Bio:  "More proud Ozark boys making good, SPEAKEASY from Springfield, MO displays dirty chops and tasty original rock. Touring continuously, SPEAKEASY has developed an internal language of music, which allows the talented bandmembers to communicate almost telepathically through the music. Not only are they exporatory and intense jammers, they also write serious songs and sing with sincere conviction and jubilation." Daniel Gold (Contributing editor for AN HONEST TUNE magazine) FAYETTEVILLE FREE WEEKLY

Since their inception in 1998, SPEAKEASY has gradually gained a reputation amongst their growing audience for their tasteful songwriting backed up by pull-no-punches rock and roll.Originally formed as the brainchild of guitarist Shawn Eckels, bassist Tony Johnson and drummer Ryan Fannin, the band experimented with metal and hip-hop funk before finding their own identity in straight ahead groove-oriented progressive rock. Their diverse influences can be heard by SPEAKEASY's distinct high-energy style that has captured the ears of music lovers and booty shakers alike. This great energy created in the live setting is backed up by neck-breaking rhythms, tight instrumentation and soulful four part harmonies that take the listener on a musical journey.

The recent addition of multi-instrumentalist Marcus Chatman to the band, in March of 2002, has added new textures to SPEAKEASY's original trio format with an amazing repertoire that includes organ, keyboard, cello, trumpet, harmonica, pennywhistle, percussion, sousaphone and vocals. Chatman's diverse musical abilities round out SPEAKEASY's sound as they propel through intense improvisational excursions.

SPEAKEASY has released three studio albums. Their most recent, Cut of the Jib, was released in the spring of 2003. The Jib has thirteen dynamically rocking tracks that demonstrate SPEAKEASY'S unique songwriting style and intense energy commonly found in the live setting. A double live album is also in the works, recently recorded during a two night stint at the Outland in Springfield, MO (October 2002) to a packed house full of energetic SPEAKEASY fans.

Speakeasy has played with many incredible bands over the years, including Jazz Mandolin Project, the North Mississippi Allstars, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams, David Allen Coe, Yonder Mountain String Band, Spookie Daly Pride, Galactic, Dark Star Orchestra, the Samples, Particle, The Big Wu, and Big Smith.

Continuous touring has brought the band far from its original Ozark roots to
new crowds and new towns. Stay tuned to the website for the most updated
news, as they make their way to a town near you!


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