Album Notes

In an ideal world, Country radio would sound more like the Doc Marshalls. With influences ranging from traditionalists such as Buck Owens and Johnny Cash to innovators like Gram Parsons and Dwight Yoakam, this New York City quintet delivers an honest, unflinching honky tonk sound. Not content to remain within the confines of a typical roots band, they also boast a raucous set of Cajun breakdowns and Zydeco shuffles.

Formed in Brooklyn in 2001, the Doc Marshalls have quickly forged a reputation for their wildly energetic live shows. Anchored by the fiddling wizardry of Mat Kane and the breakneck accompaniment of Nicolas Beaudoing's Cajun accordion, their unique Louisiana grooves have infiltrated the halls of countless alternative rock venues where roots music is seldom heard. Whether performing Bakersfield-style shuffles or traditional Cajun French two-steps, they are determined to make converts of even the most Country-shy souls.

In an era when mainstream Country remains polluted by bubble gum balladry and sugar-coated sentiment, the Doc Marshalls have distinguished themselves by performing covers and originals which pay homage to the genre's distinguished past.

Their debut album, "No Kind of Life", is comprised entirely of originals, each vying to join the ranks of Cajun and Country dancehall standards. Led by singer and accordionist Nicolas Beaudoing, whose Acadian surname belies his Texas upbringing, the Doc Marshalls seek to reinvigorate these genres with fresh compositions.

You'll find these hardened city troubadours in converted roadhouses throughout Red and Blue-state America, wherever bar tabs and ears remain open. Country radio be damned.

Reviews:

"This Brooklyn-based Zydeco outfit has somehow escaped my radar for too long. If this don't get your Cajun blood boiling and a dancin', ya just ain't got no heart. Go out and see these guys and save the trip to the Big Easy" - The Village Voice