Great American Rock n Roll Band
By MICHAEL HEINBACH
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It would only be fitting to begin with the Oblio Joes, a strong group of musicians that, with only a minor lineup change or two, has managed to grace Missoula’s venues with their skills since 1993. Their latest album, “Swallow the Moon,” the 13th release the Obes have appeared on, has propelled them to an all-time high as far as fan base is concerned.
Colin Hickey, whose Missoula-based concert promotion company, On the Rocks Productions, is a major player in booking both local and out-of-town bands, knows the secret to the Oblio Joes’ mass appeal.
“They’re just the great American rock ‘n’ roll band,” Hickey said of the quintet consisting of two guitars (John Brownell and Stu Simonson), bass (John Fleming), keyboards (Ian Smith) and drums (Dan Strachan). “People who are into all genres, all types of music … they all love the Obes and the secret is just real solid songwriting.”
Mo-town’s fab five are laidback dudes and good friends to boot, which is most likely the reason for the band’s longevity. Look for the Obes to get back into the studio to record a fresh batch of new songs shortly after Smith and Strachan get a grip on their latest gigs as first-time fathers. |
