Eastwood officially began in the spring of 2005… a product from the hearts and minds of Kevin Minihan and David Heidle. But the foundation of Eastwood was formed years prior, when the two friends would often find themselves at a party or campout, guitars in hand, working out songs that lent themselves well to the duo’s natural harmonic chemistry. Minihan and Heidle quickly discovered that their vocal styles fit together like “peas and carrots”, so in the spring of 2005 they gathered up their songs and headed off to Salim Nourallah’s newly-formed Pleasantry Lane Studios in Dallas. The result of those initial sessions with Nourallah was the debut album from Eastwood, Die Tryin’. During the next two years, the band performed in support of the album while going through a couple of lineup iterations. In 2006 Tommy Bennett joined on bass and ended a longtime revolving door at that position, which even including a period where Minihan and Heidle would swap the instrument between them during live shows.
After a hiatus from playing live in late ‘07/early ’08, Eastwood teamed again with Salim Nourallah to record their follow-up effort, Everything’s Personal. Armed with matured songwriting and their signature vocal style the album also includes guest appearances from the likes of Ken Bethea and Phillip Peeples (Old 97’s), Ward Williams (Sorta), Daniel Hopkins (Radiant*), and Nourallah himself. With Everything’s Personal, Eastwood reaches beyond its country roots and displays an eclectic sound… but remains entrenched in heartfelt lyrics and strong vocal harmonies.
The band emerged from recording Everything’s Personal with a strengthened lineup. Added to the core of Minihan, Heidle, and Bennett was drummer Todd Unruh (formerly of Cowboys and Indians). The band was also joined by longtime friend and accomplished solo artist J.D. Whittenburg on keys/guitars. These additions brought Eastwood back to its rightful place as a five-piece, where they can more effectively demonstrate the full sound that their music demands.
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