Railroad Earth is a roots and Americana-based jamband from Stillwater, New Jersey. Their name stems from the Jack Kerouac short story "October in the Railroad Earth," and the band has a song by the same name. Railroad Earth's music combines elements of bluegrass, rock and roll, jazz, celtic and more, and the group is known for its extensive live improvisation and lyrical songwriting within an acoustic base.

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History

The band members first came together in early 2001. Originally comprising guitarist/vocalist Todd Sheaffer, violinist/vocalist Tim Carbone, mandolinist/vocalist John Skehan, multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Andy Goessling, drummer/vocalist Carey Harmon, and bassist Dave Von Dollen, 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 several festivals, quickly landing a slot at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was their first 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 devoted 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 continued to tour throughout the country, and its first live album, "Elko," was issued in late January 2006. They performed at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on September 15, 2007.

The band's fourth studio album, entitled Amen Corner , was released on June 10, 2008. The new album features songs such as "Been Down This Road," "Hard Livin'," "Waggin' The Dog," and "Lovin' You." They will continue to tour throughout 2008.

Members

Current members

• Todd Sheaffer - guitar, vocals (2001 - present)
• Tim Carbone - violin, accordion, electric guitar, vocals (2001 - present)
• John Skehan - mandolin, bouzouki, vocals (2001 - present)
• Andy Goessling - acoustic guitars, banjo, dobro, mandolin, flute, pennywhistle, saxophones, vocals (2001 - present)
• Carey Harmon - drums, hand percussion, vocals (2001 - present)
• Johnny Grubb - upright bass, vocals (2003 - present)

Past members

• Dave Von Dollen - bass, vocals (2001 - 2003)

Discography

Albums

Year	Title	Label
2001	The Black Bear Sessions	Bos Music
2002	Bird In A House	Sugar Hill
2004	The Good Life	Sugar Hill
2006	Elko	SCI Fidelity
2008	Amen Corner	SCI Fidelity

References