Cassino (band)
Encyclopedia
Cassino is a folk
band from Huntsville
, Alabama
, created from the remnants of the band Northstar
.
In April 2005, Cassino was birthed from the remnants of the two principal songwriters of the Alabama rock group Northstar
– an inevitably organic genesis that came to light through a creative bond that existed for numerous years between childhood friends Nick Torres
and Tyler Odom
. They began recording their first album in 2006 with Nashville-based producer–drummer Craig Krampf
, known for his work with artists including Dolly Parton
, Alabama, Townes Van Zandt
, Steve Perry
and Melissa Etheridge
. While the record doesn't have a specifically Nashville sound, the city did become prevalent in the making of their debut record Sounds of Salvation, both as a new environment to inspire songwriting, and in the cast of characters brought in by Krampf. “Salvation” was soon blessed by the contributions of E Street Band
bassist Garry Tallent
and saxophonist Jim Horn
. Released independently on March 29, 2007, Sounds of Salvation is the fruit of this blending of various states and sounds.
After touring the U.S. in support of the album, Cassino settled down and started working on another full-length record in the beginning of 2008. Odom exited the process (he now plays with the group Destry), and Torres teamed up to write primarily with Alabama native and long-time friend Edward Puckett. Puckett filled in on bass for the earlier Cassino tours, and through constant exposure, they found that their similar tastes and different styles complemented each other well. They set up shop in a small apartment, and wrote and recorded for most of 2008. The city of Nashville this time found its way into the recording process through the contributions of friends and session/touring musicians Kevin Arrowsmith (fiddle, banjo, mandolin), Tripper Ryder (bass) and Craig Krampf
(drums, percussion). This newest endeavor became Kingprince.
It was released digitally in December 2009, and was released physically in January 2010
. They have recently started a US tour, in November 2007, with the band Straylight Run. Also appearing in this tour are Dear And The Headlights and The Color Fred.
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
band from Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is a city located primarily in Madison County in the central part of the far northern region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County. The city extends west into neighboring Limestone County. Huntsville's population was 180,105 as of the 2010 Census....
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, created from the remnants of the band Northstar
Northstar (band)
Northstar was an American band formed in 1997 in Huntsville, Alabama.Since the band's inception, they have had around five guitarists and three different bassists, have been a three-piece, four-piece, and a five-piece. Due to a lack of a dedicated music scene in the Huntsville area, the band...
.
In April 2005, Cassino was birthed from the remnants of the two principal songwriters of the Alabama rock group Northstar
Northstar (band)
Northstar was an American band formed in 1997 in Huntsville, Alabama.Since the band's inception, they have had around five guitarists and three different bassists, have been a three-piece, four-piece, and a five-piece. Due to a lack of a dedicated music scene in the Huntsville area, the band...
– an inevitably organic genesis that came to light through a creative bond that existed for numerous years between childhood friends Nick Torres
Nick Torres
Nick Torres is an American songwriter from Huntsville,AL. He was most notably recognized as the singer for the now defunct indie rock quartet Northstar. He currently performs under the moniker Cassino. He lives in Nashville, TN....
and Tyler Odom
Tyler Odom
Tyler Odom was the lead guitarist of the Alabama-based emo band Northstar. After the band's dissolution, Odom and another former bandmate, Nick Torres, formed Cassino. He also records in indie rock band Destry.-References:...
. They began recording their first album in 2006 with Nashville-based producer–drummer Craig Krampf
Craig Krampf
Craig Krampf is an American musician and songwriter.The majority of his notable credits are as a studio drummer. Since the 1970s, he has played on albums by other artists ranging from Steve Perry to Alabama to Kim Carnes to Flo and Eddie to Alice Cooper to Melissa Etheridge...
, known for his work with artists including Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
, Alabama, Townes Van Zandt
Townes Van Zandt
John Townes Van Zandt , best known as Townes Van Zandt, was an American Texas Country-folk music singer-songwriter, performer, and poet...
, Steve Perry
Steve Perry (musician)
Stephen Ray "Steve" Perry is an American singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Journey from 1977–1987 and 1995–1998. Perry had a successful solo career throughout the late 1980s and early '90s.Perry's voice has garnered acclaim from musical peers and music...
and Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Lou Etheridge is an American rock singer-songwriter and musician.Etheridge is known for her mixture of confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals...
. While the record doesn't have a specifically Nashville sound, the city did become prevalent in the making of their debut record Sounds of Salvation, both as a new environment to inspire songwriting, and in the cast of characters brought in by Krampf. “Salvation” was soon blessed by the contributions of E Street Band
E Street Band
The E Street Band has been rock musician Bruce Springsteen's primary backing band since 1972.The band has also recorded with a wide range of other artists including Bob Dylan, Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler, Air Supply, Dire Straits, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Nicks, Tom Morello, Sting, Ian...
bassist Garry Tallent
Garry Tallent
Garry Wayne Tallent , sometimes billed as Garry W. Tallent, is an American musician and record producer, best known for being the longtime bass player in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band....
and saxophonist Jim Horn
Jim Horn
Jim Horn is an American saxophonist and woodwind player. He was born in Los Angeles, and after replacing saxophonist Steve Douglas in 1959, he toured with member Duane Eddy for five years, playing sax and flute on the road, and in the recording studio...
. Released independently on March 29, 2007, Sounds of Salvation is the fruit of this blending of various states and sounds.
After touring the U.S. in support of the album, Cassino settled down and started working on another full-length record in the beginning of 2008. Odom exited the process (he now plays with the group Destry), and Torres teamed up to write primarily with Alabama native and long-time friend Edward Puckett. Puckett filled in on bass for the earlier Cassino tours, and through constant exposure, they found that their similar tastes and different styles complemented each other well. They set up shop in a small apartment, and wrote and recorded for most of 2008. The city of Nashville this time found its way into the recording process through the contributions of friends and session/touring musicians Kevin Arrowsmith (fiddle, banjo, mandolin), Tripper Ryder (bass) and Craig Krampf
Craig Krampf
Craig Krampf is an American musician and songwriter.The majority of his notable credits are as a studio drummer. Since the 1970s, he has played on albums by other artists ranging from Steve Perry to Alabama to Kim Carnes to Flo and Eddie to Alice Cooper to Melissa Etheridge...
(drums, percussion). This newest endeavor became Kingprince.
It was released digitally in December 2009, and was released physically in January 2010
Discography
- Sounds of SalvationSounds of SalvationSounds of Salvation is the first album by Cassino, released on March 29, 2007. It was recorded, produced and released all entirely by the band with no support from a record company.-Track listing:All songs written by Cassino...
(March 29, 2007) - KingprinceKingprinceKingprince is the second album by Cassino, released digitally on December 9, 2009. It was recorded, produced and released independently by the band in Nashville, TN...
(October 28, 2009) - "The Weight of Bother" (May 14, 2011)
Shows
Their shows are few and far between, usually touring with As Tall As LionsAs Tall as Lions
As Tall as Lions was an Indie Rock band from Long Island, New York.- History :High school friends Dan Nigro , Saen Fitzgerald , Brian Fortune and Cliff Sarcona founded the band in December 2001 as they were looking to continue the momentum of a previous project.- Blood and Aphorisms :"Blood and...
. They have recently started a US tour, in November 2007, with the band Straylight Run. Also appearing in this tour are Dear And The Headlights and The Color Fred.