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)

Know Yer Band: Bush League All-Stars

Band: Bush League All-Stars

Members
Vocals/Guitar - Dan Spurgeon
Guitar/Vocals - Sean Beal/Kevin Happell
Bass/Vocals - Dan Cochran/Jacob Sundermeyer/Thomas D. Schmidt
Drums - Matt Gramly/George Hondroulis
Keyboard - Jessica Faller Schmidt

Releases
1995 - Mashed Potatoes 7" single (Pop Narcotic)
1995 - Old Numbers album (Pop Narcotic)
2003 - What A Mess EP (Bladdernine Records)
2009 - Cedar Knees (Horny Records)
2017 - Summer's Gold album (Not On Label)