Album Notes

"Desperate Train" is the debut CD from progressive acoustic group The Sloes. Mixing traditional stringed instruments- mandolin, guitar, violin, cello- with a variety of world percussion, The Sloes have fashioned a completely unique and compelling sound that is both based in American roots music, and at the same time pushing into new territories.
Befitting the title, the music ranges over a broad landscape of styles and lyrical themes- the alt-country stomp of the title track and it's bluegrassy companion piece, "Desperate Times"; folk ballads ("My Ohio Home", "Letting Go"); Latin-jazz and swing ("There Was a Time", "Winter Into Spring"); Motown-ish pop ("Don't Turn Your Back"); exploratory rock ("ClickTrack"); and even a driving Middle Eastern take on the Rolling Stones' "Paint It, Black".
At the heart of their music is the stellar songwriting talents and emotive vocals of Rick Lisak, an award-winning songwriter and long-time veteran of the Cincinnati music scene. The genesis of The Sloes began in early 2000, when Rick met Scott Carnder. Then a well-known area bassist with a jazz education and a jam-band background, Scott's taking up of the mandolin proved a turning point in the evolution of the duo. In 2003 multi-percussionist Stan Ginn added his extraordinary versatility, giving the group a much more world-beat and jazz-tinged feel. Although Scott provided the electric bass work heard on "Desperate Train", the group was happy to add acoustic bassist Matt Holt to the fold in mid-2005, providing an even fuller and more dynamic sound to their already powerful live show.
If you like "Desperate Train", you'd probably also enjoy Rick's solo CD, "Thirst", also available on CDBaby.

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