The John Henrys

Sweet As The Grain

Although four band members contribute to the songwriting – songs that are rich in storytelling tradition, it is the band’s unmistakable musicianship that confirms that The John Henrys are not as traditional as the legendary character of their namesake. The John Henry of popular folklore, and immortalized in dozens of traditional folk songs, was a giant of a man who labored laying railway tracks and digging tunnels. He challenged the first steam powered drilling machine to a race to determine what was stronger – man or machine. His superhuman effort won him the race, after which he immediately died of exhaustion.

"We picked The John Henrys for our name because the story has so many undertones that we can relate to", says vocalist/ guitarist Rey Sabatin Jr, whose Ojibway, Pilipino and Irish heritage, along with his background in the craft of lutherie (Guitar making) are reflected in the band's sound. Rey, along with Steve Tatone (keyboards) Doug Gouthro (Guitar) Daryl Quinlan (Bass), and Geoff Ward (Drums) have been creating music and working together since 2003, writing, arranging and rehearsing so many songs that they have trouble deciding what to play in a live set.

Their self-titled debut album, released locally in their Ottawa, Ontario, hometown in 2004 was featured extensively on CBC radio, early supporters who asked the band to perform on their nationally broadcast “Definitely Not The Opera” program. Over the next few years the band performed with in-the-know artists like The Sadies, Cuff the Duke, The Golden Dogs, Elliot Brood, and FemBots, all the while writing and arranging the songs that would eventually be recorded and released on their first internationally distributed album, Sweet as the Grain. Released on the bands own 9LB Records imprint, distributed in Canada by Universal Music, and internationally by the legendary True North label, Sweet As Grain hit #1 on iTunes Canada Roots Music Albums the week of release, and #1 on the Exclaim/Earshot National Campus and Community Radio Folk Roots chart. The album is being released initially in the USA this summer on vinyl and through iTunes, and the CD will be available at retail in the fall of 2008.

Look out for The John Henrys on tour all over North America.

Links:
thejohnhenrys.com myspace.com/thejohnhenrys
facebook.com/pages/The-John-Henrys/13312243633