True North™: News

True North - Live At The Cafe
by Alonzo Weston
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2008/mar/11/true-north---live-cafe/

TITLE: Live At the Cafe
ARTIST: True North
STARS: 3 Out Of 5 Stars
SOUNDS LIKE: Seventies style country rock reminiscent of Pure Prairie League and The Amazing Rhythm Aces.

It’s a hoot listening to True North. Their music is fun, clever and feel good nostalgic in a 1970s sort of way. It’s the kind of stuff you listen to in a 1969 Camaro on a hot summer night cruising the main drag.

“Live at the Cafe” captures one of the group’s live performances at St. Joseph’s famed Acoustic Cafe www.cafe-acoustic.com. It’s a collection of the group’s original tunes complete with stage banter and audience participation. Unlike most live recordings which can often sound too hectic and cluttered, the live quality here adds a certain warm familiarity to the CD.

Anyone who has ever been inside the Acoustic Cafe on open mic night knows that it has this sort of affable ambience. And it shines through on this recording. True North is comprised of five talented musicians: Gary McKnight on vocals and guitars, Garrett Rake on keyboards, vocals accordion and harmonica; Brian Soden on guitar, vocals and mandolin; Rick McKnight on bass; Keith Broxterman on drums and Will Gladhart on fiddle.

And while these cats can jam, it’s the True North lyrics that capture my attention. There the obligatory ballads like the touching “Old Martin and Mandolin” and the somewhat anthemic “Make it Mean Something.”
And they work. But it’s the wry, tongue in cheek stuff like “Dashboard Believer” and “DUI Over You” that make this CD fun. Lyrics like “ I got a D-U-I over Y-O-U, blood shot eyes and mug shot too” and I’m a wanted man but not by you,” will definitely give you a chuckle. I usually review jazz but like all kinds of good music. True North is good, fun music.

Gary McKnight and his band, True North, make country feel good
By Crystal K. Wiebe
Published: March 6, 2008
http://www.pitch.com/2008-03-06/music/country-doctor/

With his messy, graying hair, black-rimmed glasses, sailor's tongue and refusal to dress like a medical professional, it's easy to imagine Gary McKnight as a real-life version of TV doctor Gregory House.

"Probably, some people would prefer I wear a white coat and a three-piece," McKnight says over a Corona at the Sandbar in Lawrence. "Well, go someplace else, asshole."

When he sees patients at Tallgrass Surgical Center in Topeka, McKnight wears pretty much the same thing he sports at his band's shows — jeans and a button-down shirt.

"Years ago, I just decided that I can't bullshit anybody," the leader of country-rock band True North says.

The frankness can be somewhat jarring coming from a guy whose heartfelt songs about romance and raising kids can get almost too gooey. But that's just McKnight — emotionally intense.

I first encountered him and his band in 2005, after they sent a copy of their CD Dashboard Believer to the St. Joseph News-Press for me to review. The slick press kit included a photo of six regular-looking guys staring into the camera. I thought some of them — McKnight included — looked a little old for the aspiring-musician thing.

But compared with the bad local cover bands and the teen punks hounding me for coverage at the time, True North seemed professional and talented.

The recordings on the band's independent release were clean and crisp. And more important, the music hit the mark the band was aiming for.

Dashboard Believer is full of honest, catchy, from-the-heart country songs that unpretentious teenagers and grandmas alike can relate to.

A True North show can quickly turn into a sweaty dance party punctuated by prom-like moments when McKnight delves into his sensitive stuff — love songs he usually dedicates to his wife, Jan.

The extreme sentimentality of songs such as "For a Woman" may be too much for hipster cynics, but I've always believed that True North could be a country-radio cash cow if McKnight would commit to music full time.

That's unlikely to happen, however. Now 48, McKnight has chased that dream before. "All I've seen is, labels screw shit up," he says.

Sixteen years ago, he and his younger brother had a band called the Dialtones. Based in Nashville, they played up to 250 days a year and eventually gained the interest of major labels. "MCA flew all the way to St. Joseph, Missouri, to see me play," McKnight says.

