muswell hillbillies

 about

Formed in 2010, Muswell Hillbillies began as a one-shot concept: to recreate The Kinks’ landmark 1971 album of the same name in its entirety, ostensibly at a local rented hall. The band’s unusual mission, however, as well as its unique membership—a mix of veteran musicians alongside high-school and college-bound players, all hailing from rural Hadley—unexpectedly struck a chord with pop cultists and club owners, leading to dates in Boston and New York, in addition to Northampton's Iron Horse Music Hall, the first of nine consecutive sellouts. In 2015 the Hillbillies began spotlighting other musical heroes, including one-off "Nights of" Neil Young, the Police and Tom Petty. In 2019 the band’s self-penned single, “Count to 10,” reached the No. 2 spot on WRSI-FM’s Top 93 Songs of the Year.

 lineup

 Jake Goldman, lead guitar

Aaron Knapp, bass

David Simons, guitar, vocals

Julian Simons, drums

Emily Eagan, keyboards, harmonica, vocals

GUESTS: Eric Pfalzgraf, guitar, vocals; David Sokol, drums & percussion, vocals; Jackie Simons, bass, keyboard, vocals; Paula Simons, vocals.

home page images: Ben Barnhart