The Windy City's very own Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks have finally released their much-awaited debut album, "Pastures of Plenty," a sonic journey through the rich tapestry of American roots music. With this release, the band is not only cementing their place in the Americana landscape but also reshaping Chicago's musical identity. Known primarily for its blues and jazz scenes, the city is now emerging as a hotbed for authentic, heartland-inspired sounds, thanks in large part to the pioneering efforts of Gina Marie and her handpicked ensemble of musical virtuosos.
At the helm of this musical odyssey is bandleader Gina Marie DeGregorio, whose journey to Americana stardom is as diverse as the genres she now masterfully blends. DeGregorio's musical roots trace back to her days touring with an original pop rock band, a career that was nearly derailed by a vocal injury. This setback, however, proved to be a blessing in disguise, leading her to Chicago's vibrant dance community and introducing her to the world of vintage music. Over eight years, DeGregorio immersed herself in various American music traditions, providing drums and percussion for bluegrass, old country, rockabilly, and western swing acts across the Midwest.
Following vocal surgery that expanded her range and added nuance to her sound, DeGregorio quickly rose through the ranks of Chicago's traditional and classic jazz scene. It was during this period that she discovered the shared developmental history between early jazz and Americana, inspiring her to experiment with reimagined versions of 1920s songs in various American genres. This creative exploration led to the formation of the Golden Bucks, featuring seasoned musicians from each genre of DeGregorio's musical journey.
"Pastures of Plenty" is a curated experience showcasing the full breadth of Americana. The 10-track collection takes listeners on a journey through bluegrass, rockabilly, country, folk, western, early jazz, and blues, all held together by DeGregorio's earthy vocal delivery. Each arrangement gives the instruments room to breathe, demonstrating the various influences on the great American soundscape.
The album's title track, an homage to Woody Guthrie, sets the tone for the entire collection. It captures the grit and dignity of the traveling worker's contribution to the North American economy, both in agriculture and industry. Other standout tracks include "Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day," which features Edgar Gabriel's fiddle work and John Rice's dobro in perfect harmony with DeGregorio's three-part harmonies, reminiscent of the vocal "sister" groups of the 1920s and '30s. The album also includes original compositions like "Snake Around," a rockabilly-infused tribute to Chicago's unique vintage and honky-tonk community.
Adding to the buzz, "Pastures of Plenty" has already garnered widespread attention from notable publications like Folk N Rock, The Bandcamp Diaries, Vents Magazine, New Edge Times, Premiere One, and Daily Music Spin. The title track alone has fueled excitement, drawing anticipation for the band’s continued success.
The album’s creation was a collaborative effort, with Gina Marie DeGregorio at the helm as producer, songwriter, vocalist, and percussionist. The talented lineup includes Brendan Frank on electric guitar, Edgar Gabriel on fiddle, Elias Broxham on bass, and John Rice on acoustic guitar, mandolin, and dobro. The album's creative production was led by Rick Barnes, who served as chief engineer, recording the project at Rax Trax Recording Studios.
"Pastures of Plenty" is now available for purchase exclusively on Bandcamp. Music lovers can also get a taste of the album's eclectic sound with three tracks - "Pastures of Plenty," "Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day," and "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" - available on other major streaming platforms. For those craving a live experience, Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks will be performing at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on October 30, following their successful album release party at Honky Tonk BBQ earlier this month.
The album unites a wide array of musical traditions under the Americana umbrella, celebrating the timeless appeal of roots music while inspiring a new generation of listeners and artists. As Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks continue their creative journey, their Pastures of Plenty are indeed flourishing—and we eagerly await their next chapter.
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