“J. B. holds true to a long standing tradition, though honestly a rare one, by setting his own guidelines, path, and truth, while at the same time, holding faithful to his musical heritage. He is the real deal, an unstoppable, musical, virtuous force.” - John Carter Cash
“J.B. plays first order Honky-Tonk music, a rare commodity these days. Check him out while they still allow his kind to walk this land.” - Bill Kirchen
“J.B. can write one hell of a good song, and not only that, the man and his band can play real good too!
- Wayne ‘the Train’ Hancock
“The hardest core honky tonk you’ll ever find. J.B and his fine band, The Wayward Drifters have been out touring with Hank III and making a name all over the US. J.B. is a good guy, an electrifying performer, and one damn fine songwriter. Check him out!”
-J.P. McDermott (“Western Bop”)
“They made a great first impression by putting together a very impressive opening set full of honky tonk and country originals. Along with great songwriting, I was thoroughly impressed by the skill of the musicians. Tom Lyons played a mean fiddle throughout the set and Dan Mazer is one of the best banjo players I’ve seen in-person. This marriage of musical talent and superior songwriting made for a great set!”
- Greg Yost (“Maryland Music Monthly”)
“Opening with a handful upbeat originals, and sliding into a traditional cover now and then, the Wayward Drifters kept the bar alive and jumping non-stop. “Should Have Thought About It”, “Chase Down These Blues”, and a blistering cover of Chuck Berry’s “Thirty Days”, set the pace for what slowly built into a 85 minute set.”
- Doyle McLaughlin (“Scene Report”)
“JB is what scares the hell out of Nashville and thrills the hell out of those who dig balls to the wall attitude in their music, hard twang with roots galore!!!”
~ Dale Watson
Have you ever wondered what happened to REAL country music? Sadly, it has been pushed into the underground by an image-consumed, corporate, money-making monster. These days, only a few brave souls dare to make the kind of real country music that honors American heritage and culture; the kind of country music rooted in the influence of Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and the other all-but-forgotten legends of the genre; the kind of country music that reflects real life, and not the latest fashion trends. One of the strongest and most charismatic forces in the real country music arena is J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters.
Originally formed in December 1998, J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters have steadily made a name for themselves in the U.S. and around the world. A “retired” hobo, Beverley took his experiences from the road, the trains, and the everyday American people that he encountered, and molded those experiences into some of the most heartfelt, real-deal country music to see the light of day in a long time. With driving acoustic rhythm guitar, slamming upright bass slapping, amazing banjo rolls, and other blistering accompaniment, Beverley and his “high lonesome” voice have earned a solid reputation for their live shows.
J.B. Beverley and his Wayward Drifters
have opened up shows for Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Dale Watson, Lee Rocker, and other greats. They have been joined on stage by legendary Commander Cody guitar picker Bill Kirchen, and other friends in the music community. The band also has made fans out of the likes of John Carter Cash, Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats, Bruce Springsteen, and Piedmont Blues great Warner Williams.
J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters have been featured on several radio and TV programs, and have done three national tours since 2005—one of which was a memorable seven weeks opening for Hank Williams III. The band has released two heavily-circulated demos, and a full-length CD entitled “Dark Bar & A Jukebox” (Helltrain Records). They have been touring since the CD’s release, and are the subject of an upcoming documentary road film by Wayward Souls Productions out of New Mexico.
Beverley insists that as long as he can, he will tour this land with a passion. He is intent on reaching that core of the American people who miss culture and reality in their music. With him and his band there are no gimmicks, no “outfits”, and no boot-scootin’ pop country. With J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters, all there is in the end, is “three chords and the truth!”
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