BEBOP HOEDOWN: Press and News

Roanoke's favorite wingding slingers, Bebop Hoedown, plan to host a hootenannny of a throw down at The Pine Tavern to commemorate the release of their latest offering, LIVE, VOL. 1 - the culmination of a recorded two night shindig at 202 Market in March 2008. The endeavor is a shining example of the foursome's live flair and lack of adherence to any conventional boundaries blending funk, swing and blues elements liberally over a solid bluegrass base on nearly every slice of the 16 cut CD. Those longing to shake a leg won't mind the excursion to Floyd and weary rumps can conveniently seek shelter at the beautiful Pine Lodge nestled next door to the Tavern

Monday, August 18, 2008
MySpace.com


In My Opinion.....A Review
Category: Music

From its inception, Bebop Hoedown has had all the essential components a band needs to make a huge mark on music's landscape. Even through personnel changes, they have:
A. all been outstanding musicians
B. all been outstanding songwriters
C. always chosen an exciting playlist
D. always rehearsed regularly - with purpose and focus
E. developed and nurtured an extensive repertoire and loyal fan base

The latest incarnation of Bebop Hoedown is Jeff Maiden on percussion, Sonny Campbell on bass, Adam Markham on guitar, harmonica and banjo, and Wes Chappell on everything else. Everything else is mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, melodica, theremin, kalimba and whatever else Wes finds in his arsenal that day. All four provide vocals and harmonies for the group. The style is a little gypsy jazz, a little bluegrass, some rock 'n roll and a whole lot of mojo.

Even in a town (Roanoke, Va) known for fickle audiences, with a limited number of live music venues, these guys consistently pack the house wherever they are. In my opinion, one of the main reasons is the energy they project on stage. Individually, each radiates their own vibe, and when the group finds the groove (which is damn near every song), well - the total is greater than the sum of the parts. It's exciting - period.

Their first album was a studio production titled "Blue Ridge Americana", and was a nice piece of work that had a number of fine original tunes and some surprising covers. The newest Bebop Hoedown recording is an attempt to capture the excitement of a live performance, and it does an admirable job of that. Recorded early in 2008 at 202 Market in Roanoke, over a 2-night span, "Live, Vol. 1" will give you your money's worth. It's 16 songs - over 71 minutes all on one CD. Half the songs are originals, plus one penned by former BH front man, Bob Casey. Two fine guest musicians, Matt Muller and Al Coffey assist on several songs.

My faves? Three of Sonny Campbell's songs: "The Mighty Buffalo", "Outside Dog" and "Close Your Eyes"; Wes Chappell's "Procrastination"; Adam Markham's "Pussycat Shuffle"; and the group's renderings of Duke Ellington's "Caravan" and the traditional "Whiskey 'Fore Breakfast". But don't go by what I say - listen for yourself. Start your pursuit at a live performance, or at their official websites: http://bebophoedown.com.
and myspace.com/bebophoedown

Respectfully submitted by Bill Payne
http://billpaynemusic.net

"You can't help but feel good when you're listening to these jazzy grassers. If you haven't heard the band lately, catch it with semi-recent arrival Adam Markham and new member Wes Chappell."

Bebop Hoedown – A review by Annie Woodford

Bebop Hoedown’s music is a fusion of bluegrass and gypsy jazz-inspired improvisation coupled with a sophisticated take on the melodic possibilities of vocal harmonies and pop. Hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, a backwater epicenter of Appalachian roots music, these musicians capture the heat of a bluegrass jam while retaining a formal awareness of more modern and International influences. Longtime students of a vital live music scene with foundations in the mountain music of times past and present, they have developed a unique and thoroughly modern musical voice.

Adam Markham’s guitar playing ranges from graceful Django chimes to a surreal deconstruction of Eddie Van Halen’s power riffs. Wes Chappell adds a taste of Ireland with his fiddle and mandolin, along with fluid, jazzy licks on some truly unique instruments, from thereman to kalimba.. Sonny Campbell’s full-bodied bass doesn’t just follow a standard bass line, but instead bounds along with a Sousa-like back-beat; and the music is all the while punctuated by the percussive force of Jeff Maiden’s tribal-funk hand drums.

