The new CD ""Sounds Like Chicken"", recorded at Madpants Studio in Fremont, features 12 new songs with a distinct infusion of indie-pop into the quirky, un-traditional bluegrass sound the band has come to be known for. Several of the songs, such as I Made It, Stringtime in the Summer, and You And Me were written by front man Todd Gray the band's mandolinist, while he was out at sea last winter, and celebrate the connection with friends and family that he longed for while separated from them. Others explore everything from a light-hearted look at the limbo of joblessness (Rainbow Dreams), and the mischief of young love (in Tony's Waste our Precious Time) to a true tale of murder in turn of the century Maine (bass player, Paisley's Mattie Hackett). The band was born out of a mutual love for stories and music from eras past. Their music is full of ideas borrowed from old time fiddle tunes, jazzy delta blues, and classic old school bluegrass. Combine those ideas with their pop, rock, reggae and funk steeped upbringing and you get a sound that is timeless but at the same time modern.
• Todd Gray-Mandolin, Vocals, Writer and Band leader: Todd is a seasoned musician, a drummer for the most part, and has the uncanny talent of being able to play any instrument he lays his hands on. With over 30 years of experience writing, recording and gigging, Todd has what it takes to be the driving force behind the band's music. As a native New Englander, Todd's childhood was spent scaling trees, fur trapping, eating lobster and beach combing the rocky coast of Maine, a lifestyle that goes perfectly with the roots music he writes.
• Paisley Gray-Upright Bass, Vocals and Writer: Paisley is as passionate about her bass playing as she is about her dramatic approach to singing and songwriting which matches her outlandish costumes and stage presence. With her gregarious nature and genuine interest in the history of americana music and the roots music community in Seattle she is the driving force behind getting the band out there playing every weekend of the year. Growing up Paisley spent her free time at a cabin on a lake in beautiful western Montana, who wouldn't be inspired to write about the simpler things in life with an upbringing like that?
• Tony Markey-Banjo, Vocals and Writer: Tony is a transplant from the world of performing arts. He has a comedic presence rivaled only by his musical prowess on banjo. He gained a deep love for the banjo from listening to his grandfather play as a child. While his influences are far from traditional bluegrass (as an Alaska native, he was decidedly NOT steeped in a traditional banjo music heritage) he does love playing bluegrass and has an intrinsic talent for the instrument he also enjoys exploring the use of banjo in other genres such as "rap" and "apocalyptic zombie".
The CD release will be followed by a west coast (and beyond) tour for Todd and Paisley (sans Tony) in February. Todd says "After Paisley's recent lay-off from the day job here's our chance to take off in a truck, travel the countryside and play our music, just like we've always dreamed about." Upon returning, they intend to continue focusing on writing, performing and marketing the CD as much as possible, and only going back into the workforce, according to Paisley, "if and when necessary, because this is what we really love doing"
CD Release Tour
:: Monday Jan 30th -Charlie's Bar and Grill (Oly)
:: Tue Jan 31st -Alberta St. Pub (PDX)
:: Thur Feb 16th -Blackbird Studio (Vegas)
:: Sun Feb 19th -The Wilma (Missoula)
:: Check back for more shows as they develop -- CALENDAR
Pickled Okra's new LP is here! 
