Jo Henley June 20, 2008

In winter 2006, after years of performing across the Northeast with a variety of acclaimed but beefed-up rock bands, Boston-based singer-songwriters Andy Campolieto and Ben Lee returned to their first love--American roots music--and havent looked back since. They put away their electric guitars and quickly began writing a collection of brand new material chronicling the oft-painful journey through life, love, heartbreak, and lost dreams. Encouraged by enthusiastic audience responses to these honest, earthy songs in bars and coffeehouses across Boston, the duo scoured the local music scene for the right mix of players and personalities to bring their black-and-white sketches into full color. It didnt take long for Andy and Ben to find talented, likeminded musicians to share in their vision, notably the brilliant Tim Weed on fiddle and mandolin, bassist Alex Lynch, and percussionist Tien-Yi Lee, whose tasteful jazz-inflected drumming breathes light into the songs. The quintets chemistry was immediate. The result: a nimble folk/Americana string band reminiscent of Neil Young meets Nickel Creek, with the dusty backroads feel of Whiskeytown. Throw in some bluegrass flavor and a dash of pop for good measure you have a fresh and exciting sound that has made Jo Henley one of the most promising young Americana bands in the Northeast. In October 2006 the quintet released its debut EP, Long Way Home, and will put out its eagerly-awaited full-length followup, Sad Songs and Alcohol, in March 2008. This 12-track collection of tattered tales of love and longing, featuring the superb playing of Trey Anastasio Band alum, bassist Tony Markellis, finds the band in top form and is expected to bring the quintet much deserved mainstream attention. In just over a years time, Jo Henley has been featured on television, college radio, festivals, and continues to win over new audiences with its high-energy performances and well-crafted songs. Jo Henley is a top-notch act not to be missed. WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING... "Their seven-song album Long Way Home has a rural, serene sound without being static. It has guitars, fiddle and a spry rhythm section with a thumping lope. And it has really, really good songs reminiscent of Gram Parsons, Workingmans Dead or the less rowdy side of the New Riders of the Purple Sage." Michael Hochanadel, The Daily Gazette.

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