And The Moneynotes began in 2006 as Dr. Horsemachine & The Moneynotes. Based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the group sand-blasted audiences with a unique blend of vaudevillian country bluegrass pop. Backed by a tight rhythm section, the song writing of Mitchell Williams blended wonderfully with the virtuosity of violinist Coleman Smith. In 2007, after the completion of their first EP, “This Year We Hunt”, bassist Austin Smith retired to his native Texas. No one man could fill Austin's shoes, so the band added two new members, Pat Finnerty and Manny Quinn, formerly of Okay Paddy. With added dimensions of new personnel and instruments, not to mention different song writing perspectives, a name modification was in order. Thus: AND THE MONEYNOTES. Wishing to capture a moment of inspiration, the group quickly entered the studio and began recording their first full length, “New Cornucopia!”, a well received collection of jazz, ‘60’s surf, swing, garage-rock, and bluegrass.
Within months of the release of “New Cornucopia!”, the band has produced a new group of songs for a 7” Vinyl EP. “On The Town, On The Vine” is a four song set that reflects the blessing and the curse that is living in Scranton, PA, And The Moneynotes' hometown. Faces, personalities and experiences have all seeped into the albums lyrics and over all theme. This time, they have called on old pal Nick Krill to help with production from the start. To round out the record, the band has included "Souraina," recorded during their second session at Daytrotter Studios. On this new effort, the bands’ sound has evolved once again by adding a blend of folk and early rock and roll to the mix.
With lead vocals on the record split evenly between Mitch
Williams (acoustic guitar) and Mike Quinn (electric guitar), and
background vocals from the rest of the band ranging from heartfelt
four-part harmonies to raucous gang hollers, the listener is captivated
for the entirety of the EP. When the song calls for an instrumental
break, Roy “Norge” Williams (piano) and Coleman Smith (violin) weave
their swing-influenced layers over the foundation of Quinn, Pat
Finnerty (electric bass), Setty Hopkins (drums) and Brian Craig
(percussion).
The current line-up of And the Moneynotes has taken their traveling
road-show (often featuring intricate segues, giant horse heads and
kazoos) throughout the Northeast, South, Southeast and Midwest over the past year including a stop at the 2009 SXSW. And the Moneynotes have had the pleasure of performing with Ra Ra Riot, The Spinto Band, Loney Dear, Illinois, Oxford Collapse, Hoots & Hellmouth, Drink Up Buttercup, Sam Champion, The Rosewood Thieves, Tally Hall, Explorers Club and many other local and regional favorites.
LINKS
Website
Myspace
Facebook
Youtube
Onesheet ("On the Town, On the Vine" EP .pdf)
Booking
Press
Email the band
PRESS PHOTOS (credit Jason Riedmiller)
RELEASES
On the Town, On the Vine EP [PQR007 - 7" red vinyl / digital] - Out May 5, 2009
Select Press: coming soon
Mp3 :
On the Vine.mp3
Cover Art:
Hi Res / Web Res
New Cornucopia! [PQR004 - CD / digital] - Released July 2008
Select Press:
Pop Matters
Billboard
Delusions of Adequacy
Mp3's :
Bolinda mp3
Hornaplenny mp3
Cover Art:
Hi Res / Web Res
This Year We Hunt [PQR003 - CD / digital] - Released Sept. 2007
Select Press:
Pop Matters
Smother
Delusions of Adequacy
Mp3's :
Body in My Trunk mp3
Ms. Edison mp3
Cover Art:
Hi Res / Web Res
