Railroad Earth is a roots and Americana-based jamband from rural western New Jersey. Their name stems from a Jack Kerouac poem "October in the Railroad Earth", and the band has a song by the same name.
The group's music combines elements of bluegrass, rock and roll, jazz, celtic
and more, and is known for its extensive live improvisation. Band members, already accomplished
musicians, first came together in early 2001.
More about Railroad Earth.
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Railroad Earth's original lineup comprised of Todd Sheaffer (guitarist/vocalist), Tim Carbone (violinist/vocalist), John Skehan (mandolinist/vocalist), Andy Goessling (multi-instrumentalist/vocalist), Carey Harmon (drummer/vocalist), and Dave Von Dollen (bassist), the group played both original compositions mostly written by Sheaffer, the former From Good Homes songwriter, as well as traditional songs. After just three weeks of rehearsals, they went into a local recording studio and tracked a five song demo. Recorded live with no overdubs except backing vocals, The Black Bear Sessions set Railroad Earth's career in motion. Within a week they had a manager on board who then sent their demo out to some of the country's most prestigious festivals, quickly landing a slot at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was their tenth gig. The Black Bear Sessions was released to the public in June 2001, and following their appearance at Telluride Sugar Hill Records approached the band and offered them a record deal. The Black Bear Sessions contains some of the most popular songs in Railroad Earth's repertoire, including "Seven Story Mountain" and "Head".
In June 2002, Railroad Earth released their follow-up album to The Black Bear Sessions (and first official Sugar Hill release) entitled Bird In A House, featuring songs such as "Like A Buddha", "Mighty River", and the title track to the LP. The band continued its steady touring schedule, playing theatres, folk-music festivals, jam-band festivals, and other venues, while gathering much praise for its unique sound and enjoyable live concerts. The band eventually built up a fanbase who call themselves Hobos. In 2003, Dave Von Dollen was replaced by bassist Johnny Grubb. In 2004, the band released its third studio effort, The Good Life, featuring "Storms", Mourning Flies", and "Goat". The band continues to tour throughout the country, and its first live album, Elko, was issued in late January 2006.