Denny in Prospect Park in New York last month with Deer Tick. Via Brooklyn Vegan.

Chris Denny and band have been reborn Chris Denny and the Natives. That following three weeks recording in upstate New York for their Partisan Records debut. The album’s tentatively scheduled for release next February.

Advertisement

I got my first look at Denny and the Natives — that’s Jesse Bates (pedal steel), Ryan Hitt (bass), Judson Spillyards (guitar) and Josh Spillyards (drums) — since they returned last night at White Water, and it was pretty obvious the dudes have been living and breathing music lately.

Seeing them reminded me of watching the Princes at White Water for years before, seemingly overnight, they suddenly emerged as this professional band with serious chops. Maybe the juice of a record deal compels bands to practice with new fervor. Certainly touring helps.

Advertisement

Come early October Denny and the Natives hit the road again as part of Daytrotter’s Barnstormer Tour, where along with bands like Dawes and Maritime, they’ll be gigging in actual barns throughout the Midwest. Immediately thereafter, they jump on the Partisan Records Tour with Deer Tick. It’ll take them to spots like Chapel Hill, D.C. and, for a CMJ Showcase, the Bowery Ballroom in New York.

Look for the dudes to play out pretty heavily before they take off. Your next chance to catch them is Friday at Sticky Fingerz with the Damn Bullets, 10 p.m.

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Bush White House tell-all Next article Troubled bank loans