Formed in 2003, Hoodang plays original American roots music blending traditional hard country, honky-tonk, country blues, and western swing with contemporary alt. country influences. The uniquely original Hoodang sound is characterized by darkly wry lyrics and driving acoustic and electric music that runs the gamut from blistering roots-infused blues to twisted, heartworn ballads. The offspring of a highly productive songwriting collaboration between singer, guitarist David Rossiter and bassist Rich Rickman, Hoodang was founded in late 2002 as a venue for their original music, as well as a means of celebrating the rich fabric that is traditional American roots music.
Here's what some folks have to say about our music:
"They're making some of the toughest, smartest country music anywhere in the Midwest." - The Ark
"Sometimes all a country song needs is a plucky mandolin and a melancholy banjo, and this Ann Arbor trio makes the most of its simple, catchy ramblers. Frontman David Rossiter has a tinder-dry voice tailor-made for pensive road maxims; gleaming pedal steel only adds to his authority." - Music Editor, Download.com
"Fine Morning is one of those so-good-they're-scary tunes that force you to hit the repeat button just to make sure that you really heard what you just heard. Then it lingers in your head for a long, long time." - W. Kim Heron, WDET-FM and Metro Times
"Rossiter is a storyteller first and foremost. If you like the parade of ornery hard-luck characters who have wound their way through Steve Earle's albums, or the tough, edgy romantic characterizations of the grassroots Ontario iconoclast Fred Eaglesmith, be aware that there's a local figure who can play in their league. And he's got a dry leather strap of a voice to go with his songs." - James M. Manheim, The Ann Arbor Observer
"One of the most skilled and smartest songwriters around these days. His lyrics really talk to me. His music is authentic. I have received lots of inspiration from it." - Christoph Mueller
"Ahhhh what a relief...THE REAL DEAL! I'm a fan." - Drew Nelson
We hope to see you sometime out there on the road.
Definition: The term hoodang is defined in the dictionary as "a wild party or a social gathering characterized by music, dancing, and exuberant celebration." The band thinks Hoodang simply means a damn good time. So throw your coat in the corner, crack open a cold one and stay a while.
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