About Me
In the beginning, there was music. And Jaegermeister. And it was good. Three guys, armed with only their acoustic instruments and voices got together to "pick and grin" as they say in some parts. In 2003 Travis Beck (guitar), Matt Fetterer (guitar), and Ryan Savolainen (mandolin) forged the bonds that would lead them on a musical journey together.
First getting together at the weekly open mic night in Ely, MN, the trio found fresh ways of playing old-time, traditional, and bluegrass tunes. They really enjoyed just getting together and making music. Their loftiest goal was to simply play music on the sidewalk, next to a tip jar. Authorities promptly informed them that busking was prohibited without a license, citing a "Green River Ordinance" as the legal reason. Thus, the trio named themselves "The Green River Ordinance" and a band was born.
With a progressive approach to traditional music, genre-bending versions of contemporary tunes, and their fearless spirit of improvisation, the "GRO" won the praise of music fans wherever they played. To hell with sidewalks, the guys took their show on the road. They added Eric Larsen (banjo) and Chris Hindman (bass) and changed their name slightly, becoming "The Green River Outfit". They played coffee shops, bars, parties, weddings, festivals, and basically any place where people got together to boogie. The group recorded their first CD, a cult classic among Minnesota's roots music fans, at a studio owned by legendary percussionist Robin Anders. The band was on a roll.
Eric, ever the humanist, decided that he could better help the world by volunteering for the Peace Corps instead of playing banjo. So he left the band in late 2004 and spent two years making Honduras a better place. After holding extensive auditions (not really) the band invited Brian Strom to fill the vacant banjo spot. This brought more creative energy to an ever-expanding sound. The GRO began playing more shows and underwent one more personnel change, with Jeb LeSueur as the new bass player.
This last lineup found the band hitting a new stride and finding new musical peaks. The band became tighter, yet looser. They played with sheer power and they played with finesse. They recorded a second album, "White Whale", and did a little touring. On occasion, the GRO shared the stage with Trampled by Turtles or Pert Near Sandstone, two other fine examples of Minnesota's acoustic music scene. The band could rip through a 2 minute bluegrass barn-burner, a half-hour jam, or a ballad with three part harmonies. As always, their trademark spontaneity was evident. On any given evening, the band would surprise casual listeners, fans, and sometimes even themselves with unbridled jams. No song was ever played the same way twice, and nothing was scripted. The inspiration of the present moment, be it at a festival with crazy screaming hippies, or gathered with friends around a campfire out in the woods, would always manifest itself in a unique way through their music.
In August of 2006, the Green River Outfit played their last official gig at the LogJam festival. The guys were being pulled in different directions and the band sold their van, the trusty "White Whale" that safely carried them and their gear so many miles. Travis and Ryan moved to Minneapolis to pursue new career paths. Jeb headed west and got married. Matt and Brian stayed in Ely and went fishing.
Tragically, Jeb was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and passed away on September 14, 2008 at age 28. Jeb was a friend to all, always saw the brighter side, and he was wise beyond his years. He was a brother. He is missed dearly. His music and memory live on.
In recent years, the lure of the music has inspired a few reunion shows, and the guys have enjoyed getting together on rare occasions to make their same magic. It's like riding a bike, and after tuning up they can pick together like their last gig was yesterday. Who knows when more might happen?
Available Live Music
Mp3 and Lossless file formats from the Live Music Archive.
May 4th, 2005
Northern Grounds Cafe
Ely, MN
July 19th, 2005
Northern Grounds Cafe
Ely, MN
October 30th, 2005
Ely Steak House
Ely, MN
January 1st, 2006
Ely Steak House
Ely, MN
August 19th, 2006
LogJam Music Festival
Harmony Park
Geneva, MN
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