Rugby Road III EP Release
PRESS RELEASE 3.6.2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RUGBY ROAD’s NEW E.P, III, RELEASE PARTY SCHEDULED 2017 at ARDMORE MUSIC HALL IN ARDMORE, PA – FOR SATURDAY APRIL 29,2017
Philadelphia-based Rugby Road surprisingly returns with the release of their first EP of new original music in 15 years titled “RUGBY ROAD III” on WYD? Records.
The news was announced exclusively on the band’s Facebook page this morning: www.facebook.com/rugbyroadband and the band’s website at www.rugbyroadband.com
III finds Rugby Road drawing from a wide range of influences in a cohesive rock EP, showcasing the bands contemporary songwriting with an ability to push to new boundaries in guitar-driven explorations. Kenny Kearns’ older-and-wiser songwriting compliments Rich Pruett’s stylistic range in drumming while Derek Smith’s guitar provides the common thread connecting the songs. III is a four song collection that highlights the chemistry that comes with over 25 years of the trio playing together as Rugby Road.
The band has been somewhat underground – by design – but still regularly performs live and, along the way, has played many of the major venues in the region and has shared the stage with a diverse range of artists including: The Allman Brothers Band, Maceo Parker, Rusted Root, Bill Kreutzmann, Live, Huffamoose, Glenn Frey, Members of Phish, Moe, The Disco Biscuits, JGB, Peter Frampton, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and more.
Rugby Road became a regular in the late 90’s New York City Wetlands scene, playing regularly at the famed NYC venue before hunkering down in Philadelphia to play “on their time” (in other words, they got married and had kids).
Known for their live shows and intricate arrangements, they released two independent original records – 1999’s Times Already Happened, and 2002’s Different Degrees.
III shows them thriving creatively while pushing their limits artistically in a concise, contemporary – and rocking – 4 song EP. It is a record that reflects the confidence and independence of a band that does things their own way.
Rugby Road III Track Listing:
Back to You – A straight up rocker segues into an outro vamp that reaches for Exile-era Stones. The track features the backing vocals of the Halloway Sisters Gospel Singers in a song that evolves from pop-rock to Muscle Shoals soul. Multi-instrumentalist/ vocalist Kenny Kearns and drummer Rich Pruett lay the groundwork for guitarist Derek Smith to take it to the roadhouse as he trades blues licks with the Halloway Sisters gospel wailings.
Nobody (Needs to Know) – Rugby Road shows off their unique style of funk and spacey jams with a simple rock hook to the chorus. The sparseness and patience of the guitar solo eludes to a funky Pink Floyd-meets-Stevie Wonder groove which has become Rugby Road’s live trademark.
Spoken For – Sparse piano and synth bass set a dark tone which floats the idea of a conversation that never happens. Kenny Kearns’ lyrical thoughts and obscure jazz piano solo stands as a stark contrast to the big guitar and rock hook of the chorus.
Give It Away – a rolling pace in 6/4 time signature finds Rugby Road’s breezy side. The added textures of acoustic guitar and prog-synth evolve into an extended solo by guitarist Derek Smith, showcasing the bands improvisational skills that are a staple of their live performances.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.rugbyroadband.com www.facebook.com/rugbyroadband contact:rugbyroadband@gmail.com
Rugby Road
Rugby Road is a Philadelphia based rock band. The band has been somewhat underground – by design – but still regularly performs live and, along the way, has played many of the major venues in the Philadelphia area as a support act for a diverse range of artists including the Allman Brothers Band, Maceo Parker, Rusted Root, Moe, the Disco Biscuits, Bill Kreutzman, Phish, Live, Peter Frampton and Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
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