The Rust Belt Ramblers – Chicago Americana Band

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“The Rust Belt Ramblers…tremble, howl, and strum with the best of ‘em”

-Hedy Weiss, Sun-Times News Group, 8/21/09

Hailing from oakwood forests and tallgrass prairies of the Midwest, The Rust Belt Ramblers are redefining the sound of American Music. From ‘Cow-Punk’ to ‘Blackgrass’, people have tried to pigeonhole this group into many different genres, but when asked, they broadly refer to their music as ‘Americana.’

The Rust Belt Ramblers are a gang of high energy musicians that includes Joe Tessone (banjo, ukulele), Mickey T Craft (double bass), Miss Bailey Dee (cello, fiddle, vocals), Eric AntiFa (drums, percussion), and Johnny Chastain (lead guitar, mandolin). The ensemble is fronted by varying singer/songwriters and often includes guest appearances by some of Chicago’s greatest players. Time and time again this rowdy bunch has made crowds holler, stomp, and swing their way to the next round!

Recently, they completed two projects titled ‘…and Dreamers We Were’ and ‘Spring,’ featuring K. Loren Fleming II, the great grandson of infamous Western Swing musician “The Songbird of Texas,” Leon Huff.

The acoustic innocence of their debut 7″ record, ‘Spring,’ captures the feeling of the bands’ modest beginnings. Conversely, the electric-cannonade tone of their upcoming digital release ‘…and Dreamers We Were’ creates a truly explosive wave of sound which reflects the restlessness of the city while still manifesting the warbling sweetness of rural America. The album fuses the Rambler’s craft-work with Fleming’s insightful lyrics to churn out uniquely modern compositions.

Currently, you’ll find Rust Belt ramblin’ with singer/songwriter Garret Santora, who will be collaborating with the band on a fresh set of stories as they enter the new decade. Santora has just completed his first full length album “Maybe On Your Way Out,” (due for release in Spring 2010), which features Rust Belt’s Tessone and Craft, along with other great Chicago musicians erupting from the Mystery Street scene.

The Rust Belt Ramblers have come a long way since their days of busking on the streets of Chicago. They will spend much of the next year promoting their new releases, while guiding you through various tales of struggle and romance, with rhythms that will intoxicate and a soul that will carry you home.