This is genuine roots music, tried and tested in smoky bars of a region that prides itself for a truly original and meaningful pedigree. This band has figured out how to combine Beatlesque-harmonies, the energy of fire & brimstone bluegrass, and the sublimity of jazz, and the people can’t help but dance.


Check out their new release Blue Ridge Americana, a record that is indeed pure Americana. With 9 original compositions and cover songs of Van Halen, Chuck Brodsky and The Beatles, it is an energetic and delightful treat for the senses—but most of all— it’s FUN!


Adam Markham vocals, guitar, harmonica
Sonny Campbell vocals, bass
Jeff Maiden vocals, percussion
Wes Chappell vocals, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, flute, pennywhistle, thereman

We have mixed emotions this month as we have both sad and happy news to announce. The sad news is that our good friend and compatriot Bobby Moore has decided to call it quits with the group. We will certainly miss not only Bobby's outstanding musical ability, but also his great energy, hip vibe and sweet smile.

The good news is that a wonderful friend and fantastic musician, Wes
Chappell, has decided to join the group. Wes is a well-known musician and long-time music teacher from Roanoke. Many of you have seen him perform over the years, especially with his internationally famous group "No Strings Attached". We're looking forward to not only playing music with Wes but we are all very happy to be having him around in our lives, as he is indeed a wonderful fellow.

November 23, 2006 inside/out: TOP TICKETS column

GENRE: "It's a jazzy, folky, grassy thingy"

SOUNDS LIKE: If the E Street Band had a newgrass project.

WHY IT'S ON THE LIST: Because it's mountain music with attitude. Great players with chops the size of Kentucky, a foot-stomping atmosphere that feels relaxed even when it's jumping and a perfect way to work off what you ate on Turkey Day.

john@rocknroanoke.com

Considered by some as “one of Roanoke’s (VA) best bands,” Bebop Hoedown is an interesting combination of gypsy-jazz, bluegrass, and melodic up-town folk. The up-tempo feel of their CD, Blue Ridge Americana, makes for great listening. Adam Markham, Sonny Campbell, Jeff Maiden, and Bobby Moore have produced a toe tappin’ experience. Their cover of Van Halen’s “Could This Be Magic” is so much fun.

“One of Roanoke’s best bands” – Stu Israel, Executive Director, Roanoke’s Festival in the Park

“Being an Event Planner and music fanatic, I have witnessed a vast array of musical styles and talent. Bebop Hoedown is not only a remarkable band, but a personal favorite as well. Their ability to play such a vast array of musical styles, matched with their gift to blend these styles into their own unique sound, combines to form a musical group with unparalleled talent – both on a local and national scale.”
Katie Lucas, Director of Event Services - EventZone

“BeBop Hoedown’s eclectic mix of jazz and bluegrass provided guests of Affair in the Square a new and unique sound that has received numerous raves. We look forward to having them at Affair in the future.”
Susan Martin, Vice President of Development & Foundation Relations - Center in the Square

“Second only to their outstanding musicality is their vast range of material. Bebop Hoedown plays originals and bluegrass standards as well as covering Elvis and The Beatles. Perhaps the most outstanding example of their versatility is their show-stopping cover of Duke Ellington’s exotic classic “Caravan.” Wasena Neighborhood Forum

“Fun, toe-tapping music” Steve Pardon and Kimberly McBroom - WDBJ7 television, Roanoke, Va

From the Roanoke Times' INSIDE OUT columnist John Persinger's "Top Tickets" column, Thursday, March 8, 2007:

Bebop Hoedown
GENRE: Americana/newgrass
SOUNDS LIKE: "She's comin' around the mountain...doin' about 80 miles an hour."
WHY IT"S ON THE LIST: "If you;re looking to get in touch with a refreshing sound that'll take you back without slowing you down, this is the show for you."

john@rocknroanoke.com

Congratulations to Bobby Moore and his son Jamie, as they each won First Place Blue Ribbons at the recent Vinton Fiddler's Convention.

Bobby won for Adult Fiddle and Jamie won for Youth Guitar. Jamie also won 5th place at the recent Old Fiddler's Convention at Galax. We know Bobby is extremely proud of his son Jamie, and we're all proud of both of them.