Jo Henley
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The Boston-based roots rock band Jo Henley fuses together a powerful combo of rock, folk, country, and bluegrass. Their sound strikes a balance between carefully-crafted songwriting and live improvisation. Formed by longtime collaborators Andy Campolieto and Ben Lee, the band is a give-and-take between the acoustic and the electric. Campolieto’s troubadour-esque lead vocals balance Lee’s rippin’ guitar jams, delivering an open and dynamic sound. Their music is tinged with a bit of country twang and cut with the raw power of rock, making the overall sound familiar yet unexpected, often giving the listener the feeling of freedom that only good “driving music” can.
Compelling storytelling is at the heart of Jo Henley’s music. The stories are moving and the delivery earnest. many of their songs are lyric-driven explorations of the human condition, many times more sunny in tone than in meaning, with upbeat, memorable melodies. This makes the listener want to dig more deeply into what’s the intention behind the lyrics. Often compared to alt- country and Americana bands like Dawes, Yarn, The Mallet Brothers, and Jason Isbell, Jo Henley moves beyond those labels, incorporating heavier electric guitar improvisations that push the musical interest further.
Since their 2006 debut EP, the band has toured nationally, headlined local and regional festivals, and released several critically-acclaimed full-length records. Their 2008 release Sad Songs and Alcohol caught on with roots and indie music fans across the country, spending close to 6 months on the national Americana charts’ (AMAs) Top 100. 2010’s Inside Out featured Trey Anastasio Band members Russ Lawton, Tony Markellis, and Ray Paczkowski. The band recently released their latest studio album, Burning Down the Dark; the album flows like a dream sequence, chronicling the darkness of depression and the battle to find light.
Though Andy and Ben do occasionally perform as a duo, Jo Henley is a true full band experience. Members include Andy Campolieto (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Ben Lee (electric guitar), Kent Stephens (bass and vocals), Mike Miglozzi (drums and vocals), and the band frequently features Tony Markellis (of the Trey Anastasio Band) on bass. From quiet ballad to rockin’ jams, Jo Henley live shows are upbeat, spirited events that showcase the band’s rare fusion of crafted story songs and groove-based improvisation.
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