Gully Hubbards, Jersey City, NJ
The Gully Hubbards are an Americana band based out of Jersey City, New Jersey. They set out to combine roots–music traditions with modern themes. Their sound utilizes forthright lyrics, pop sensibilities, and compelling vocal harmonies. “The Gully Hubbards blend traditional American music genres like country, rock and roll, folk, and blues to make something fresh and new without sacrificing authenticity.” (Summer Dawn Hortillosa, The Jersey City Independent). The band includes James Dower (vocals, bass), Dave “Ace” Case (vocals, guitar), Carolyn Light (vocals, banjo, and Andy Sapko (drums). The group’s unique sound combines the talents of male and female vocalists ranging in age from twenty-five to fifty-five. Audiences reflect this diversity.
The group released their debut digital EP Every Moment on Tuesday, June 4th 2013. The recording is anchored by a dynamic vocal approach, fueled by the three vocalists’ abilities to sing both lead and background vocals in the tradition of classic pop groups like Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills and Nash, or Allison Krauss and Union Station. The vocals are grounded by a dependable rhythm section that emphasizes the song, allowing the voices to be at the forefront of the music. “Each song seems born out of a backyard barbecue jam or from the musical marriage of minds around a fire--the kind of tunes that just ‘happen,’ and that everyone can't help but sing along to.” (Summer Dawn Hortillosa, The Jersey City Independent)
The title track features verses that alternate between two lead vocalists, and a pop-driven chorus that combines their voices in harmony to make a unified statement. Straight-forward, heart- felt lyrics highlight universal themes like love, pain, and beauty and can be heard throughout the EP. Slow-burning, alt-country song “Ma, I’m Comin’ Home,” penned by Case, explores coming to terms with the inevitability of death. “Day Dawns Clear” uses the winter and spring seasons as a metaphor to explore life’s hardships, as well as its’ opportunities for renewal.
The Gully Hubbards formed in Jersey City in 2011 when singer-songwriters Case and Dower were both looking for new outlets for their performing and songwriting talents. Having shared the stage in Jersey City’s burgeoning music scene, they decided to join forces. To add a different dimension to the newly formed band, they added female vocalist and five-string banjo picker Carolyn Light. To complete their sound, they added freelance drummer Andy Sapko, originally from Chicago, in the summer of 2012 to provide the extra impact they were looking for. With the line-up complete, The Gully Hubbards spent the end of 2012 breaking into the Jersey City indie music scene. With their organic sound, strong melodies, and sincere lyrics, they were soon demanding attention from audiences.