But the industry people didn't know what to do with the Dialtones, who had Marshall stacks and big attitudes. "We were too rock and roll for country," McKnight says.

Eventually, Nashville caught on to the idea that country music could rock a little. But by the time Garth Brooks was breaking guitars, the Dialtones were done.

McKnight took his wife and kids back to Kansas. He started medical school, and his guitar stayed home. "I just decided that I didn't want anything to do with the music business anymore," he says.

But McKnight never gave up the hobby he started at the age of 12 to help him make sense of the world. "I have notebooks full of songs," he says. Then he chuckles and adds, "Of course, how many of 'em don't suck?"

About four years ago, McKnight and his friend Garrett Rake started playing some of his best songs together in a project that would become True North.

The band practices on Wednesday nights at McKnight's house in tiny Valley Falls, Kansas, and plays weekend gigs. A favorite haunt is the Acoustic Café in St. Joseph, where the band's latest release, Live at the Café, was recorded.

I last saw True North sell out the Jazzhaus in Lawrence for that CD's January release party. I still think the band could sell out much bigger venues.

But McKnight says he's having too much fun on his own. "If I live that long — in 20 years, I want to say we had fun and it was good for what it was," he says.

The next few months see True North playing a smattering of county fairs, weekend festivals and one-offs in the kind of towns where it's easy to picture McKnight's nostalgic songs taking place — small towns such as Rock Port, Missouri, and Highland, Kansas.

On April 26, True North returns to the Jazzhaus in Lawrence. You won't need a compass to find it.

Live at the Cafe
True North holding two CD release parties in St. Joseph
http://www.sjnp.net/news/2008/jan/18/live-cafe/?diem

by Sylvia Anderson
Friday, January 18, 2008

When True North first performed at Cafe Acoustic three years ago, they were an immediate success, recalls the cafe’s co-owner Lisa Hancock. “Cafe Acoustic absolutely loves True North,” she says. “It’s been overwhelming since day one. They already had a quite a following, but it just blossomed from there with people in this area getting to know them.”

The good feelings escalated last April when True North picked Cafe Acoustic as the place to record its third CD and first live project, “Live at the Cafe.” “The cafe, though be it small, is a fantastic acoustic music room,” says Will Gladhart, a True North band member. “We’ve played at a variety of venues in multiple states, and the sound quality you get in that room is unparalleled. It is a jewel.”

So this Saturday, Jan. 19, should be quite a celebration when True North returns to Cafe Acoustic for a “Live at the Cafe” CD release party starting at 9 p.m. The band will debut five new songs since its last performance at the cafe, along with favorites from the “Dashboard Believer” CD such as “Ancient History” and “Dashboard Believer.”
“It’s a real eclectic mix of ballads and dance tunes,” Gladhart says.

For those new to the True North sound, the Midwestern country, roots rock band performs original music appealing to fans of roots rock, alternative country and bluegrass “with a little funk thrown in.” You’ll hear a wide range of instruments, including guitar, piano, organ, mandolin, lap steel, accordion, fiddle, drums and percussion. And you can expect a great show.

“For many reasons,” Hancock says. “They have extraordinary talent, great stage presence, humor, original music and the fact they are just darn fine musicians.” And if you can’t make it Saturday or the bar scene isn’t for you, True North also will be at Border’s Bookstore from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3. The “Live at the Cafe” CD will be available at both locations for $15.

What: True North CD release party of “Live at the Cafe”
Where: Cafe Acoustic, 2605 Frederick
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19
Cost: no cover
Also: 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, at Borders in St. Joseph.

