Blues, rock-and-roll, soul and folk influences fuse to create The Hooten Hallers’ sound. No one style suits their music.
The band, which formed 10 years ago, is composed of John Randall, Andy Rehm and Kellie Everett. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, the locals now perform across the U.S. and Canada at a multitude of shows and festivals.
The band played a variety of its songs at the local music festival Saturday at Roots N Blues N BBQ. The Hooten Hallers were energetic and happy to share their passion with their hometown.
While the band incorporates a multitude of musical elements, each song takes on a different sound.
“We are rock-and-roll but have a lot of blues influence,” lead vocalist Randall said. “Kellie brings jazz influence. She has a jazz background and plays those saxophones, bringing in a swingy element at times. Some folks say it’s swampy. There’s a little soul thrown in there from time to time and even some country flavor.”
The band members each bring different elements to the table. Randall is inspired by blues elements and his voice is more soulful. Rehm’s screaming falsetto vocals and drum beat add the country punk. The powerful elements of jazz and blues are in Everett’s baritone and bass saxophones.
“[Our] inspiration comes from a lot of different places, whether it’s experiences we’ve had on or off the road, or just a concept of a story you want to try to tell,” Randall said. “Sometimes it’s more personal and sometimes it’s less personal. There’s not just one area where we draw inspiration from, it’s really just life and the things that happen in it.”
Ranging from rock to folk, some of the band’s top hits include “Charla,” “Mountain of Pain” and “Dig.” The Hooten Hallers ended their show with “Rhythm & Blues,” leaving the audience upbeat.
“It’s kind of a leave it all on the table type of song,” Rehm said. “There’s usually not much juice left in the can after that one.”
_Edited by Brooke Collier | bcollier@themaneater.com_