Artists Info

The rollicking country swing of the Sweetback Sisters is as infectious as it is heartbreaking. Their charismatic charm harkens back to the golden era of both the silver screen cowgirl and the ersatz cowboy stars of local UHF TV kiddie shows. That whimsical exterior is wrapped around a core of deeply felt love for traditional country music styles and a palpable joy in playing and singing together

Available June 30 via Signature Sounds, the Sweetback Sisters debut album Chicken Ain't Chicken mixes country classics and a handful of new songs all topped with a healthy dash of winking irreverence and freewheeling enthusiasm. While Zara Bode and Emily Miller stand out front with their matching dresses and seamless harmonies, they are quick to point out that the Sweetback Sisters are a band, made all the richer by the contributions of drummer Stefan Amidon, Ross "Rolling Thunder" Bellenoit on Telecaster and vocals, guitarist and fiddler Jesse Milnes, and newcomer Bridget Kearney on bass (previous bassist Joseph Dejarnette is featured throughout Chicken Ain't Chicken).

Chicken Ain't Chicken is a sincere ode to the classic styles that inspired the Sweetback Sisters, with an ample dose of their own personality and off-kilter sense of humor. The band's sterling musicianship insures that even the most ridiculous moments are tightly executed and musically inventive. "When he's not ripping solos on the Telecaster," Miller explains, "Ross (who toured with Amos Lee opening for Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello in the fall of 2007) is comping in a way that sets the tone for the whole band. Stefan has been playing drums all his life, and beyond his general savoir faire he also has a great sensitivity to lyrics and form." While several of the members have jazz training, an equal number have a solid background in playing folk and traditional music. "We definitely err on the side of modernity at times, but Jesse's foundation in old-time square dance music keeps the band from getting too heady and out of touch," Miller concludes.