Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Hot Buttered Rum String Band is Eco-Touring the Country on a Mission of Change

BMNN wrote: on Dec. 02, 2006:
We are separated by age or gender, by belief systems or money, by city blocks or hemispheres. But the sheer scale or severity of world events can sometimes steamroll even the deepest of these rifts. Large-scale military conflict, slow but unrelenting climate changes, and the disturbing depletion of our global natural resources - most notably oil - are challenging us to confront our fundamental connection to and symbiosis with all others. Skyrocketing gas prices and military struggles to determine who shall control the last oil deposits guarantees chaotic struggle within the global community, underscoring the growing need for alternative fuel solutions.

Energy troubles, however, are not the only problems begging for alternative answers. The etchings of new, unconventional battle lines are emerging everywhere. Fighting the good fight is no longer a simple slogan or even an action. For some, it has become a lifestyle, a return to the naturalistic ideas and practices that predated the vice grip in which industrialism and corporatism holds the world. Hot ButteredRum has emerged a leader in a musical movement to return to these organic and sustainable roots, and, most importantly, are not afraid to take the lead in promoting and enacting change.

With one foot firmly planted in traditions of folk, Americana and bluegrass, and the other wildly kicking out in every direction of the musical universe, HotButteredRum is the perfect candidate to lead this revolution. The band's musical stance is reaffirmed by the all-encompassing environmental practices of their members and crew; from touring year-round in a converted tour bus that runs on alternative fuels to using recyclable material for their merchandise, HotButteredRum embodies the terms "organic and sustainable." All of this has not gone unnoticed. This year the band was nominated for a "Defender of the Earth" award from Rock the Earth. Other nominees included Neil Young and Bonnie Raitt.

But these passionate commitments are only half of the reason that Hot ButteredRum is one of the most important musical acts to emerge in the new Millennium. Musically, these five virtuosos—Aaron Redner, Erik Yates, Nat Keefe, Zac Matthews and Bryan Horne—deliver their sociopolitical message via some of the most original, melodic and memorable songwriting that has surfaced in the roots music scene in years.

Their newest album, Well-Oiled Machine (2006, Harmonized Records) has received glowing accolades from both critics and fans, and features musical guests Peter Rowan, Mike Marshall and Darol Anger. The songs are laden with thought-provoking lyrics and melodies that can only be described as timeless, from the sing-along "Well-Oiled Machine," whose title references the band's converted tour bus, to the soon-to-be-classic track "Wedding Day" with Peter Rowan. On stage, however, the band's true musical evolution is revealed. Leaving all musical boundaries at the door, each HotButteredRum show is an energetic musical journey, incorporating bluegrass, rock, jam and even reggae.

For all these reasons, the band has gone from a group of musical friends to a national touring act that has shared the stage with everyone from Michael Franti & Spearhead and Sam Bush to Bela Fleck and Phil Lesh, and has performed at high-profile festivals such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Bonnaroo, 10,000 Lakes Festival and Jam Cruise to name a short few. Find out what the new revolution looks and sounds like. To find out more about HotButteredRum, and for tour dates, music, or information on alternative fuels, visit www.HotButteredRum.net.

Upcoming dates:
Sat, 12-2-06 - Hawaiian Meltdowns: Red Elephant - Honolulu, HI
Sun, 12-3-06 - Hawaiian Meltdown: Egorfest - Haleiwa, OAHU, HI
Wed, 12-6-06 - WOW Hall - Eugene, OR
Thu, 12-7-06 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR
Fri, 12-8-06 - The Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA

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