Sol Driven Train

Travel journal from 10,200ft, Leadville, CO: ¬†We’ve spent the last week driving around the Rocky Mountains of Colorado bringing our music to the snowy alpine country. ¬†The drives have been spectacular, the crowds have been fun, and we’ve kept our longjohns on. ¬†Russ, Wes, and I tackled the slopes at Crested Butte, bombing hills like chickenhawks (“Thanks Dan, for the cheap lift tickets!”)¬†. ¬†Yesterday we got to witness one of Leadville’s fine cowboy traditions at the annual Crystal Carnival. ¬†The main street downtown is blocked off and piled with snow. ¬†Large ramps are built and a weekend-long competition is held in which skiiers are towed through the course behind a galloping horse and rider through a cheering avenue of onlookers. ¬†Somewhere between the rodeo and the Xgames, “skijoring” is one sport I don’t ever see myself attempting.

Our buddy, Linc, is taking us snowmobiling this morning before we head back down to Denver for another week of shows along the front range.

We are announcing our spring tour today.  Check the schedule and come see us in a town near you!  Click on the links to check out the Facebook event pages, and please invite your friends in these towns!

You can hear a new sneak preview from our upcoming album, “Believe” at our myspace and website. ¬†The song “Suffer” will be available for free download through the month of March.

Wow,

Our tour to the Virgin Islands was a fantastic success. ¬†We met some wonderful people, played 12 shows in as many days, lounged at Fabio’s villa, went snorkeling, and even caught a few waves! ¬†Thanks to Bryan Austin for coming along as road manager and smoothing out the potholes on St. Thomas and St. John. ¬†Though we were sad to leave the white sands and turquoise waters, it’s exciting to be heading out a busy winter / spring tour here in the USA. ¬†We’re also excited about our upcoming album “Believe.” ¬†We’re so jazzed on these tracks that we’re giving one away for free. ¬†Read on to find out about the song “Orangeburg.”

More than 3 years after the¬†Civil Rights Act of 1964, Orangeburg SC’s only bowling alley was still “whites only.”¬† On the night of February 8, 1968, after 3 nights of protests by SC¬†State University students and others, a crowd of young people gathered on the¬†¬† campus.¬† Police opened fire, killing 3 students (Samuel Hammond Jr., 18, Delano Herman Middleton, 17, and Henry Ezekial Smith, 19) and injuring 27 others, most of whom were shot in the back as they fled the barrage of gunfire.¬† The nine¬†police officers who fired into the crowd were all acquitted of¬†excessive force charges.¬† The only person convicted of wrongdoing was SNCC activist¬†Cleveland Sellers, imprisoned for 7 months for “inciting to riot,” and pardoned 25 years later.¬† The first incident of its kind, The¬†Orangeburg Massacre predated the shootings at Kent State and Jackson State, and received little media coverage.

Growing up in SC,¬†racial tension was a constant undercurrent in my school life, and for years I have wanted to figure out a way to address this in my songwriting.¬† When I checked out “ORANGEBURG 1968 A Place and Time Remembered” by Sonny Dubose and¬†Cecil Williams from the library, I was moved by the photos and¬†first hand accounts of the event to write a song about that dark day in SC history. ¬†In commemoration of¬†Black History Month, “Orangeburg” will be available as a free download at¬†www.myspace.com/soldriventrain during the month of February.¬† The song was recorded at Hillcreek Studios in¬† Candler, NC and at Awendaw Green in Awendaw, SC, and was mixed by Jeff Hodges at Charleston Sound.¬† Two guest artists lent their talents to the track: Jim Peterman (founding member of¬†Steve Miller Band) added some spooky Hammond B-3 organ and SC songwriter¬†Danielle Howle belted out some powerfully mournful backup vocals.

Thanks for listening,
Joel

Happy Holidays from Sol Driven Train,

We are enjoying a few days off, catching up with friends and loved ones around the country.¬† Reflecting back on 2009, honestly it’s been kind of a blur.¬† We clocked up tens of thousand miles on The Original’s odometer, played over 150 shows from Florida to Colorado to Pennsylvania, wrote new songs, dug up old ones, released a live concert DVD, and went to Disney World.¬† Thanks to everyone who has come out to a show, bought a t-shirt or album, and shared our music with a friend.¬† You keep us rollling down the road and making music.¬†

2010 looks to be another exciting year for the band.¬† With a tour of the Virgin Islands and a new studio album in the works, we’re kicking off the next decade with a bang.¬† Come ring in 2010 with us and our friends Snake Oil Medicine Show on New Years Eve at the Pour House in Charleston, SC.¬† The Halloween show in Asheville with Snake Oil was a blast, and we’re looking forward to another fun night with Caroline and the boys.¬† Hope to see you there.¬†

Wishing you safe and happy holidays,

Sol Driven Train

Just wanted to give you a heads up that our Halloween show in Asheville with Snake Oil Medicine Show is rumored to be a sell out.  You can get tickets at www.rocketclub.net.  The Haunted LaZoom bus rides are SOLD OUT.  Hope to see you there in a costume!

Joel