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Pleased To Meet You...

(L to R: Mark Messerly, Tommy Huesman, Dave Purcell, Sean Rhiney,
George Cunningham, photo by Erin Powell)

Pike 27 is one of Cincinnati's premier bands, and a leader of the city's deep Americana scene (Ass Ponys, Dallas Moore, Big In Iowa). The band has been on a roll since their debut in January 2000, garnering critical acclaim, multiple award nominations, a reputation as a strong live act, and regular local airplay. Most recently, the band was named Best Roots Rock Band in the 2002 Cincinnati Area Music Awards (Cammys). The band has played every major club in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, toured throughout the Midwest, and played with artists such as Dave Alvin, Vigilantes of Love, Robbie Fulks, Jason Ringenberg, Chuck Prophet, Ass Ponys, Two Cow Garage, Sleepy LaBeef, Trent Summar & The New Rob Mob, and Jim Roll.

Pike 27 came together when Dave Purcell (singer/songwriter/guitarist) moved back to Northern Kentucky after spending the mid-90s leading roots rock bands in Chicago. Drummer Adam Renchen had just finished a stint in Papertown, an atmospheric pop band. Bassist Jon Weisberger and guitarist Bob Sheets were well known in the city's famed bluegrass scene. An eponymous four-song EP was released in May 2000, and Falling Down Hard, their full-length debut, in December 2001.

In March 2002, Purcell decided to take the band in a slightly different direction, parting amicably with the other three. The new lineup became: George Cunningham, a veteran of The Graveblankets and the Warsaw Falcons on guitar; Tommy Huesman, formerly of The Stardevils and Spiderfoot, on drums; Mark Messerly of the award-winning Americana band Messerly & Ewing, on keyboards, accordion, mandolin, and harmonica; and Sean Rhiney, of Clabbergirl (Record of the Year, 2002 Cammys) on bass. The sound remained rootsy but became less twangy, calling to mind the sonic depth of Lucinda Williams or Richard Thompson. Meanwhile, the new lineup took the live show to a new level.

Pike 27 draws on a deep well of roots influences, but they are, first and foremost, a rock band. Falling Down Hard leaves no question about the band's ragged heart: "Wrecking Yard" and "Baltimore," the leadoff tracks, call to mind The River and X, respectively. Pike 27 is the answer for music fans who have tired of ironic pop or Americana bands that have left behind the rock side of the equation.