the Riders

Founded in Southern California in the summer of 2003 by singer/guitarist/songwriter Tom Cusimano and drummer Jimmy Olson, the Riders are now a five piece band featuring Neil MacPherson on piano, accordion, and organ, Mike Clairmont on bass, and Devin Shea on violin. The Riders are now wrapping up their second full length album entitled Crown City Sessions which they are co-producing with Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris)

Drawing from a variety of influences ranging from classical, jazz, blues, rock, r&b, country, and bluegrass the Riders create Rock'n'Roll music often compared to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Dave Matthews Band, The Band, Bob Dylan, and Dire Straits.

It is in this versatility that the band finds its niche, allowing for multiple interpretations of their own music as well as influential music. This is evident on the Riders latest recordings entitled “Crown City Sessions” (to be released in 2010). On this album which was co-produced with Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris) the Riders show their dynamic range of influences and arrangements starting from the album opener "Katie May I". This song kicks off the album and exemplifies the implicit swagger of the band with its influence and vibe obviously taken from The Band’s iconic tune “The Weight”. “Katie May I” right away showcases the soloing abilities with a ragtime style piano, bluesy violin, and soulful guitar solo all making their introductions on the album. Following that is a more ethereal tune entitled “Storylines”. This song shows the obvious influence of Dire Straits style guitar and Dave Matthews style violin work combined with a thundering bridge. Crown City Sessions also features the Riders first venture into recording covers; Bob Dylan’s “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” and The Faces “Ooh La La” (written by Ronnie Lane & Ron Wood). On these two songs you hear the Riders ability to rearrange instrumentation and add intensity (as compared to the originals) while at the same time staying true to the song itself and not sacrificing its overall story and theme. The middle of the album the Riders turn up the volume a bit with the riff based jam inspired rockers “From Far Behind” and “The Minute”. “From Far Behind” showcases the Riders with one of their more funk inspired grooves. This song surprises you, as you would expect it from a veteran jazz-fusion combo. With its extended wurlitzer solo and bouncing bass line tying the whole song together this song really drives the album into the next few tracks. “The Minute” follows with a Rolling Stones “Brown Sugar” and “Start Me Up” inspired guitar riff that would make Keith Richards proud – the whole song is clearly influenced by late 60’s early 70’s Stones with it rocking guitar solo to its falsetto harmonies on the chorus reminiscent of the Stones “Miss You”. The album finishes out with a Springsteen inspired number entitled “No Easy Way” featuring George Thorogood & the Destroyers saxophonist Buddy Leach. This is a great driving song that sounds like a lost track from the “Born To Run” or “Darkness on the Edge of Town” sessions.

In total Crown City Sessions is 11 tracks of Rock’n’Roll exploration. While staying true to their roots and influences the Riders sophomore album shows them taking huge strides and exploring new territory from their independent debut “200 Miles From Everywhere…” which was produced by Richie Podolor (Three Dog Night, Steppenwolf, New Radicals)