A couple of weeks ago, I finally got to check out the muched-buzzed about band The Tillers, nominated for a Cincinnati Entertainment Award in the Folk/Americana category. Playing in the Southgate House’s “lounge” room, the trio (playing stand-up bass, guitar, banjo and more) huddled around a single, vintage-looking, multi-directional mic and delivered their sweet, accomplished spin on traditional Folk, Country, Gospel and Blues. —-
The band’s debut, Ludlow Street Rag (released by Bloomington, Ind.-based label, Chestnut Tree Records), is the next best thing to seeing the band live (their harmonies are especially resonating in a concert setting). Some have called the threesome “Punk Folk,” but that’s likely because some band members have tattoos. This is straight-up “old-time” music — close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re at some jamboree in the Southern backwoods, circa 1925.
The next, next best thing to seeing them live? This cool music video, for the band’s song “There Is a Road (Route 50).”
The Tillers – There is a Road (Route 50) from Pete Ohs on Vimeo.
This article appears in Oct 22-28, 2008.