As shantytowns, or “Hoovervilles,” sprang up across the American landscape during the Great Depression, there was much to lament. Yet the popular music of that era offers lasting inspiration even today. In 1997, John Bemis and Greg Hanson discovered a mutual love for this music. They picked up their guitars and blended their voices, and the musical duo, Hooverville, was born.

Hooverville's debut album, Lucky Rabbit's Foot, showcased original songwriting and spare arrangements delivered through taut brother act-style harmonies. The band created lasting hits in the North Carolina music scene with songs like the murder ballad “Alston Lynn” and the tensely waltzing “Fairly Good Man.” Their songs have been covered by other recording artists and still see heavy rotation on WUNC Radio’s weekly Americana music program, Back Porch Music.

 With the addition of a rhythm section, Hooverville's traditional sensibilities and vintage sounds have evolved into new Americana music territory. Classic country, bluegrass, blues, folk, and roots rock all find their way into the mix, along with a third voice and writing perspective, courtesy of upright bassist Paul Dowds. Completing the band’s sound, drummer Nathan Logan finesses the mood with tasteful dynamic intuition.

Hooverville’s new album, Follow That Trail of Dust Back Home, spotlights the singing and writing talents of the band’s three lead vocalists, recalling other rootsy group efforts like The Band, The Flatlanders, and Uncle Tupelo. Produced by James Mathus (Elvis Costello, Buddy Guy), the new record rambles across the great map of American roots music, and follows that dusty trail back home.

©2006 Hooverville