LOS ANGELES, CA - August 18, 2008 - The Desert Rose Band has reunited after fifteen years to launch a tour which kicks off August 27 in California at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, followed by August 28 at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. On August 31 the Band will perform at the Copper Country festival in Copper Mountain, Colorado. Fall dates include October 4 at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco.
Formed in 1985, the Desert Rose Band’s self-titled debut album immediately established them as a group who were fiercely loyal to country music but not afraid to make it their own with a fusion of bluegrass and California country rock. With influences deeply rooted in Buck Owens’ signature Bakersfield Sound, the founding members of the Desert Rose Band represented an extraordinary group of talented and respected musicians. Helmed by Chris Hillman (The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers) all the original members will be taking the road on this reunion tour, including vocalist/banjoist/guitarist Herb Pedersen, vocalist/guitarist John Jorgensen, pedal steel guitarist Jay Dee Maness, bassist Bill Bryson and drummer, Steve Duncan.
From the outset, The Desert Rose Band stayed at the top of the country charts with a string of hit songs beginning with the Johnnie & Jack cover “Ashes of Love.” With collaborator Steve Hill, Chris Hillman penned the group’s smash hits, “Love Reunited,” Summer Wind,” “One Step Forward, “I Still Believe in You,” and “Start All Over Again.” Other hits included
“He’s Back and I’m Blue (written by Michael Woody) and the John Hiatt cover, “She Don’t Love Nobody.”
The Desert Rose Band’s consistent radio success and sold-out tours earned them numerous accolades. The Academy of Country Music honored them as Touring Band of the Year for three consecutive years (1988-90) and they received three nominations from the Country Music Association for the Horizon Award and Best Vocal Group of the Year (1989 & 1990). In addition, the Band received two Grammy nominations for Best Country Performance by a Group.
In the years since the Desert Rose Band last toured, every member has remained active with touring, session work and the creation of new groups. Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen have recorded several albums as a duo, touring in support of Buck Owens-inspired albums such
as their acclaimed CD “Way Out West.” John Jorgenson toured for six years with Elton John and currently is at the helm of the John Jorgenson Quintet. Jay Dee Maness toured with Vince Gill from 2000 to 2004 and the sounds of his steel pedal guitar continue to be heard on numerous television and motion picture soundtracks. With over 30 years of credit as a touring and renowned session musician, and almost 20 years as a record producer and writer, Steve Duncan moved to Nashville in 2008 to further pursue his songwriting on Music Row. An accomplished songwriter as well as musician, Bill Bryson reconvened with the Laurel Canyon Ramblers in 1998. He continues to perform with Brombies Bluegrass Group and tours with Chris and Herb on their acoustic trio dates.
The ties that bind generations of great musicians can be heard in the music that inspires and influences them. Buck Owens’ legacy started the musical journey for Chris Hillman from The Byrds to Desert Rose Band. Dwight Yoakam traces his musical lines back to Buck Owens, the Byrds, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and the Eagles. Most recently, one of country music’s hottest young stars, Brad Paisley, said, “In High School, I saw the Desert Rose Band and it changed my life.” In 2006 Hillman, Paisley and Yoakam took the stage together as part of the tribute band honoring the music of Buck Owens, at the Academy of Country Music’s annual awards.
For fans of all ages, there is nothing to compare to the rich sounds of live music when the songs are timeless and the performers are at the top of their game. The Desert Rose Band’s sterling musicianship and impeccable three-part harmonies, from country to bluegrass to Bakersfield, promise to deliver a not-to-be-missed reunion tour.
Learn more about the band members at:
www.chrishillman.com
www.johnjorgenson.com
www.jaydeemaness.com
www.herbpedersen.com
http://www.sharpobject.com/bio/sDuncan.htm
http://www.thebrombies.com/music/bios/home.html#bill
For booking information please contact:
Paul Lohr, Frontier Touring www.newfrontiertouring.com
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