Asylum Street Spankers Presskit

In support of their ninth album, entitled
God's Favorite Band, the Asylum Street Spankers present an all new two part concert: a heavenly set of rousing gospel music followed by a set of songs about the joys of sinning!

musicians:
Christina Marrs:
lead and harmony vocals, guitar, tenor guitar, tenor banjo, ukulele, musical saw, percussion

Wammo:
lead and harmony vocals, harmonica, washboard, percussion

Nevada Newman:
guitar, harmony vocals, lead vocals, mandolin

Morgan Patrick Thompson:
string bass

Mark Henne:
drums and percussion

Shawn Dean:
violin, fiddle

Dave Long:
mandolin, banjo, guitar, harmony vocals

The magnificently indefinable Asylum Street Spankers began in 1994 during a booze and hallucinogen-fueled party at the Dabbs Hotel in Llano, Texas. There Christina Marrs met Wammo. During a night spent singing and playing along the banks of the Llano River they discovered a shared love for early 20th century music. Upon returning to Austin they gathered a few like-minded pals and began playing free shows at clubs and busking around town.

Within a year they conquered Austin, playing three SRO weekly residencies, including the city’s first Gospel Brunch. In 1997 the band began venturing out into the wider world. Since then, Christina and Wammo have pushed their ever-evolving troupe from country blues revivalism toward original compositions, new works for the stage and sociopolitical commentary.

Regular touring throughout Europe, Japan and the states has established the Asylum Street Spankers as an underground institution, widely considered one of the best live acts working today. Their discography spans eight albums, including, What? And Give Up Show Biz? a two disk live document of the group's two week stand at New York's Barrow Street Theatre, and Mommy Says No!, one of the most honored family oriented releases of 2007, as well as several EPs, live official “bootlegs” and two full length concert DVDs.

GOD'S FAVORITE BAND

WHAT? AND GIVE UP SHOW BIZ?

MOMMY SAYS NO!

MERCURIAL

MY FAVORITE RECORD

A CHRISTMAS SPANKING

SPANKER MADNESS

HOT LUNCH

SPANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

“The Spankers take on gospel music as only they can, reminding us that among all the things they are (funny, provocative, indescribable) first and foremost they are a group of amazing singers and players.” - Blogcritics

Produced by Christina Marrs, released October 2009.

"An audacious double live disk... dexterous, charming and inventive." - The Austin Chronicle
In January, 2008, the Spankers set up shop for two weeks at New York's Barrow Street Theatre. Juicing their acclaimed live show with a double shot of theatricality, the Spankers interwove tales of the ups and downs of life on the road with favorite songs old and new. The shows were recorded, edited and released as a two CD set. The stage production is available for theatrical bookings and an Austin remount is planned for 2009.

Produced by JP Riedie, released September 2008.

“#2 Best Family Album of 2007: A surprising, hilarious, and at-times-touching album. Without a single dud, the musical style is all over the place with a creamy nougat center of talent, humor, and honesty.” - Kids and Family Music Awards A multiple award winning family album that grownups really love too.

Produced by Wammo, released 2007.

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“At their most audacious when they mix genres big-time, this nouveau jug band from Austin T-X outdoes itself.” - Robert Christgau, The Village Voice
Covers from 1898 to 1989 recorded live to two-track tape.

Produced by Brian Beattie, released March 2004.

“#3 Best Texas Album 2002: Armed with the best brace of originals in their career, Austin’s acoustic iconoclasts make a record that moves them far beyond anything so restrictive as ‘genre.’” - Michael Toland, Texas Music Magazine

A beautifully produced studio album containing many of the Spankers’ most enduring songs. Produced by David Leroy Biller and Wammo, released September 2002.

“It’s that delicate combination of reverence and cheekiness that makes the Spankers so darn lovable. Not afraid to take themselves seriously, yet preferring measured lunacy or unbridled insanity, they supply a spirited, witty seasonal album the whole family (well, most of them) will enjoy.” - Hal Horowitz, Creative Loafing Atlanta

Produced by Christina Marrs, JP Riedie & Wammo, released October 2001.

“Explores the wide significance in our culture of drugs and their use - from the celebration of beer to a scathing critique of America’s war on drugs. As for the music, it careens and swings like a drunken sailor. This could be their musically most addictive recording to date.” - Dirty Linen

Produced by David Leroy Biller, released March 2000.

“Virtuosic musicianship, seemingly effortless musical and lyrical wit. A beautiful, rocking and rollicking unplugged beer-and-pot party populated with unpretentious, heartbreaking characters.” - Chris Handyside, AllMusic Guide

Produced by Bob Brozman and Daniel Thomas, released February 1999.

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“Consistently challenging in its influences. Nothing officially ‘unplugged’ has ever sounded this much fun. (4 stars)” - Andy Langer, The Austin Chronicle

Produced by Danny Barnes, released September 1996.

12" by 18" tour poster