The Linemen

The Linemen are an American Alternative Country band originating from Washington, D.C, and formed in 1991. The group is currently composed of Kevin Royal Johnson (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Jonathan Gregg (lead vocals, guitar, pedal steel), Bill Williams (guitars, vocals), Antoine Sanfuentes (drums), and Scott McKnight (bass, vocals). The band released four albums before originally splitting up in 2001.

The Linemen
OriginWashington D.C., United States
GenresAlternative Country
Years active1991–2001, 2013–present
LabelsSAM Records
Websitehttps://thelinemen.bandcamp.com/
MembersJonathan Gregg
Kevin Royal Johnson
Scott McKnight
Bill Williams
Antoine Sanfuentes
Past membersEric Brace
Tony Flagg
Dave Giegerich

In 2013, the band announced their return, and their fifth full-length album, Close the Place Down, was released on the SAM Records label in October 2016.[1] The band's name comes from the Jimmy Webb song “Wichita Lineman.” [2]

History

Early years (1991–2001)

Kevin Johnson and the Linemen formed in 1991 with Eric Brace, Antoine Sanfuentes, and Bill Williams.[3] Between 1991 and 2001 the band released four records under Johnson's own SAM Records label, with new members Tony Flagg (bass) and Scott McKnight (guitar) replacing Brace and Williams in 1994, and adding James Key (mandolin) and Dave Giegerich (dobro, steel guitar).[4]

The Linemen's first album, Memphis for Breakfast, was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and produced by Grammy-nominated John Alagia, later known for his work with Dave Matthews, Liz Phair and John Mayer.[5] The Linemen's second album, The Rest of Your Life, was again produced by John Alagia and the album art was designed by Jeff Nelson, co-founder of Dischord Records, and drummer for Minor Threat. The Linemen's third album, Parole Music,[6][7] was produced by singer-songwriter Charlie Chesterman, formerly of Scruffy the Cat.[8] The liner notes for The Linemen's fourth album Sunday Driver, were written by author George P. Pelecanos.[9] In 2001 Johnson took a break from music and started a rare book business in Baltimore.[10]

Career trajectory (2013–present)

In 2013, The Linemen reformed, adding Jonathan Gregg as a second lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and pedal steel guitarist, with band alumni Scott McKnight (bass), Bill Williams (guitar, slide guitar, mandolin), and Antoine Sanfuentes (drums).[11] In the fall of 2016 they released their first album with the new line up, Close the Place Down, recorded by Andrew Taub at Brooklyn Recording and mixed by John Alagia at Village Recorder in West Los Angeles.[12] Tracks on the album were written by Kevin Johnson and Jonathan Gregg individually or co-written by Johnson and Gregg, and two songs were co-written by Johnson with Williams and McKnight, respectively. Three songs from Gregg's previous band, The Lonesome Debonaires, were also reprised. Gregg credits his Gretsch 6120 with his sonic approach to this album and how the songs evolved, while his influences encompass roots styles such as bluegrass and country as well as rock legends such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Elvis Costello.[13] Others have compared the album to The Jayhawks, Tom Petty,[14] Ryan Adams and Wilco.[15] The record release show for Close the Place Down was held at New York City venue The Bowery Electric on Sunday, November 13, 2016.[16]

Discography
  • Memphis for Breakfast (1991), SAM Records
  • The Rest of Your Life (1994), SAM Records
  • Parole Music (1997), SAM Records
  • Sunday Driver (2000), SAM Records
  • Various Artists Americana Motel (2001), compilation on Bay Gumbo Music
  • Close the Place Down (2016), SAM Records
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References
  1. Morgan, Adam (October 13, 2016). "Premiere: The Linemen "Close The Place Down"". Surviving the Golden Age.
  2. "SONG PREMIERE: The Linemen Deliver Alt Country Schooling on 'Lineman'". Glide Magazine. Glide Publishing LLC. October 11, 2016.
  3. Zibart, Eve (May 24, 1991). "Rockville Rocks; Linemen Lay It On". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018 – via Highbeam Research.
  4. Webber, Kim (August 31, 1996). "Kevin Gordon / Kevin Johnson - The Sutler (Nashville, TN)". No Depression.
  5. Frometa, RJ (December 16, 2016). "INTERVIEW: '90s alt-country staples The Linemen". Vents Magazine.
  6. Joyce, Mike (November 7, 1997). "KEVIN JOHNSON & THE LINEMEN "PAROLE MUSIC" SAM RECORDS". The Washington Post.
  7. "Kevin Johnson & The Linemen - Parole Music". No Depression. December 31, 1997.
  8. Lach, Michael (October 31, 1996). "Kevin Johnson - Still on the Linemen". No Depression.
  9. Gutowski, David (March 12, 2008). "Book Notes". Largeheartedboy.
  10. K., Steve (April 4, 2003). "On The Road: Last Train Home With Eric Brace". The Washington Post.
  11. Joan, Tara (December 7, 2016). "The Linemen Close the Place Down on New Album". No Depression.
  12. "The new Linemen make Heartache Red-Hot with "Cold Water"". Elmore Magazine. October 10, 2016.
  13. Frometa, RJ (December 16, 2016). "INTERVIEW: '90s alt-country staples The Linemen". Vents Magazine.
  14. Frometa, RJ (September 23, 2016). "PREMIERE: The Linemen Release New Single "Sunday Driver". Vents Magazine.
  15. Morgan, Adam (October 13, 2016). "Premiere: The Linemen "Close The Place Down"". Surviving the Golden Age.
  16. Simels, Steve (November 11, 2016). "I Am A Whatever For The County..." PowerPop.
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