by Jaz Bowens
Rosco Bandana is an all-American folk/country rock band from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Jason Sanford, Jenny Flint, Emily Sholes, Josh Smith, Jackson Weldon, Barry Pribyl, Jr. and Patrick Mooney make up the seven member band of multi-talented musicians who have been gracing the stage since 2010. Rosco Bandana has been on the road, performing non-stop and leaving a lasting impression wherever they go. Their music is original, new, and refreshing but what really makes the band stand out is the live performance.
When was the last time you heard a mandolin, lap steel or banjo used in a song? How about percussions and other instruments in a full out band fused with a southern twang to bring about good ol’ country rock? December 2013’s Commuinion Philadelphia is when That Mag had the opportunity to hear the members of Rosco Bandana in all their glory.
The talented people of the band have know each other for a long time according to vocalist and keyboardist Emily Sholes. “Most of us have known each other since at least high school,” she says. “I went to school with Barry (the drummer) in fourth grade, and I have known Jason (lead vocalist and guitarist) since I was fifteen. Those who didn’t already know each other met at open mic sessions Jason used to host at a wine bar.”
“We have always taken music seriously since the beginning,” says vocalist and guitarist Jason Sanford. “It came from the soul.” They weren’t the only ones to notice they had something special either as they credit Hard Rock Records with helping to get their music out there. “We were starving children, and they fed us…we were naked, and they clothed us,” Sholes laughs.
With a record label, talent, and ambition in their heart things have steadily been progressing for them since their inception in 2010. The nine city Communion Club tours has really helped to get them exposure. “Through Hard Rock, we became friends with Ben Levitt from Mumford (the keyboard player), and he was gracious enough to think of us when considering bands to be on the next tour,” says Sanford.
Their album, Time to Begin, has been getting rave reviews, major views, and downloads. “It’s is a compilation of songs that I wrote over a few years time,” Sanford says. “It took about a month and a half to record the album with Greg Collins in L.A.”
One song on the album that was special to Sanford was “Long Way Down”. “I wrote the song to symbolize a turning point in my life, and the reigniting of an old flame who happened to be the inspiration for most of my writing,” he says. Overall, their music is just nice to listen to- upbeat and fun. Though the album is great, seeing them live brings the songs alive. This band knows how to put on a show and make their music come alive.
This is going to be Roscoe Bandana’s year for sure and I look forward to seeing a lot more of them on all fronts of media. They are continuing on their way to the top and helping them is a new management team they will be signing with, Wild Justice. “ It will be exciting to see what new windows of opportunity may present themselves to us,” Sholes says. “Making new friends along the way will be fun as well.”
