Whenever guitarist Darren Gusnowsky wants to get away from the pressures of a high-profile music career in Hey Romeo, he switches hats to Stomp and Holler.
Make no mistake about it.
Gusnowsky loves his role in Hey Romeo, a trio that is a multiple Canadian Country Music Award recipient. And working with keyboardist Rob Shapiro and vocalist Stacie Roper has been the right professional and artistic decision.
But Stomp and Holler, a trio he developed about a year ago with drummer Brad Tebble and bassist Curtis Ebner enjoys a more low-key place in his life.
“With Hey Romeo, you can’t afford to have a bad show. If you do, you see it in the paper the next day. You are always so under pressure to always be on top of your game. It’s a tough market out there and it’s challenging cause there are so many great artists and so much great music trying to cut through,” says Gusnowsky.
“On the other hand, Stomp and Holler is more relaxing. I’m myself in both groups, but as Hey Romeo’s profile went up, we weren’t playing small clubs and casinos. With these guys (Stomp and Holler), it gives me the opportunity to play small clubs and pubs with no pressure.”
Ironically, little known bands keep plugging away at smaller venues with dreams of playing the big time.
“A smaller venue gives you an opportunity to be at your best. You can try new things. There are no expectations. People will either like your song or they won’t. This gives you an opportunity to grow creatively,” Gusnowsky explains.
In one of their rare half dozen annual appearances, Stomp and Holler is all set to grab everyone’s attention on Friday, Nov. 29 at LB’s Pub.
The threesome will be singing a bit of stripped down country, a bit of blues. With their deep connection to country, they favour the story songs describing snippets of life.
Gusnowsky got to know Tebble and Ebner when they played rhythm section for Hey Romeo. During lulls in the action, the threesome got together to keep up their playing chops.
Gusnowsky first jumped on the musical train as a kid playing piano in Winnipeg.
“But my bigger brother was six inches taller and 80 lbs. heavier and he didn’t let me practice. So I asked my parents for a guitar.”
One of his cousins, a member of Poverty Plainsmen, was touring with the band and stopped in Winnipeg. Gusnowsky was invited on stage to play a few tunes with the Saskatchewan band and a star was born.
Although Gusnowsky grew up on rock, he developed a great respect for country artists. Country pioneers such as Hank Williams and Jimmy Rodgers as well as Dwight Yoakam and Crosby Stills and Nash have inspired his music.
But he doesn’t limit his admiration to country, also including rock musician Joel Plaskett, indie rocker Luke Doucet and bluesman Howlin’ Wolf.
For the LB’s Pub show, Gusnowsky is promising a high-energy evening of fun.
“Our music is good and we love to put on a party and get people dancing. There’ll be a big array of musical styles. It’s a good venue and there’ll be a good vibe.”
