Press Release: Homespun Remedies release “Great Depression” A record about finding hope in hard and dark times

The March 13, 2012 release is a nod to the past and a look to the future

Dallas-area art collective Homespun Remedies is a gathering of accomplished musicians with diverse tastes, all mixed up in a wonderful stew they call “Good Ol’ Handmade American Music.” Formed in late 2006 by local stalwarts David Mabry and Mike Saunders, the band is now led by songwriters Saunders and Wade Cofer and includes Trey Carmichael, Dave Prez and Paul Williams. (Mabry “retired” to concentrate on family and songwriting).

Great Depression was produced by band member and producer Paul Williams (Reverend Horton Heat, Eleven Hundred Springs, Polyphonic Spree), who also helmed the band’s 2009 eponymous debut Homespun Remedies.
The 10 songs on Great Depression add up to an album that reflects their philosophy of finding hope when weary,
incorporating musical instruments ranging from pedal steel, fiddle, upright bass and banjo to mouth harp and mandolin.

The excellent musicianship is evident, but this is a songwriters’ band. HRx communicate feelings and ideas in an open and heartfelt way, while keeping your musical ear intrigued with unique and interesting arrangements.

“Leave This Town,” a 45-second overture, opens the record with Danny Balis’ plaintive voice recalling Americana/folk
singer Jay Farrar. Folk anthem “What’s Goin’ Round” urges uplifting of spirits and smiling at all costs. “Empty Pockets”
features accordion that lends a New Orleans feel to Wade Cofer’s torch-song vocal. “Make Believe” is a tongue-in-cheek
country sob song, while “Good to Hear Your Voice” is upbeat and danceable. “Elegant Lie” incorporates spare jazz trumpetwhile declaring and decrying love. “Black Cloud” features wide-ranging emotional and musical dynamics, and “Two DollarBill” is a traditional song that was the first song the band ever played together as a group. “Wide Is The River”” reflects feelings about a journey home, and then the album finishes with an aptly named energetic rocker, “Parting Shots.”

Homespun Remedies’ Great Depression is indeed a collaboration, with everyone having a hand in writing songs and
arranging music. The band always puts on a dynamic stage show and has opened for high profile acts such as the
BoDeans, Eleven Hundred Springs, Deadman and Max Stalling. As one reviewer on No Depression put it, “You cannot go wrong checking out this band live…it will make you a believer in the creativity of the human heart and musical mind.”

The HRx Players: Mike Saunders – vocals, lyrics, guitar, keys; Wade Cofer – vocals, lyrics, guitar, keys, percussion; Trey
Carmichael – trap set, graphics, branding; Dave Prez – bull fiddle, electric bass; Paul Williams – production, keyboard,
guitar, banjo, mandolin; Eric Neal – violin, steel, vocals. Guest artists: Scott Davis – harmonica, mouth harp (and cover
model); Dave Mabry – founding singer/songwriter and percussionist; Barry Boyd – singer/songwriter, banjo; Adam
Pickrell – keys; Gerald Iragorri – percussion; Jeff Hill – harmonica; Danny Balis – vocals; Matt Tolentino – accordion ; JoeButcher – steel; Freddie Jones – trumpet; and Chad Stockslager – keys.

For more information: http://www.homespunremedies.com