Many tributaries flow into the vast ocean of sound that is The CodeTalkers, who encompass the shake of New Orleans soul, the hard electric edge of real blues, fleet fingered acoustic picking, and huge scale epic rock. Founded in 1999 after a Halloween encounter between singer-multi-instrumentalist Bobby Lee Rodgers and southern alternative music legend Col. Bruce Hampton, the group makes glorious pop music infused with the spirit & technical grace of jazz.
This muscular, engaging sound is in full bloom on their new album, Now, being released on June 13, 2006. Now’s 12 tracks, all original songs written by Rodgers, run a wild gamut, from the chugging blues of “Saved By The Same Thing” to the Zappa-like “Victor The Snakeman”. There is incredible balance and nuance to Now that draws deeply from the past but also speaks to a bright future. Loud & soft, direct & elusive, the record flows in an organic, unforced manner that’s positively engaging. It’s no longer a secret – the music of Bobby Lee Rodgers will be heard.
The band’s live shows are a darn good time – vibrant and uplifting and at times downright frivolous – in all the good ways. The CodeTalkers’ unstoppable rhythm section features bassist Ted Pecchio and drummer Tyler Greenwell. And The Colonel is quick to point out that he considers this Bobby Lee’s band, even if he is there many nights jumping around & making inspired noise. “It’s time for the world to hear Bobby,” says Hampton. “Me, I may or may not be there on any given night. That’s the way I want it.”
The current list of The CodeTalkers tour dates is as follows:
May 05 Stella Blue Asheville NC
May 06 Cats Cradle Carrboro NC
May 07 Cary Street Cafe Richmond VA
May 09 Daniel Street Milford CT
May 11 The Main Pub Manchester CT
May 12 CODA New York NY
May 13 Spring Jam – Sunshine Daydream Farm Terra Alta WV
May 15 Thunderbird Pittsburgh PA
May 17 Wilbert’s Cleveland OH
May 18 The Mad Frog Cincinnati OH
May 19 Peaches Grill Yellow Springs OH
May 20 Martyr’s Chicago IL
June 09 The Pour House Charleston SC
June 18 Bonnaroo Manchester TN
June 22 Georgia Theatre Athans GA
June 23 Smith’s Old Bar Atlanta GA
More dates to be announced.
Also, look for Bobby Lee on tour with Jimmy Herring (Allman Brothers/The Dead/Aquarium Rescue Unit) and Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit/Hellborg, Lane and Sipe) in late May/June in a project currently being dubbed Herring, Sipe and Rodgers. Collaborating for the first time ever on stage, the trio will perform older Rodgers material that isn’t currently in The CodeTalkers’ repertoire.
Current Herring, Sipe and Rodgers tour dates are as follows:
May 26 The Pour House Charleston SC
May 27 Freebird Live Jacksonville Beach FL
May 28 The Bank St.Petersburgh FL
May 31 Georgia Theater Atlanta GA
June 01 Exit In Nashville TN
June 02 Workplay Theatre Birmingham AL
June 03 Smilefest 2006 Lake Toxaway NC
August 05 Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash Terra Alta WV
More dates to be announced.
For more information visit thecodetalkers.com.
