Bush League All-Stars Release First Album

It’s so refreshing when a band of experienced musicians plays for the pure pleasure of it. Not because they want to get signed to a major, travel in a ruby-encrusted tour bus, or have their faces plastered on Japanese chocolate bars. All five members of the Bush League All-Stars have been around the Columbus music block but have landed in a place where camaraderie — and having lives outside of music — is key.

Bush League was born in 1994 when Dan Spurgeon from Greenhorn wanted to build his own brand of versatile American rock. The current lineup of Dan on vocals and guitar, Jess Faller on keys, Kevin Happel on guitar, George Hondroulis on drums, and Jacob Sundermeyer on bass and backing vocals formed in 2006. Their first full-length album Cedar Knees will be released at a live show this Friday night at The Summit with You’re So Bossy and Pretty Mighty Mighty.

Recorded at Central City with Jon Chinn, Cedar Knees spans multiple genres. “Gravity’s Heart” is a barnburner rock-and-roll song while “Campaign Trail” is an ensemble piano-driven piece. “The range of stuff that influences us individually is really large,” said Jess, who formerly played with Tiara and The Celebrity Pilots. “Our sound is accessible and not too pigeon holed, but hopefully it all blends together and makes something beautiful,” she laughed. Kevin comes from a punk background, and George and Jacob comprise half of beloved rock monsters The Evil Queens. Throughout their varying styles, Dan’s distinct voice gives Bush League a thread of cohesion. “For me it’s about collaboration and having a real openness to our process,” he said.

Jess thinks that the members of Bush League may differ from other bands because they’re a little older and many of them have full-time jobs and kids. “There’s something about playing with people who are like-minded and share a common musical vision,” she said. “We really just want to get together and play music and enjoy each other’s company — and that’s exactly the kind of band I want to be in.”

Having been a fixture of the Columbus music scene for decades, Dan appreciates its continual evolution. “I’m amazed at how much talent comes out of here,” he said. Mostly he’s happy to still be playing music, and to be doing so with people he considers friends. “My weeks definitely aren’t as good when I’m not making music,” he said.

In addition to their CD release show, the band will perform a happy hour show on January 22 at Rumba Café. Visit myspace.com/bushleagueallstars for more information.

Alexandra Kelley writes about music for Columbus Underground and can be reached at alexandra477.com.