POTATO MOON: Press

They make music that sounds so natural and deliberate, it's hard to believe it evolved almost accidentally. It's a refined, clear eyed blend of folk, country, and mountain music - something akin to what you'd hear on Alison Krauss' best solo records."

"Potato Moon is an acoustic feast combining country, folk, jazz, and pop. If you've never heard Potato Moon, now's the time. They have such a singular sound and such beautiful voices, it's only a matter of time before some smart record industry type drags em' away from Michigan."

"But two things set Potato Moon apart from the rest, and the first is that all four Stancils are superlative singers, both as soloists - particularly the two women - and in harmony, a lush, silvery sound only genetics can create. The other is their welcome reluctance, despite their obvious skills as pickers, to indulge in jam-band noodling theirs is a lean, spare band sound, giving these modern songs a lonesome, back-roads feel."

"Potato Moon is a five-piece band featuring some kick-ass three part harmonies. This Grand Rapids roots rock band has long been one of the most engaging acts in the West Michigan Music scene."

Erase all visions of a cheesy, hippie family-band driving around in a decked-out Volkswagon bus and wearing matching jumpsuits: Potato Moon is the real deal. The band's initial meld of bluegrass-folk-blues has morphed into a country-swing sound enhanced by the Stancils' complementary three- and four-part harmonies and a vivid instrumental palette.

Those voices have made this outfit one of the most delectably unique musical alliances ever to emerge from West Michigan, a rare-alignment-of-the-planets phenomenon. For three years, it's mesmerized audiences who wonder how long before Potato Moon hits it big nationally, prospects raised further by 2004's Jammie-winning "Carnival" CD.

With an invigorating new CD hitting the streets, one of West Michigan's most popular, most captivating bands is taking a risk, going out on a major limb, by changing its name and subtly revamping its sound.
The long-rumored change in a band led by three vocally talented siblings (Jane, Laura and Ben) and their dad (Phil) was inspired by the guy who now signs all correspondences "Bennie

So, while parts of the new CD, "The Life of the Lonely Jones," retain a distinctive, light-hearted, acoustic Potato Moon flavor, several tracks -- "Morphine," "Moonlight," "Big Highway" -- venture into dramatic new territory with striking rock guitar leads by Midnight Jones (Mike Sullivan), pulsating, driving drumwork by Jimmie Jones (Jimmy Schultz), and Ben's dark lyrics and moody music.

Parlor Rock. Fleetwood Mac trying their damndest to play a set at the Grand Ol' Opry with Keith Moon on drums and James Taylor playing dominos in the green room.

Ben sings the tale of bouncing around carnival jobs, including a clown and a tightrope walker — all the while working for the devil. Jane adds a great little piano part, and Phil Jr. makes his only appearance on the album playing the bells.

Overall, the album communicates an interesting take on rural and carnival life. Even though the songs use common themes from older folk and bluegrass songs, the band is able to remain current because of its overwhelming inclination to keep the sound fresh and maturing.