County Council of the Arts, Norwich, will present The John Henrys, Canadian alternative country and roots band, on Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Martin W. Kappel Theater.
The John Henrys have a sound that is undefinable. They draw from a potpourri of influences and styles and blend them into something that is part alt-country, part Americana, part jam band and part rock n roll.
Compared to the likes of Neil Young, The Band and Tom Petty, The John Henrys have developed a reputation for tight musicianship, original arrangements and well crafted song writing. Band members Rey Sabatin (lead vocals / guitarist), Steve Tatone (keyboards), Doug Gouthro (guitar), Daryl Quinlan (bass) and Geoff Ward (drums) all contribute to songwriting and production, and their music shows a deep appreciation for vintage instruments and analog recording.
The John Henrys first hit the Canadian music scene with the release of their self-titled debut album released locally in their hometown of Ottawa in 2004. With the support from the local college radio station CKCU the album went to #1 and was featured extensively on CBC radio, including a performance on the national show Definitely Not The Opera. Over the next few years The John Henrys expanded their fan base touring with The Sadies, Cuff the Duke, the Golden Dogs, Elliot Brood and FembBots. The time spent on the road inspired more writing and arranging of songs that would eventually be recorded and released on “Sweet as the Grain” their second album on the 9lb Records imprint which was picked up and released by Linus Entertainment. “Sweet as the Grain” went on to receive rave reviews throughout Canada, the UK and the US while hitting #1 hit on iTunes Canada Roots Music Albums week of release and #1 on Earshot National Campus and Community Radio Folk Roots chart, and Top 15 on the XM/Sirius Americana Channel XCountry. In support of the album, the band toured extensively in the US, hitting cities and towns across Texas, Tennesee, Ohio, and across the Midwest.
