The Howlin' Brothers

Although they look like a bluegrass band, and at times incorporate bluegrass trappings and rhythms, the Howlin' Brothers (who are not brothers by birth) are most decidedly an Americana string band, but in a reconfigured 21st century version, incorporating rock, pop, gospel, jazz, R&B, Dixieland, country blues, and who knows what else into the mix along with a scattering of old-time Appalachian string band material and approaches. Formed in Ithaca, New York at Ithaca College in 2003, the Howlin' Brothers (Ben Plasse on upright bass and banjo, Ian Craft on fiddle, mandolin, and banjo, and Jared Green on guitar and harmonica; all three share vocals and harmonies) developed a fun, foot-stomping live show and an avid following in the Ithaca area, then decided to relocate to Nashville in 2005 and try their luck. The group self-released Mountain Songs (2007), Long Hard Year (2009), Baker St. Blues (2011), and a compilation of live performances, Old Time All the Time (2012), which they sold at shows, before connecting with Brendan Benson through a mutual friend. Benson took the trio into the studio and produced the band's first national release, Howl, which included guest spots from Jypsi and Warren Haynes and was released by Benson's own Readymade Records in 2013. Trouble, again produced by Benson, followed in 2014.