Album Notes

This red-hot San Diego-based Rockabilly bands plays covers of vintage classics and originals too.

Individually, the Hayriders have performed with such groups as Hot Rod Lincoln, Carl Sonny Leyland, the GuanaBatz, Chuck Berry and other Rockabilly-Rock-Roots-Americana groups.

The Hayriders have performed at numerous clubs and concerts around San Diego. With a personnel that includes high-profile jazz musicians Hal "Junior" Smith, Katie Cavera and Sue Palmer, the band has also made inroads into the California jazz festival scene. In May they played to SRO houses and standing ovations at the San Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. In November, the band returns for its second appearance at the San Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival.

Vocalist Johnny "Johnny G" D'Artenay leads the Cash Kings. He has performed Cash's songs across the U.S. and in Europe, receiving international acclaim for his interpretation of Cash's sound.

Pianist Sue Palmer leads her own "Motel Swing" Orchestra--a popular combo which performs frequently at clubs, concerts and festivals on the West Coast. She made an intense study of "The Killer"--Jerry Lee Lewis--and brings a stylish take on his music to her performances with the Hayriders.

Guitarist Gino Meregillano maintains a busy schedule in Southern California as a performer and teacher. He works with several rockabilly and psychobilly bands and was a headliner at the 2007 Rockabilly Revival in Austin, Texas.

Bassist Katie Cavera is well known as a banjoist and guitarist, with an extensive resume' in traditional jazz and swing. With the Hayriders she plays old-style "doghouse" bass and sings the music of Wanda Jackson, June Carter, Little Richard and the Collins Kids.

Leader Hal "Junior" Smith also has impressive jazz credentials, having drummed with nearly every traditional jazz band of note in the U.S. He became a rockabilly fanatic after hearing Jerry Lee Lewis at a live concert which also featured Little Richard and Chuck Berry.