1. SMOKESTACK:Ann Arbor, MI
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE
Like so many acts in the jamband genre, this fiery foursome arrived at the jam scene via jazz. They studied the great American art form in college, forming Smokestack in 1998. That said, they obviously like to improvise, as evidenced by the band’s two releases to date, the most recent being the sterling live effort Chasing the Hippo. The disc highlights the band’s expansive sound which, although rooted in jazz, saunters across other musical boundaries such as rock, Latin and even bluegrass. Utilizing a basic guitar/bass/drums/ keyboard format, the band has a propensity for mature melody and texture even when stretching out instrumentally. This is most evident in “Dreams We Dream,” which recalls Steely Dan, and the 12-minute “Hippo,” with its moody B-3 riffs. “We’ve found a lot of interest in the jam scene because the audience respects that jazz mentality,” says keyboardist James Silbey. The band has been touring constantly—over 200 shows a year. “It’s tough being independent,” Sibley says, “but the longer you are into it the more you run into people that want to help and donate their time for free. Those diehard fans are a great help. We’re planning on playing as much but in a more defined radius so that we see the audience grow.” www.smokestack.org

2. BURNING DIRTY BAND:Shenandoah Valley, VA
MUTANT MUSIC
The Burning Dirty Band claims its sound encompasses “garage-marinated mutant blues, rollicking roots groove and forward-thinking indie quirkiness.” After listening to the quartet’s sophomore release, 17 Year Sun, I’d call that something of an understatement. The band certainly has a quirky feel not a million miles from NRBQ (not bad, being compared to the world’s best unknown band!) and an addictive quality, not to mention a subtle sense of humor that lurks in the darker regions of its sound. The band’s musical texture is odd, but repeated listening reveals some wonderful instrumental excursions that are surprisingly more structured than one would originally imagine. The old adage of “a bad originator is better than a thousand imitators” certainly rings true here: ’cept these guys are good originators. www.burningdirtyband.com

3. TURBINE:New York, NY
DYNAMIC DUO
After listening to Turbine’s Don’t Mind If I Should, I had to double check the credits to convince myself that this was a duo. Electric guitarist Jeremy Hilliard and acoustic guitarist/ harmonica player Ryan Rightmire are a dynamite two-man band. Their sound is exhilarating, with flurries of melodic guitars and wailing harp propelling the complex improvisations that are built around a base of blues and folk; a kind of modern-day Koerner, Ray and Glover, with a folk/blues-meets-jamband mentality. Don’t Mind If I Should was recorded live in the studio, where they jam up a storm. (Rumor has it their live shows are even more intense.) One can only wonder what they might sound like with a rhythm section. www.turbinemusic.com

4. MILE 8: Nashville, TN
GOING THE DISTANCE
I’m beginning to think there’s something of a revolution going on in Nashville. Case in point: the sextet Mile 8, a polished and lively jamband that doesn’t do country. Guitarist Randy Boen admits that Nashville is a difficult place for a jamband: “Nashville is a tough place to be. On any given night you can go out and see these amazing players anywhere in town. But… we have the opportunity to have a lot of great guests sit in with us.” Listening to the band’s album, Whatever Works, it’s hard to believe that Mile 8 has only been together for just over four years, as pretty much whatever they tackle works. The band has a full-blown sound that encompasses rock, jazz, funk and even a little hip-hop. Musically tight, its songs are vibrant and infectious, with complex arrangements. But perhaps the best thing the band has going for it is its attitude. “We’re definitely into the improv thing, but it depends on the energy at the show,” says drummer Curt Redding. “I guess our philosophy is just to have fun and communicate with the audience and each other.” To that extent, the band just got back from touring the Middle East, playing for stationed U.S. military and locals. “It’s great to see this thing happen and grow as it has,” Boen says. “We just want to make a living doing what we love.” www.mile8.com

5. ZENPHONIC: Nashville, TN
ROCK AND ROLL CHILD
Oceana Gayden has childhood memories of being cradled in a “furry blue guitar case,” and of being rocked to sleep by Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac was recording in the studio next to her father’s band). Her father, Mac Gayden, is a legendary guitarist who has played on albums by, among others, Dylan, Linda Ronstadt and JJ Cale, as well as a guitarist in Southern rock bands Area Code 615, Barefoot Jerry and Skyboat. Mac recalls that Nicks once said of Oceana, “I hope she grows up to be a rocker.” With such early nurturing, it’s no surprise that Oceana now fronts an edgy band called Zenphonic, featuring her father’s menacing and versatile guitar playing. The band delivers sophisticated pop/rock, not unlike Annie Lennox, with artful arrangements and more muscular guitar work. Her debut album, Cyber Gypsies (produced by Mac) reveals her to be a commanding and captivating vocalist with a huge potential for crossover appeal. Her songs are provocative and socially conscious yet also hook-laden, steeped in the musical integrity she grew up in. She pulls off a techno-influenced remake of “The Letter,” but it’s the autobiographical “Naked in the Furry Blue Guitar Case” that really stands out, typifying the ‘60s-meets-21st Century credo of her sound. “Sometimes we’re a jamband,” says Mac, “but right now we’re doing the folky approach until the summer.” www.oceanagayden.com, www.zenphonic.net