Rusty Nail drives its music home with a wide range of talent. This seven-piece band brings skillful musicianship to the table, and they come prepared to blow you away. Alvan Caby is the lead singer, songwriter, and plays guitar and mandolin masterfully. Chad Ross is a multi-instrumental marvel, who during live shows can switch out instruments with stealth, working the dulcimer, guitar, banjo, accordion and organ. Pat White nails the bass guitar with style, and Nathan Neff plays electric guitar with enthusiasm and contagious energy. Chris Otto, another lyricist, plays the tin whistle and Native American flute, adding a distinguished acoustic element to each song. Trey Garson handles the drums, while Kelly LaRussa plays the violin with both elegance and attitude. The band sometimes features a guest singer, Amy Caby, who is married lead singer Alvan and is also a substitute DJ on 88.1 KDHX.
The band's 2011 release, "Boozers, Bastards, and Bards," is a well-rounded, self-released record with 14 songs, including 11 original tunes and three traditional Irish pieces. The album comprises the expected songs about drinking and Irish tales, but credit is due to the polished, accessible songs about life and the dynamics of relationships.
