Pat Reedy Ronnie Aitkens & Longtime Goners

The Longtime Goners play original country music, straight up without the characteristic schmaltz of today's pop country. The band is fronted by two singers and songwriters, Pat Reedy and Ronnie Aitkens. Pat's voice is rich and deep, with a quiver somewhat reminiscent of Johnny Cash. Ronnie brings a gentle yet nasally tone to the group and has yodel that nods in the direction of Jimmie Rogers. Both songwriters sing about what they know; hard luck, heartache and life on the road as working musicians. They tackle serious subject matter while retaining a sense of humor, which comes through particularly well in their live shows. The group's outlaw-country sound is informed by a variety of American music; folk, blues, gospel, bluegrass, swamp pop and the music of their adopted home, New Orleans. Their arrangements are tight and concise, anchored by a solid rhythm section of upright bass, tasteful drums, chicken pickin' telecaster and acoustic guitar. On top of that foundation the band features some lonesome harmonica, driving fiddle and haunting pedal steel. Whether in a honky-tonk dive or on a festival stage The Longtime Goners are sure to get the audience on to the dance floor. -- Cameron Snyder (of The Deslondes.)