Album Notes

Lana Rebel (Bassist for former noise-rock band Last of the Juanitas) introduced Juanita Family and Friends as a venue for the stockpile of country songs she’d been writing on the side. Influenced by the great songwriters of the golden-country era such as hank Williams, Willie Nelson and Lefty Frizzell, Lana’s songs are stark tales of love and heartache. Her sweet melodies and simple guitar lines welcome you o come on in and make yourself at home.
With a group of friends to back her up, including John Schier (Last of the Juanitas) on drums and Ben Wildenhaus (Federation X) on piano and lap slide, the band independently released their self-titled CD in September of 2004. After playing rock venues, roadhouses, parties, crawfish boils, festivals, rodeos, radio stations and street corners across the country, they are proud to report nearly selling out of the first 1500 with little help from national distributors.
The CD has received positive response from DJs across the globe. This spring, the family was invited to record a BBC One Music session at the infamous Maida Vale studios for Huw Stephens. They were recently added to playlists for the legendary Bob Harris (Old Grey Whistle Test). NPR has posted a track on the “Open Mic” webcast for All Songs Considered. Regionally, it continues to get airplay . is a favorite on local jukeboxes, and was chosen as best Northwest Country by KBCS’ Christine Linde.