Album Notes

Born in the music-loving town of Chapel Hill, NC, Big Pretty and the Red Rockets have cultivated a fresh blend of reggae, rock, hip-hop, classical, country and tribal music into a saucy mix affectionately dubbed "Bi-Polar Rootz Rock" by some fans. Imagine if Jack Johnson was jamming with G-Love, but then Sublime and KRS-ONE showed up with a girl that sounded a little like Billie Holiday, they all drank a bunch of herbal tea infused with ginseng, moved out to the country and then brought in a cello and an accordion. Difficult to pin down, yet entirely infectious, the only thing predictable about BP and RR is the fun and raw energy that their music brings...and that their sets will always include some Bob Marley.

Laying down the beat on African Djembe and traditional drum kit is Gary Mitchell, master of all things rhythmic. Building on the beat with full-frequency manipulation and vocal harmonies is Joe Kwon, certified Cello Badass. The traveling mystic and sage named Lucas McLawhorn brings absorbing, socially-conscious hip-hop lyrics and pensive freestylin' to stimulate your mind. Straddling the Fender Strat (as well as didgeridoo and harmonica) is Leon Godwin, adding vocals in a variety of styles including hip-hop and rock. Former U of Michigan Defensive Lineman Jacob Frysinger might surprise you with his sometimes delicate, sometimes devastating acoustic guitar work and soulful voice. And finally, Ingrid Stenzel completes the circle, with a feminine energy (and amazing skill with the piano and accordion) that perfectly complements the masculine energy of the boys.