The Wilders

KANSAS CITY (Top40 Charts/ Free Dirt Records) - On February 13, 2007, Free Dirt Records will release three recordings from Kansas City's The Wilders, 'On the Wings of a Dove,' 'Spring a Leak,' and 'Throw Down'. While the three recordings have been previously released, these new versions from Free Dirt Records feature updated packaging, re-mastered sound, and rare bonus tracks. Just as their celebrated 'must-see' live shows and incessant touring have established a fanatical fan base and loads of critical acclaim, all three recordings solidify The Wilders as a premier Americana band.

This talented group, formed in 1996, is regularly regarded as "the band to see" wherever they go. Led by singer, guitarist and country wisecracker, Ike Sheldon, the band grounds itself firmly in the early formative years of recorded country music. Hard driving old-time fiddle tunes presided over by multi-award-winning fiddler, Betse Ellis are featured in each performance. Her infectious fiddling often causes spontaneous dancing by both the audience and the band!

The Wilders' playlist is peppered with original country, bluegrass, hillbilly, and fiddle tunes, and also includes many of the classic country favorites heard in the early days of the Grand Ol' Opry radio show. The Wilders perform songs by Hall of Famers Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff and the Carter Family faithfully and yet in an original light. Anchored by the insurgent walking bass lines of Nate Gawron, the band resurrects 1940's and 50's honky-tonk heroes like Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell, with all the swinging electricity found in the originals without plugging in a single instrument. The finishing touch for the band's sound is produced by the slippery dobro, chugging clawhammer banjo and plunky mandolin of jack-of-all-trades, Phil Wade. While Sheldon and Ellis handle the bulk of the vocals, the whole group can sometimes be heard harmonizing on a lovely old gospel tune.

The band has burned up concerts and festivals across the nation and beyond, leaving delightedly exhausted crowds in their wake. They have made repeat appearances at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Ancramdale, New York, and debuted at such festivals as Wintergrass, and Merlefest, in 2005. In the summer of 2002, the band was featured with singer/songwriter Iris DeMent on "Prairie Home Companion" on National Public Radio.

The Wilders are unique among bands playing old time country music because they know the importance of variety in their performances and always strive to give the crowd the best show they could ask for. Similarly, the band puts the same energy and care into their recording sessions, something you'll certainly hear throughout 'On the Wings of a Dove,' 'Spring a Leak,' and 'Throw Down.' They multiply their musical skills with a sheer will to give out the most energy they can while in the studio - and they do it all with honesty and a genuine enthusiasm for the music. For those who like country music, and even for those who don't know they do yet, The Wilders' shows and studio recordings are not to be missed.