With years on the road guitar teching for Michael Houser, founding member of Widespread Panic and one of the most infamous jam guitarists in the history of the genre, Sam Holt was no stranger to the music scene or the road. However in forming his own band Outformation, Holt would have to step out of the shadows both literally and figuratively to prove that he could stand on his own in a genre where fans are hard won, but once captivated are also loyal as the day is long. Following the heels of their critically acclaimed debut album Tennessee Before Daylight, the band is set to release their anticipated follow up album Traveler’s Rest on August 21.
Holt and Outformation have a full fall tour scheduled in support of their sophomore CD with more dates to follow in the winter. Released two years after their debut, Traveler’s Rest finds the band in a more mature and experimental state. Holt’s hypnotic guitar hooks, bass player and singer-songwriter Grady Upchurch’s melodies, Lee Schwartz’s pounding beat and the harmonies of keyboardist CR Gruver and percussionist Jeff “Birddogg” Lane give each track on Traveler’s Rest a unique brand of funkadelic chemistry. Several musical guests also make an appearance throughout the album. The title track, ‘Traveler’s Rest’ is a collaborative effort with Widespread Panic’s JoJo Hermann, while Mickey Raphael from Willie Nelson’s band contributes his harmonica playing talents on the song ‘Winds.’
Since their inception in 2002, Outformation has toured relentlessly. The band found itself gaining momentum while supporting Tennessee Before Daylight; selling out venues nationwide and culminating in their two day performance at Bonnaroo in 2005. That same year, Outformation was named “Best New Band” by an Honest Tune Magazine’s reader’s poll.
After more than seven years working as a guitar tech for his mentor and friend, the late Widespread Panic guitarist Michael Houser, and stepping in to play at numerous Panic shows, Holt has spent the last five years dedicating himself to Outformation. With
influences ranging from Charlie Daniels and The Marshall Tucker Band all the way to Frank Zappa, Outformation’s original material and sound is breaking new ground in a long and cherished Southern musical territory. Add to that the growing national fanbase they have cultivated over the years and it becomes clear that Holt and Outformation have truly stepped out front and found their groove with Traveler’s Rest.
OUTFORMATION TOUR DATES
August 31 The Pour House Charleston, SC
September 1 The Pour House Charleston, SC
September 2 The Palm Room Wrightsville Beach, NC
September 6 Rick’s Starkville, MS
September 7 Martin’s Lounge Jackson, MS
September 8 Sticky Fingerz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack Little Rock, AR
September 9 George’s Majestic Fayetteville, AR
September 15 Loco’s Pub Savannah, GA
September 19 Bluesboro Murfreesboro, TN
September 20 Proud Larry’s Oxford, MS
September 22 Chelsea’s Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 Liberty Hall Lawrence, KS
October 5 Granada Theatre Dallas, TX
October 6 Stubb’s Austin, TX
October 17 Georgia Theatre Athens, GA
October 19 Jupiter Bar Tuscaloosa, AL
October 25 War Eagle Supper Club Auburn, AL
October 26 The Jolly Roger Orange Beach, AL
October 27 Magnolia Festival Live Oak, FL
November 9 Workplay Theatre Birmingham, AL
