So Who Is Sol Dog, Anyway?
In various incarnations, members of Sol Dog have been playing on and off with one another for over a decade. But the true magic began only a couple of years ago, with the demise of a blues band called Blue News...
"Organic" is a word that guitarist Rev and keyboardist Ron often use to describe the band's sound. Coming from backgrounds heavily founded in blues, southern rock, soul music, psychedelic rock, even folk and jazz, the members of the band have paid careful attention to the selection of equipment and tones, seeking to bring out a natural, warm tone. Hammond organs, pianos, and electronics no more sophisticated than a Fender Rhodes make up the keyboard sound. The guitar sound is all Fender and Gibson instruments, powered by all-tube technology through a vintage Marshall rig. A five-string Smith custom bass guitar through a hand-picked Eden bass rig provides a rich tone for the bass; and Mark stands by his 20-year-old (and then some) Gretsch thin maple shell drum kit like a war buddy. The members of this band consider themselves spoiled, at this point, with their great-sounding gear.
But more important than gear or even years of experience are the thoughts, the ideas, and the influences that form the sound of Sol Dog. The band is a richly organic mix of jam-oriented grooves, but the players have so much more to draw upon. From the Allmans and Little Feat, the Dead and Phish, to James Brown and Buddy Miles, to Hendrix and even Pink Floyd... From Rush to Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens to Van Morrison to the Rolling Stones and the Black Crowes, the members of Sol Dog are not afraid to take their influences and run with them. And run they do. "Southern rock" is a label that has been thrown at them, as is "blues"; but this is truly jam music at its best, complete with well arranged songs, carefully thought out passages, and dynamic vocal harmonies. Sol Dog will make you want to listen, dance, and think all at once. Watch your feet.