The Deadstring Brothers were once hailed as king revivalists of 1960s British blues rock, a group that made good on years spent with Rolling Stones records. After four albums and several lineup shifts, however, it looked like the band as the world knew it was done. Some time in late 2010 or early 2011, guitarist and songwriter Kurt Marschke dissolved the band -- citing instability and lack of commitment from certain members -- and took on the singular moniker Deadstring Brother, performing as a one-man band.
But the despite the ease of traveling and rehearsing alone, Marschke found something missing in that scenario. When long-time friend and former bassist for Whitey Morgan and the 78's Jeremy Mack approached him about playing together, he knew that a full band was the only viable vehicle for his musical vision.
Rounded out by Edgar Purdom on drums, the reformed Deadstring Brothers are a trio of which Marshke is the only veteran member. Though they have yet to write music together -- this session features three older Deadstring Brothers tunes and a cover of the Band's "Get Up Jake" -- they have every intent on using the lessons of the past to make sure that the band's story ceases to be its shaky past, and becomes all about its music.
For this live session, the Deadstring Brothers are joined by friend and St. Louis resident Tim Sullivan on keys.
All photos by Chris Bay.