Run Jan 14, 2008

Hiawatha World
JOEY MAY, joeymay@npgco.com

True North will release the new “Live at the Café” CD with a celebration at Café Acoustic in St. Joseph, Mo. at 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19.
True North is a local band that features the talents of Hiawatha native Brian Soden, Horton native Garrett Rake, Highland native Will Gladhart, Keith Broxterman of Topeka, Gary McKnight of Valley Falls and his brother Rick McKnight of Savannah, Mo.
True North Live at the Café is a dynamic, high-energy recording featuring powerful lyrics and harmonies, impressive instrumentals, dialogue about the music and professional supporting musicianship.
In a phone interview Monday afternoon, Gladhart, fiddle player and band spokesman said the Cafe Acoustic is a small sound and acoustic room “that is great for live music” and is where they recorded this last album.
Gladhart said the band composes and writes all original music and performs a type of country-roots-rock-bluegrass with some songs that are a takeoff of “John Cougar Mellancamp or the Beatles.” He said they perform a catchy blend of rock, Americana and country music that would appeal to wide audiences.
Gladhart said in addition to the Cafe Acoustic performance the band will be at the Jazzhaus in Lawrence at 9 p.m., Jan. 26 and has two performances scheduled for bookstores.
“This will be a good time for families, people with kids to listen to some music for the afternoon and have some fun,” Gladhart said. “We’ll have a blend from slower to faster songs.”
The bookstore performances are Sunday, Feb. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m., at Borders Bookstores in St. Joseph, Mo., and Sunday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Borders’ in Kansas City, Mo.
This third CD is a True North original, recorded live at the Café Acoustic, April 2007, mixed and produced by the “do it yourself” True North band.
Song selections include from the Dashboard Believer CD (2006) “Ancient History” and “Dashboard Believer” as well as experience new tunes on the Live CD such as “Old Martin” and “For a Woman.” The Live at the Café compilation sets high expectations for the next True North studio album slated for Spring 2009.
Gladhart said the band is influenced from a variety of artists including Lyle Lovett, Ryan Adams, Wilco, and a multitude of modern, classic rock and country performers.
According to a press release, True North band members all have professional careers, yet are passionate as musicians about composing, writing and creating new original music. Strong vocals and harmonies are supported by professional musicianship on guitars, bass, piano, organ, mandolin, lap steel, accordion, fiddle, drums and percussion.
For more information about the event contact Will Gladhart at 562-881-4484 or will.gladhart@gmail.com. Visit the True North website for further event details and directions. www.true-northmusic.com.

Wow, where to begin since the True North July Update? 2006 has been an amazing year for True North. We have had a steady stream of opportunities to perform in the region and fantastic media exposure...from Emporia, Manhattan, St. Joseph, Lawrence, and more...WHEW!

For those of you who haven’t had a recent visit to the True North websites, you’ll notice a new, fresh look and several changes.
A new link to True North MySpace, www.myspace.com/truenorthmusic, where fans can post comments, view band photos, new live music videos and a fan photo slide shows.

True North Merchandise.
Newly designed online store for the Discriminating Dashboard Believer. Hats, Coats, Tees, Bumper Stickers and even household items like True North Clocks & Beer Steins! www.cafepress.com/truenorthmusic.

A big Thank You to Deb Christian, FastPhoto, Hiawatha, KS for putting up with the True North outlaws during a photo-shoot! It was an entertaining afternoon; it’s hard to get the True North group to smile at the same time, when we’re not laughing at one another! See more of Deb’s work on at True North’s MySpace slideshow.

Working with Amber Rome, 94.5 Country has been a blast! Big Thanks to Amber for including True North in the Topeka Huff and Puff Hot Air Balloon Festival. The balloons may not have launched, but playing for 1000+ listeners outdoors was a treat!

True North will be in the 94 Country/ WIBW Studio Feb. ‘07 for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Telethon, performing live music, talking about the True North Project and our original songs. Stay tuned for an exact date to tune in!

FearlessRadio approached True North Oct. ‘06 to use the Dashboard Believer CD in the www.FearlessRadio.com Fearless Country Indie online music launch Nov. ‘06. Let you know when you can hear True North online or live at the studio!

Come out to the Jazz Haus, Nov. 11 for a great show and charity raffle! True North is raffling off a signed, matted and handsomely framed one of a kind group photo. Hey, if we become rock starts, the photo will really be worth something. A little giving back to the fans which support us and our music!

If you’re in Manhattan, KS, Nov. 17, get to RC McGraw’s. It’s a sweet space and promises to be a fun evening True North Manhattan Style! Plus we have Jared Pete Guile as an opener, he can rock the house!

