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If Ohio ever had a version of gumbo, Woodshed Mercy might be stirring the pot with their many different styles. Armed with their first ten track compact disc, Euclid guitarist Drew Clair gave the band's background info to OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts the other day. One could think of it as being taken to the woodshed in a good way. |
| OO: |
Who or what motivated you to get into music? |
| DC: |
"Being the youngest of eight, I got introduced to all sorts of great music. My sister Robin taught me a few piano chords and I went from there. My older brother Bob played in jazz bands as well as Irish folk groups." |
| OO: |
How about song writing influences? |
| DC: |
"My personal ones are Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Gordan Gano, Rhett Miller and Robbie Fulkes." |
| OO: |
Which brings us to the band's sound. |
| DC: |
"We like to refer to ourselves as 'eclectic Americana.' With four songwriters, our music varies from folk to country to rock to punk." |
| OO: |
And this band has a connection with your former group? |
| DC: |
"Yeah, all four members of Woodshed Mercy came out of a band called TumbleweedJo that played around the state from 1998-2000." |
| OO: |
Dream band to split a bill with? |
| DC: |
"The Drive-By Truckers. We haven't shared a bill yet, but hopefully someday." |
| OO: |
Any acts from around Ohio catch your ear? |
| DC: |
"We have a lot of fun playing with the Jack Fords, the Whiskey Daredevils and Hayshaker Jones. There's a band from Cincinnati called 500 Miles From Memphis that really rocks!" |
| OO: |
How about some background on the disc. |
| DC: |
"This is our first real disc. It's a self-titled release. We are currently back in the studio recording our follow-up effort. We recorded at Track Six in Cleveland. Owned by Brandon Young, he has a great ear for what we're trying to accomplish." |
| OO: |
Favorite venue in the state? |
| DC: |
"Obviously, the Beachland Ballroom in the north end of Collinwood in Cleveland is a lot of fun. We had our cd release party there and had a great time. We had a blast our last gig at the Town Fryer in downtown Cleveland. You can't go wrong with fried Oreoes and hillbilly music." |
| OO: |
Those just aren't for breakfast anymore. Where did the band name come from? |
| DC: |
"The readers will get a better idea of our band name once they listen to 'Nobottom Blues.'" |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| DC: |
"We just want to keep having fun. Anything else that happens is just icing on the cake." |
| OO: |
A topic we forgot to mention? |
| DC: |
"We're your perfect festival, backyard BBQ kind of band. Check out our web page to see where we're playing, since we have a couple dates this month." |
