Roots Rock Revival featuring Ruthie and the Wranglers + Patty Reese + Billy Coulter

On Thursday night Jammin Java hosted an awesome show, that sadly, only a few fans bothered to attend. The Roots Rock Revival starring Ruthie and the Wranglers, Patty Reese, and Billy Coulter, featured three of the Washington D.C. area's best Americana artists, four if counting Dave Chappel, and each act showed why they are multiple Wammie winners.

Billy Coulter and his band opened the show and like many artists, Coulter’s music career has hit several peaks and valleys. But since the release if his self title CD: "Billy Coulter", he has been reclaiming a top spot in the Washington D.C. music scene. This trend should continue with the release later in June of his second CD, which includes a couple duets with Patty Reese. For this show he played a combination of songs from each CD, which exhibited his trademark rock n' roll sound laced with bits of country and roots rock. Party Of One and Disconnected were two crowd favorites as well as his cover of Ring of Fire. Look for his CD Release Party at McGinty’s Public House in Silver Spring Maryland on June 21st.

Patty Reese continued the show with a full band that included local legend, guitarist Dave Chappel. She started off with Miss America, the only cover on her Here & Now CD, and really started rocking when moving to her collection of originals. Reese is probably the hardest working of these artists, playing about 15 shows a month, anywhere from small venues or city concerts to large venues. Her sound is difficult to describe because it derives from a combination of blues, folk, and rock influences - mended with her distinct bluesy vocals. Her set was great - it forced us to buy her CD immediately after she left the stage. Chappel was his usual steady self - playfully mimicking other band members within each song, taking center stage, or gliding to the background. Reese has a heavy tour schedule this summer, both with Chappel and as a soloist and you can always catch Chappel regularly at JV's.

Ruthie & the Wranglers finished the night and although Ruthie's name is out front, this is a complete band from the songwriting, harmonies, guitar playing...... Their music alternatives between Americana roots and country - particularly when they cover Patsy Cline. The songs are clever - with the songwriting provided by Ruthie, bassist Greg Hardin, particularly his dedication to Chick Hall's Surf Club, and pianist Bill Starks classic piano boogie tune. The Wranglers showed how they have scored over 25 WAMMIES and makes you wish that Nashville would listen. You want to hear what you missed? Try Live at Chick Hall's Surf Club. Plus the band will be releasing a new CD later this year.

The night ended with Reese, Chappel, and Coulter joining the Wranglers on stage for a powerful rendition of Little Sister. Thanks to Jammin Java for providing such a forum and we will try to publicize future shows so that more fans can experience some excellent music.