Thanks again to all for continued True North support and keeping up the good times! More to come in December! WG

Lots of shows on the calendar, with more being booked for the fall! Thanks to everyone who has made it out to the performances! We couldn't do it without you!

We've had a few personel changes this year, and I think it only fitting to introduce them. They've all been playing with True North for the past few months, and have decided to be permanent members. Barry Castadeda has come on board playing lead guitar. He is an amazing lead player, and has helped to take the True North songs to a whole new level. Rick McKnight has come on playing bass. With Rick and Keith laying the rhythmic foundation, you can't help but sound great! Also joining our band of outlaws, Will Gladhart on fiddle. It's amazing what a good fiddle player adds to the tunes, and Will definatly makes that happen! It's great to have all three on board helping us take the True North project forward!

What an awesome show last Saturday at the Jazzhaus in Lawrence! Thanks to everyone who came out despite the bitter temperature outside! We always love to see a packed house, but I'd like to appologize to those who arrived late and couldn't get in. We're working on booking shows at larger venues to overcome this issue. Thanks for your patience and continued support!

Jared Pete Gile put on a tremendous opening act, and we look forward to doing more shows with him in the future. Be sure to visit Pete's website, www.jaredpetegile.com!

Tonight we're in Denison, KS at the Ireland Pub. I'm sure it will be another great party. Looking forward to seeing everyone out! Till next time......

"Dashboard Believer" will be available at the following locations beginning Monday, Feb 20th:

Topeka-
Kaner Coffee
2601 SW 6th


St. Joseph, MO-
Borders
5201 N. Belt Hwy

The Wren House
2425 Jones St (east of Frederick tower)


Valley Falls-
Western Hardware
407 Sycamore St # 2

Steve's Triftway
901 Oak St


Holton-
Charlie's
103 W 4th St.

The Sportspage
411 W Main St.


Horton-
Hilltop Convenience
140 E 15th St.


Hiawatha-
Fast Foto
622 Oregon St.

Corner Barber Shop
108 1/2 N 8th St.

Additional locations will follow. CD's are also available at shows, and as always, through the website!

Last Saturday was a great show at the Cafe Acoustic! Randy McKnight opened and was awesome! A special thanks to Lisa and the crew at the Cafe. We always enjoy playing there, and look forward to doing it again!

Next chance to catch us is at the "Jazzhaus" in Lawrence, Feb 18th.......CD Release Party! Hope to see everyone there!

It's finally here! Our new CD, "Dashboard Believer" has arrived! We've added to our website a "music" tab under which you can sample all tracks, and a "buy" tab which has a link to CD Baby. CD Baby is a web-based company for independant artists who is going to be handling our online distribution. Copies of "Dashboard Believer" are available exclusively online until our CD release party, February 18th at the Jazzhaus in Lawrence. After that, we'll have places to pick up copies locally!

Back to the CD release party...............It's going to be a great evening of music! Jared Pete Gile will be opening....very exciting! We hope everyone can make it out to help us celebrate the release, and it will be a party!!!!

Have fun browsing the site, and if you haven't signed up for the e-mail list, please do! We'll be sending out e-mail alerts from time to time to keep everyone up on happenings! Lots more to come in the next few weeks!

Thanks to everyone for being a part of True North! We couldn't do it without you!

Well, as with all musical projects, delays seem impossible to get around. CD Update: "Dashboard Believer" has been sent off to be pressed and will be completed soon. We have decided to wait until after the holidays to release it though. We appreciate everyone's patience, and are looking forward to getting it out to all of you! We are working on the new show, and plan to promote the new album vigorously in 2006. Look for the "calendar" page of our website to have additions in the following weeks. Get ready for a great start to a new year! It's going to be a fun one!

The new album, "Dashboard Believer" is almost done being mixed. After that, it's off to being mastered and pressed. Expected date to be released is early October. We would also like to offer a warm welcome to everyone visiting our new website! We will soon have clips of the new album for all to sample, so check back often for updates!

Our new CD, "Dashboard Believer", is in the mixing process. We are expecting product to be available sometime in early October. CD's will be available at shows, or through online purchase at www.cdbaby.com! More to come!