"On the surface, rock appears terribly simplistic, unless it has soul. Then it becomes church music that can touch you where you live. If you can't bleed for it, if you don't mean it -- then it is nothing." – Rebel Fagen
(From the liner notes of Stare Down the Dog, the Disciples’ first album released in 1994)
Founded in 1985, the Detroit Disciples came from the same cloth of roots rock that began with early rockers like Mitch Ryder and that carries on through artists such as Los Lobos and Steve Earle. They are based in Sonoma County, California, and have a strong following garnered from years of shows in the San Francisco North Bay.
The musicians at this recording session included founding members Ian McMurray (songwriter, guitar and vocals), Paul Burke (drums and vocals) Colin Campbell (keys) and Tom Miller (bass and vocals, from the Gregg Allman Band). Guest artists included Marke Burgstahler (guitarist from the Gregg Allman Band and Eddie Money), Heather Lucido (vocals), and John Rowe (producer).
This is roots rock at its finest with high-octane overtones from their Mitch Ryder-influenced beginnings. These bits of Sonoma County Music history also features a rare vocal performance by vocalist extraordinaire Tom Miller on the blues-rock anthem “Some Kind of Love”. The ballad "Bordertown" from this first CD received rotation play on Santa Rosa radio station KRSH.
On February 16, 2006 the Disciples were proud to learn that “Saving Grace”, their second album, had been selected as part of writer Chuck Eddy’s “Eddytor’s Dozen” in the Village Voice. Check out where it all started!
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