band bio
Who are The Bearfoot Hookers and why are they in my shower?
copyright 2007
the bearfoot hookers
the bearfoot hookers
The Bearfoot Hookers are a fiercely independent, honest and scrappy band that blends traditional country, blues, and rock & roll sounds into a mixture they call Beer Drinkin' Gospel. It's edgy like Johnny Cash, groovy like the Stones, often comical like Todd Snider, and full of swampy grit and flavor like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Gram Parsons. Hooker songs make you want to dance, sing, holler, drink, and, if the opportunity presents itself, wrestle an alligator. This band will rock and roll you like a whiskey powered runaway locomotive.
Based in Athens, GA, The Bearfoot Hookers have deep roots in small South Georgia towns like Waycross (childhood home of Gram Parsons). That explains the swampy feel of the band's original songs written primarily by members Ty Manning (guitar, vocals), Mark Durfield (guitar, vocals), and Jon Tonge (bass). The often conflicting lessons learned while growing up in the Deep South and a penchant for living a little harder than is good for them have generated more than a few memorable songs. The soulful playing of Scott Nicholson (piano, organ) brings a gospel feel that makes even the roughest honky-tonk feel like a place of worship. The music and stories are often about contradictions... that's Beer Drinkin' Gospel.
The Hookers have established a hard-earned reputation for rowdy, foot-stompin', three hour (or more) shows built upon their huge catalog of original songs, and lots of deep cut covers for extra flavor. They have a talent for connecting with audiences, even those who have never heard The Hookers play before, and are at home in venues of all sizes; from The Georgia Theatre to a barbecue joint in Waycross. Hooker shows are known for being raucous, raise your drink in the air, shout out "hell yeah" kind of affairs... that's Beer Drinkin' Gospel.
The Bearfoot Hookers formed in 2003 and quickly recorded Sweet Pickle Grits. The full-length debut CD was eagerly received by the band's growing base of fans. A steady performing schedule throughout Georgia followed, motivating the band to record and release their second CD, Life at the Bar, in 2004. The reviewing press began to take notice and The Bearfoot Hookers were selected as one of Flagpole Magazine's "Bands to Watch in 2005". The Hookers recieved comparisons to Athens musical heroes The Drive-By Truckers and Redneck GReece Deluxe as well as national acts The Bottle Rockets and Wet Willy.
Regular performances continued throughout 2005 and 2006. The track "Beggar's Prayer" from Life at the Bar was selected for inclusion on the 2005 AthFest Compilation CD. In 2006 The Bearfoot Hookers were presented with the Flagpole Music Award for the best band in the "Country, Americana, Roots Rock" category, a true honor shared with the band's many loyal fans. The track "I'd Rather Two-Step (than Twelve-Step)" was chosen for the 2006 AthFest Compilation CD. And most recently, the track "Rain Don't Stop the Trains" was chosen for the 2007 AthFest Compilation CD - Volume 2.
In spite of the band's growing success, late 2006 proved to be a difficult time that resulted in the first lineup change since the band's inception. Shawn Collins (former Connor Rand & the Red Dirt Band) joined The Bearfoot Hookers on drums in early 2007 and the momentum is building again. An abundance of new songs are getting the polish that comes from playing them live and the band plans to kick off recording a third album in late summer.
There is a definite sense of anticipation and excitement in the Hooker camp... a revival of sorts. And so the Beer Drinkin' Gospel Revival train is leaving the station. All aboard!
Based in Athens, GA, The Bearfoot Hookers have deep roots in small South Georgia towns like Waycross (childhood home of Gram Parsons). That explains the swampy feel of the band's original songs written primarily by members Ty Manning (guitar, vocals), Mark Durfield (guitar, vocals), and Jon Tonge (bass). The often conflicting lessons learned while growing up in the Deep South and a penchant for living a little harder than is good for them have generated more than a few memorable songs. The soulful playing of Scott Nicholson (piano, organ) brings a gospel feel that makes even the roughest honky-tonk feel like a place of worship. The music and stories are often about contradictions... that's Beer Drinkin' Gospel.
The Hookers have established a hard-earned reputation for rowdy, foot-stompin', three hour (or more) shows built upon their huge catalog of original songs, and lots of deep cut covers for extra flavor. They have a talent for connecting with audiences, even those who have never heard The Hookers play before, and are at home in venues of all sizes; from The Georgia Theatre to a barbecue joint in Waycross. Hooker shows are known for being raucous, raise your drink in the air, shout out "hell yeah" kind of affairs... that's Beer Drinkin' Gospel.
The Bearfoot Hookers formed in 2003 and quickly recorded Sweet Pickle Grits. The full-length debut CD was eagerly received by the band's growing base of fans. A steady performing schedule throughout Georgia followed, motivating the band to record and release their second CD, Life at the Bar, in 2004. The reviewing press began to take notice and The Bearfoot Hookers were selected as one of Flagpole Magazine's "Bands to Watch in 2005". The Hookers recieved comparisons to Athens musical heroes The Drive-By Truckers and Redneck GReece Deluxe as well as national acts The Bottle Rockets and Wet Willy.
Regular performances continued throughout 2005 and 2006. The track "Beggar's Prayer" from Life at the Bar was selected for inclusion on the 2005 AthFest Compilation CD. In 2006 The Bearfoot Hookers were presented with the Flagpole Music Award for the best band in the "Country, Americana, Roots Rock" category, a true honor shared with the band's many loyal fans. The track "I'd Rather Two-Step (than Twelve-Step)" was chosen for the 2006 AthFest Compilation CD. And most recently, the track "Rain Don't Stop the Trains" was chosen for the 2007 AthFest Compilation CD - Volume 2.
In spite of the band's growing success, late 2006 proved to be a difficult time that resulted in the first lineup change since the band's inception. Shawn Collins (former Connor Rand & the Red Dirt Band) joined The Bearfoot Hookers on drums in early 2007 and the momentum is building again. An abundance of new songs are getting the polish that comes from playing them live and the band plans to kick off recording a third album in late summer.
There is a definite sense of anticipation and excitement in the Hooker camp... a revival of sorts. And so the Beer Drinkin' Gospel Revival train is leaving the station. All aboard!
"If bar bands were on one side of the railroad tracks, and honky-tonks were on the other, the Hookers would be the hobos inside the freight train boxcar."
Maggie Large, Macon Telegraph
Maggie Large, Macon Telegraph