Event

The Appleseed Collective

Guitarist and frontman Andrew Brown was raised by a Motown session musician. Exposed to pre-World War II jazz in New Orleans at an early age, "hot" jazz guitar took hold of him like a fever that refused to burn off. Shortly thereafter he met Brandon Smith, who'd been playing old-time fiddle since he was smallwhich, given Smith's current height, was quite a while back. Smith plays violin with the fluidity and precision of the Devil himself, so it's little surprise that he was able to harness Brown's Django-jazz fever. Bassist Eric O'Daly is the newest member of the Appleseed lineup, and brings to the stage not only the big bottom of the upright bass, but also his background in choral singing and Indian classical music. Finally, in service of the Appleseed Collective sound, lifelong multi-percussionist Vince Russo has taken to the vintage washboard, blending influences of funk, punk, jazz, and rock n roll. And, most vital to any touring roots band, Russo is a van-packing savant and dead-steady highway driver.