Music
Press
Diesel Dog
HAMILTON VIEW MAGAZINE
DIESEL DOG
www.dieseldog.ca
(exerpt)
“I just came across a plaque,” says Diesel Dog keyboardist Ryan
Morrison, “that says we won our first battle of the bands together
in 1991.”
Although they had different name back then — the band was
known as Jacob’s Ladder during its original incarnation — the
core members of Morrison, guitarist Doug Burnside and bassist
Ian Richardson, have been playing music together now for 16
years. For the past five, drummer Ricky Neu has accompanied
them under the name Diesel Dog and together they have been
making a name for themselves in Ontario’s music scene
through strong musicianship, consistent touring and some solid
support slots for bands such as Little Feat and Johnny Winter.
When the original trio started playing together, its members
were still high school students fumbling around on covers of the
Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic and the like. The members now
have an unspoken ability to know exactly where the others are
heading musically and have become a fluid band that has
established a reputation as a solid live act.
“We have played so much together, we really get each other and play in a
very communal way. That’s one thing about playing with the same guys
for a long time, you can all reach the same place easier. Its great when
you get to know what the common goal is and you
know where everyone is taking it.”
______________________
The band has just completed its 4th full length studio Album, “Boots Live and the Birdtown Hive”.
The record is their best effort to date, and incudes
a inspired mix of Americana, Country, Rock, and Bluegrass.
Diesel Dog is looking forward to bringing their funky mix of accoustic roots music to
festivals all over Ontario this summer. - HAMILTON VIEW
excerpts:
"the acoustic set was a huge suprise. Great vocals, and a funky bluegrassy vibe...this is one versitile act"
“These guys are the real deal... Diesel Dog's signature blend of passion driven roots rock and high energy soaring psychedelia make for a genuinely unforgettable night on the dance floor, time and time again!”
"(diesel dog)... can compete with any big name act out there...hair raising energy; tight, travelling jams, and great songs" - www.jambands.ca
Discography
1995 - Live at the Lighthouse
2001 - Cherry Hits
2006 - Year of the Dog
2009 - Boots Live and the Birdtown Hive
2011 - Diesel Dog 5 (coming soon)
all releases are full length and original.
Photos
Bio
________________
NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
almost done our 5th full length studio CD,
scheduled release date is May 1st 2011 !!!
_________________
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Diesel Dog won the summer 2009 "JAM OFF CONTEST" from RELIX magazine. We have recieved coverage in the July 2009 issue and have had a song of ours included on the Summer 2009 RELIX Compilation CD, (which will be included in every copy of the magazine sold). With a circulation of 100,000+ this was huge news for the band, thanks RELIX!
_________________
BIO:
Diesel Dog is a Roots Fusion band from Norfolk County, Ontario.
We have been performing at festivals, fairs, events, and clubs for the past 15 years.
Depending on the event we play either play an acoustically oriented set, or we plug in for an electrified set of tight and funky rock 'n roll.
When performing acoustically we play a rootsy, 'bluegrassy' blend of Americana inspired original material mixed with some choice cover material.
When we perform electrically we have a great big dancable energy; a funky intensity that always gets the crowd on their feet and into the music. Our electric show is full of improvisational twists and turns, anchored by one of Ontario's tightest rhythm sections.
Whether we come out acoustically with our hillbilly funk, or plug in for a set of electrified roots-rock psychedelia, people end up dancing at Diesel Dog shows.
We usually perform as a five piece (a mix of banjo, dobro, fiddle, electric and acoustic guitar, bass, rhodes piano, synths, congas, and drums).
Highlights include opening spots for Little Feat and Johnny Winter.
We have developed a strong regional following and we are currently working on our 5th full length original album.
______________
PREVIOUS ALBUM:
Our most recent CD is entitled: "Boots Live & the Birdtown Hive". It was co-written with a good friend of ours, Scott Ashley.
Some background information:
Scott, and members of Diesel Dog, all come from Norfolk County, in Southwestern Ontario. This is the birthplace of many fine musicians, including Rick Danko (legendary bass player from The Band).
Norfolk County is a farming community, and has been the heart of the Canadian tobacco belt since the 1920’s. Back then, most hired farm help was brought up from the southern United States. Field hands from Virginia, the Carolinas, and other southern spots brought up their knowledge of Tobacco farming, and also their music. The impact this southern music had on local Norfolk County musicians was profound. The influence and sound was passed on around campfires, porches, churches and in dance halls, and was most famously echoed by Ronnie Hawkins, Rick Danko and The Band.
In the case of The Band, its likely that Norfolk County's musical heritage contributed greatly to the fine chemistry shared between Levon Helm (the only American in The Band) and the rest of the musicians in the group, all from Southwestern Ontario.
The sounds of this remarkably musical county still resonate all over town, and all over our latest album, Boots Live and the Birdtown Hive.
We were honored to have some really great homegrown guests appear on the album. Jim Atkinson, Darren & Alison Schott, Tony Duclose, Dan Walsh, just to name a few. Terry Danko (brother of the late Rick Danko) contributed some great vocal work and 'Professor Louie'-Aaron Hurwitz played some accordion for us. Both Terry and Professor Louie have shared the stage and studio with many greats over the years, including Clapton, The Shoeshine Boys, Bob Dylan, and The Band. We were really grateful to have their sounds on our record.
All in all, the Album is a great success and we are proud to have continued on with what we feel is big part of our musical heritage. You can download some free tracks from our website, www.dieseldog.ca
_______________
www.dieseldog.ca
Contact:
Diesel Dog
C/O Ryan Morrison
39 Simcoe blvd
Simcoe, ON
CANADA
N3Y 3L8
(519) 420 7457
ryan@dieseldog.ca
Links
