About Me
Jeff Plankenhorn
Jeff Plankenhorn was born in Ohio, moved to Michigan during high school and attended the University of Michigan to study music. He moved to Nashville in 1999 to play bluegrass, hoping to focus on the Dobro and harmony singing. While there he established himself as a talented player who got to sit in with many of his heroes including Uncle Josh Graves, Kenny Baker and John Hartford. In early 2000, Jeff moved to Central Texas at the urging of Hubbard. The two had met a few years earlier in Memphis and played together a few times in-between. Within a couple of months, there were regular gigs playing weekends at Gruene Hall and as a part of Willis Alan Ramsey's band. That led to more, supporting Cleaves, Gilkyson, et al.
"Plank" is a superb introduction to the young multi-instrumentalist, his smooth vocals and his ability to write songs in a wide variety of styles. Striking melodies combine with lyrics dealing with everyday life and it's all presented with surprising wit and subtle humor offering a glimpse into a soul that reflects tradition while keeping an eye on today.
Marc Utter and The Blackland
From the heart of a century old barn on the blackland prarie just east of Austin, comes a sound that, while unmistakably Texan, might be heard on the plains of some distant land across the ocean. Gypsy rhythms and slide guitar, banjo and snake charmer blend beautifully as Marc Utter's new band grooves his tales of desprate lovers, destiny, guns and angels. Waltzing from rock to reggae to latin beat, the Blackland flavors it's music with Texeclectic spice.
Marc was a member of the legendary Sharecroppers, Austin's groundbreaking bluegrass rockers. Their '97 release, spirit of the sharecroppers, is a classic Americana recording. He continued to play in Nathan hamilton's band, recording and supporting his critically acclaimed debut solo album, Tuscola. He also formed the group Hundred Year Flood with fellow Sharecroppers, Bill and Jim Palmer and songbird Felicia Ford, whose 2000 self titled album was an international hit.
Marc's new CD, due out in 2007, was recorded in The Barn, Marc's studio/B&B with some of Austin's best musicians, inspired by the panoramic views of the tall prarie grass and distant clouds blown by the constant winds of the Blackland.
"Blackland features drummer Doug Marcis, guitar great Matt Giles, multi-instrumentalist David Sawtelle and some of Austin's best musicians....
