SIMO (band)
| SIMO | |
|---|---|
 Performing at the Mercy Lounge, Nashville TN (2014) | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Nashville, TN |
| Genres | Blues rock, psychedelic rock, jazz rock |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Members |
JD Simo Adam Abrashoff Elad Shapiro |
| Past members | Frank Swart |
SIMO is an American rock band formed in 2010. The group is notable for having virtuoso guitarist JD Simo as the centerpiece and namesake. A blues-based band that also incorporates extended improvisation into its live sets, they have released one album, with another planned for release on January 29, 2016 on the Mascot label.
History
In 2010, bassist Frank Swart contacted guitarist Simo about setting up a jam session with drummer Abrashoff. Swart and Abrashoff, both accredited musicians with numerous previous groups under their belts, had played extensively together previously.[1] After growing dissatisfied with session work and backing other groups, Simo readily accepted. After playing for three hours without stopping, the group decided to move forward and form a band.
After recording and releasing their first album in 2011, SIMO toured the central United States extensively. Since that time, they have performed at music festivals including Mountain Jam, the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, and Bonnaroo.[2]
2015 found the group opening shows for the likes of Gregg Allman, Deep Purple and participating in Blues Rock Titan, Joe Bonamassa's inaugural cruise. The group finally settled on a permanent replacement for Swart when Elad Shapiro joined in early 2015. The group received standing ovations on the two occasions they played the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN opening for both Allman and Deep Purple respectively. As well as opening shows, JD is also frequently a guest on stage of the likes of Blackberry Smoke, Joe Bonamassa, Trigger Hippy, and former Allman Brother Jack Pearson. JD also participated in the 100th Birthday celebration for Les Paul in Les' hometown of Waukesha, WI in August with other guests Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Greg Koch, Johnny A and Willy Porter. On the strength of their live show, growing fan base and a word or support from good friend Joe Bonamassa, the group signed to Mascot Label Group in June. They finished they're second record entitled Let Love Show the Way at the Allman Brothers former residence in Macon, GA and was slated for release in late fall 2015, but will be released on January 29, 2016 on CD, Vinyl and digital download, containing 13 tracks.
Members
Current members
- JD Simo – guitar, vocals (2010–present)
- Adam Abrashoff – drums (2010–present)
- Elad Shapiro – bass, backing vocals (2015–present)
Former members
- Frank Swart – bass, backing vocals (2010-2014)
Discography
- SIMO (2011)
- Shake It/Aoh (Single, 2011)
- Love Vol. 1 (2015) (four song EP recorded live at Mercy Lounge, Nashville)
- Let Love Show The Way (2016)
References
Notes
- ↑ Ross, Michael. "J.D. Simo: The Bandstand and The Bible of Classic Rock". Premier Guitar. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
- ↑ "About". SIMO.fm. Retrieved 4 December 2014.