For those residing in the windy city of Chicago, have you heard the soul-stirring sounds of Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks? If you’re not acquainted with them yet, prepare to be swept away by their masterful blend of Americana genres. Bandleader Gina Marie DeGregorio has joined forces with some of the finest talents in Americana music: Brendan Frank on electric guitar, Edgar Gabriel on fiddle, Eli Broxham on bass, and John Rice on acoustic guitar, mandolin, and dobro. Known for their captivating live performances that transport audiences back to the golden age of American music, this ensemble brings a rich, vintage sound with a contemporary twist.
Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks began their musical journey from the rich tapestry of Chicago’s early jazz scene, where Gina Marie has been a prominent figure. Her transition from pop rock to Americana was marked by a profound love for the dance communities and vintage sounds of the early 20th century. After overcoming a vocal injury and surgery, Gina’s voice evolved with a nuanced depth that perfectly complements the band’s Americana roots. Drawing inspiration from legends like Patsy Cline, the Carter Family, Ethel Waters, and Connee Boswell, The Golden Bucks‘ music embodies the essence of America’s musical heritage.
Their debut single, “Pastures of Plenty,” is a poignant introduction to their upcoming album of the same name. The song pays homage to Woody Guthrie, the “Dustbowl Balladeer,” capturing the grit and dignity of the migrant workers who formed the backbone of America’s agricultural and industrial economy. With lyrics that speak to the hardships and resilience of these workers, the song reflects Guthrie’s deep connection to the land and his advocacy for workers’ rights:
“It’s a mighty hard row that my poor hands have hoed
My poor feet have traveled a hot dusty road
Out of your Dust Bowl and Westward we rolled
And your deserts were hot and your mountains were cold…”
This tribute resonates through Gina Marie‘s earthy vocal delivery, supported by the rich instrumental arrangement of her bandmates. The listener is transported across vast plains, feeling both reverent and empowered by the spirit of America’s working past. The richness of Eli Broxham’s bass evokes a sense of melancholy and resilience, perfectly capturing the essence of the song.
The full album “Pastures of Plenty” promises a journey through ten tracks, each reflecting a different region and era of American music. From the bluegrass sounds of Appalachia to the blues of the industrial cities, The Golden Bucks blend folk, country, rockabilly, and western swing into a cohesive celebration of Americana. Standout tracks include “Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day,” featuring the seamless duet of Edgar Gabriel’s fiddle and John Rice’s dobro, and “Snake Around,” a rockabilly-infused tribute to Chicago’s unique vintage and honky-tonk community.
As you delve into the world of Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks, be sure to check out “Pastures of Plenty” on all digital platforms. Their second single, “Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day,” will be released soon. And for those who want to see them perform live, the band will be playing a variety of Americana tunes at the Lemont Farmer’s Market on August 13 and at Chicago’s Riverwalk on August 14.
https://www.facebook.com/thegoldenbucks
https://www.instagram.com/thegoldenbucks
+ There are no comments
Add yours