Root Cellar Xtract’s music and sound is deeply rooted in the earliest origins of true “California Country-Rock”. Root Cellar Xtract harkens back to the era of the mid 60’s to early 70’s and hills of Laurel Canyon, California which was the birthplace of California Country Rock. Fueled by the songwriting of Clyde Bailey, the consummate musicians of Root Cellar Xtract play a kind of throw-back country rock which embodies the rootsy soulfulness of that early country rock sound. But there's a stripped-down purity, a maturity, that makes this a thoroughly modern outfit.
Root Cellar Xtract is comprised of Clyde Bailey (Guitar, harp and vocals), Steve Mueller (Pedal Steel), Phil Burkhead (Piano and harmonies), Dan Dobbins (Drums), John “JC” Castetter (Bass), Josh Metzger (Guitar, Banjo and vocals), and Moriah Haven (Mandolin and vocals).
Root Cellar Xtract are playing The Southgate House Revival on Friday, February 2nd and in addition to performing their own music, they will be performing a tribute to the great local songwriting here in Cincinnati. Featuring tunes by those such as; Noah Smith, Mark Becknell, and others! What an honor to have such great musicians cover others in town.
We sat down with Clyde Bailey to learn more about this special event.
You have mentioned quite a few local artists that songs you will be featuring, can you provide a full list?
John Ford; Mark Becknell; Noah Smith; Jim Pelz; Jeremy Francis. There are so many other great songwriters in town, but these songwriters I have "run into" out while playing out and felt comfortable reaching out to them.
What made you pick those songs?
That was the hard part! So many great tunes to choose from. We were really looking for tunes that we thought we present well in our brand of "California Country Rock".
What inspired you to honor other locals? I think this is amazing. Do they know you have this planned?
They absolutely know! I asked permission first, then they provided lyrics sheets, mp3s and then we built out RCx charts for the tunes. I think Cincinnati is putting out great artists, but what I am most impressed with is the quality of songwriting that comes out of Cincinnati. My hope is that through Root Cellar Xtract covering some these tunes, we can help shine a bit of light on the state of the Cincinnati Songwriting Craft!
Are there any special performances planned for the show at SGHR?
Absolutely! Jeremy Francis will start the night out with a solo performance. Jim Pelz (From Hickory Robot and The Loser Angels) will also be jumping up on stage with us!
