Back in the 1990s country and western music got a much needed shot in the arm with the injection of the Americana music radio format. It combined the elements of country, rock and roll, blues and folk music into a more modern mixture which listeners were hungry to hear on the airwaves. Considered less commercial than the Triple A (adult album alternative) and AOR (album-oriented rock) sounds that dominated FM broadcasts of that decade Americana music and artists have grown in popularity and audience size.
I raise this point because the DuShane Band (https://www.dushaneband.com) comes to the musical stage with quite a pedigree. Their lead vocalist, from whom the band takes their name, was the former front man for the MCA Records recording group, Law And Order. Formed in 2012 the DuShane Band consists of several members: Kate Hong on electric violin, Joseph Scarangella does backing vocals and plays the bass, Joe Calaveli on banjo and electric guitar, Ron Torino riffing on the old slide guitar, on percussion and drums it’s Tony Lazzara, and of course, Shane DuShane on lead vocals as well as switching off on both the electric and acoustic guitars parts. Pedal steel guitar is of course an integral part of any country band and is the one musical chair the DuShane Band fills with different players depending on the location and date of a performance.
Whether it’s intentional or not the DuShane Band manages to break the stereotypical mold that many carry in their minds about the what, how, where and when of how a country music loving group of musicians are suppose to behave. First of all, they’re from New York City. From the sound of their last names it’s fairly apparent their lineage is linked most likely back to countries outside the United States rather than the Appalachian Trail or Nashville. Secondly, you’ll find them gigging in some unlikely places such as the New York City Marathon instead of biker bars, honkytonks, pool rooms and road houses. Last but not least, from what I’ve heard of what they play they bring to the table a sharper rock edge than most of the Americana artists on the current circuit are comfortable with.
With a hit single called “Forever For Now” under their belt (it made it into the Top 10 on the Cashbox Magazine Radio Charts) the avenues appear to be wide and open for them. “Alabama Rain”, another single they released in 2016 also hit the Top 10 of the Cashbox Traditional Country and Americana Charts. Rumor is that it’s been unofficially dubbed as the Alabama Blue Collar Anthem. They’ve also racked up an amazing ten million views for their “Summertime” and “When I Walk Out” music videos. These folks are undeniably musicians on the move and on a mission.
All in all, just like Americana music, the DuShane Band is a hybrid. So trying to put a pin in their music and peg the band is like trying to shoot horseflies with a pistol. It would just be downright foolish. So kick back, pop a cold one or a few, light up a smoke and enjoy the journey with them. They’re unquestionably going places and it looks like we’ll all welcome to come along with them. So, crank it up, we’re roaring and ready to ride off into the sunset with them.
