New Additions: Big Back Forty album Bested

Knowing that Big Back Forty had drawn comparisons to another Columbus band from around this time (Haynes Boys), I had a rough idea what to expect when I grabbed this off Discogs. The first noticeable difference is Sean Beal's voice, which carries a nice amount of weight in its depth. With the McGann brothers from Greenhorn onboard as the rhythm section, it's expectedly tight, but it's Barry Hensley that operates as the secret weapon, playing half a dozen credited instruments that help shape the edges of the songs.

Know Yer Band: Big Back Forty

Band: Big Back Forty

Members
Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Vocals – Barry Hensley
Guitar, Organ, Accordion, Harmonica, Vocals – Sean Beal
Bass – Steve McCann/Dan Cochran
Drums, Percussion – Patrick McCann/Mark Boquist

Releases
1996 - Big Back Forty EP (Polydor)
1997 - Big Back Forty album (Polydor)

Hensley Sturgis at No Depression

Hensley Sturgis released two albums - Open Lanes in 2000 and Cabin Fever in 2001. Both received positive reviews in No Depression, here's an excerpt from the latter:

Not only do Hensley and Sturgis display an increased confidence in their music making, but HensleySturgis also is a full band this time around. The rhythm section, now solidified around drummer Pat McGann (who appeared on the debut) and new bassist Trent Arnold, adds muscle to the mix. The songs are injected with a greater dynamic sense, which makes this record a more potent piece of music. While they may not yet have broken into the alt-country's upper echelon, these Ohio boys do mine a very appealing Midwestern vein of Americana.

New Additions: Cabin Fever by Hensley Sturgis

I wasn't sure quite to expect, but I had an idea when I picked up the second Hensley Sturgis album, the 2001 release Cabin Fever. With Barry Hensley from Big Back Forty involved, I knew this would fall on the country rock spectrum, and I was not disappointed. My only exposure to Jason Sturgis was as the bass player in Big Red Sun, so I didn't have a lot to go on their. There is twang, there are quiet moments juxtaposed with dirty sounds. It's an interesting listen and compared to what was going on in Columbus at the time, it's a pretty unique sound.

Know Yer Band: Hensley Sturgis

Band: Hensley Sturgis

Members
Jason Sturgis - Guitar/Bass/Vocals
Barry Hensley - Guitar/Steel Guitar/Vocals
Steve McGann/Trent Arnold - Bass
Pat McGann/Rick May - Drums

Releases
2000 - Open Lanes album (Blue Rose Records)
2001 - Cabin Fever album (Blue Rose Records)