Aside from their location (Minneapolis) there isn't anything I can tell you about The Sycamores right off the top of my head. Luckily I don't have to, because they have a fairly comprehensive website to do all the talking. A few years ago, I snatched their self-titled, 1995 album from a bargain bin, and while it didn't thoroughly bend my ear I took a chance on an earlier 45 that I'm featuring today. "Red Wing Boots" fares better here than on the full length if you ask me - a deftly crafted morsel of rootsy power pop with no shortage...

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Our friends at the Current will be premiering our recording of "Get Well Slim" on Sunday night, December 8 at 6 P.M. Tune in (89.3 on your FM dial here in the Twin Cities - or online with one of your digital gadgets if you prefer) for a listen! This song was written in honor of Bob "Slim" Dunlap and will be the first release in a series of musical tributes to him from Slim Town Singles, a site that benefits his ongoing care and recovery from a debilitating stroke. You can find out more at www.slimtownsingles.com. We had a blast getting together to record this with our old pal Tom Herbers at Creation...

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The Sycamores recently returned to the studio to record an original song written in honor of the magnificent life force otherwise known as Bob “Slim” Dunlap.  We hope to be able to share our musical get well card with Slim and his family soon. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at the recording process, which was a joyful reunion for several of us that have known and played with Slim over the years. The Sycamores were joined by John Eller on piano and backing vocals, with Dave Boquist, Dave Biljan, Dave Downey and producer Tom Herbers rounding out the chorus. [AFG_gallery id='8']

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It’s that time of year. The tranquil lakes of summer and brief dazzle of the fall colors are distant memories. The shovel now catches, heavily, in the sidewalk seams. It’s time to give “Wintertime” a spin. During the recording sessions at Tom Herbers’ Third Ear studio in Minneapolis for the fourth Sycamores album (still unreleased), we managed to put together a little collection of original holiday tunes which was released as Three French Hens. A lovely little hand-made package from the folks at Rag and Bone Shop, I believe they only ended up in the hands of people I bumped into...

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You can go home again, and you can play with some of your absolute favorite music-makers on the planet. I’ve wanted to share the stage with Amy Allison  since she first graced the performance spaces of downtown New York with the Maudlins. Her blend of brilliant songwriting and artful singing continues to astound me. Chris Erikson, if you’ve been paying attention to my previous rants here, has just released a fantastic solo album that showcases his mastery of roots-rock storytelling and knack for the perfect riff. Our friend, fellow GLC  founder and Every Band impresario Mark Lerner...

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Something for everyone: Two shows for The Sycamores this Friday. Early and outdoors for Art-A-Whirl in NE Minneapolis (5:30! bring the kids!), late and loud at the Amsterdam in downtown St. Paul. The first of our two (!) shows on Friday (5/18) at the studio where our friend Lisa Elias does her amazing metal work. The bands are outside, so please take advantage if the weather looks good. Art-A-Whirl at Elias Metal Studio 1129 Van Buran St. Mpls. MN. 55413 The Sycamores (5:30) John Ewing (6:30) The Shiny Lights (7:30) FREE! BRING THE KIDS! http://www.facebook.com/events/306886486059872/ For...

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Our friend Chris Erikson, after years of contributing stellar guitar and vocal work to Sycamores recordings (as well as those by Florence Dore, Matt Keating, Tandy, Spike Priggen, and many others), has an incredible record coming out this month - his first and long overdue solo outing! Produced by Gary Maurer (Hem, Fountains of Wayne, Luna), “Lost Track of the Time” showcases a terrific batch of original songs played by a roots rock dream team: Jason Mercer (bass), Will Rigby (drums), and Jay Sherman-Godfrey (guitar), with additional help from Matt Keating, Jonathan Gregg, Cliff Westfall, Florence...

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Our friend, mentor, collaborator, guitar hero, songwriter's songwriter, storyteller's storyteller, and all-around great guy Bob "Slim" Dunlap has recently suffered a major health set back: Bob had a stroke and is currently hospitalized. There are many signs of hope for him, however, and with the help of his amazing family - and many friends and fans - he is fighting to get back to good health. If you're interested in following Bob's progress, offering words of support, hearing some great Slim Stories, or just witnessing the incredible outpouring of support from the community that knows and loves...

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  The Sycamores returned to the Amsterdam Bar in St. Paul on 1/19, much to the delight of family, friends, and a blissfully unsuspecting happy hour crowd. Frank, Heath and Dave played many old favorites along with  couple of brand new tunes. Frank’s wife Karly joined on backing vocals for “About to Meet You” (from the Realizer album) and “Summertime” (unreleased), while daughter Nina staked out her own corner of the stage for a better view. Photos from the show are here!

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In anticipation of the Sycamores return to the Amsterdam Bar on 1/19, here’s a highlight from the Brad Zellar Birthday Bash (Amsterdam Bar, 11/20/2011).This event brought together friends from every corner – and every era - of the Twin Cities music scene, and was the musical high point of the year for many of us. Jon Duncan joins in on piano, just as he did on the original recording for Sycamores album #1    

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