Album Notes

In live performances the Howling Coyotes have been called a cross between the B-52’s and Bob Dylan. This collection is more Neil Young meets Patti Smith.

The CD offers TWO, count 'em TWO, lead vocalists, singer/songwriters Tom Schwend & Britta Lee Shain (who penned all the tunes on the record--some individually, some together--with hypnotic offbeat back-up vocals by Lani Stuart-Gonzalez (think Nicolette Larson!). Bassist Joe Hutchinson adds the heartbeat. Schwend’s admitted influences are Bill Monroe, the Beatles and the Buzzcocks while Shain is a self-avowed disciple of Lucinda Williams. Sexy, political and thoughtful, their songs reflect musical styles from alternative rock to folk, bluegrass, country and just plain blues.

While the pack has only been together a short time, their quirky originals, unique blend of harmonies and INSANE array of musical instruments (including ukulele, mando, banjo, slide, upright bass & mouth harp--to name a few--oh yeah, and guitars!) combine to make for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Fleshing out the sound even further, guest musicians Noah Shain, Jim Wakefield and Jordan Summers have added percussion and the occasional keyboard.

Howling Coyotes was produced by Noah Shain (Orson, Jordan Zevon) and mastered by Gavin Lurssen (O’ Brother Where Art Thou?, Tom Waits, Sam Phillips). Recorded in 6 days (and NIGHTS!), the goal was to capture as many live performances as possible. The CD is smooth and full sounding with an edgy darkness to it, even as it has you rockin’ out in your car!

P.S. Both Schwend and Shain lost their homes in the wildfires that swept California in 2003. The first track on the CD, Harrison Park, is a jaunty, upbeat homage to their old neighborhood.