Mr. Blotto was born in Chicago as an off-night vehicle for musicians who loved each others playing but were in different bands at the time. The only rule was that they would only play what they loved. That philosophy continues today and has led Mr. Blotto into unique musical situations.

Mr. Blotto takes the Jam band asthetic into areas unfamiliar to the standard Jam Scene. They have been known to cover entire albums by Led Zeppelin and the Who as well as perform entire shows of Country and Reggae. Artists as diverse as the Grateful Dead, the Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson and The Velvet Underground have seen their material interpreted by Mr. Blotto in the 2000+ shows the band has performed in the last 15 years, yet covers only pepper the bands hefty catalog of original material stemming from five studio albums and other unreleased crowd favorites.

Songwriter and performing musician Jim Shaneberger has been a mainstay in the Michigan music scene for 15 years and counting, recording and touring with Flint, MI blues powerhouse Greg Nagy and the legendary Donald Kinsey.

Best known as a bass guitarist and vocalist, Shaneberger’s songwriting prowess makes its debut on Work in Progress. Recorded at Redwall North Recording Company in Grand Haven, MI, the songs boast a bluesy, funky, soulful combination with Shaneberger playing all parts except drums, which are held down by Jim’s longtime friend and bandmate Karl Schantz.

Shaneberger’s original songs are a showcase of his diverse range of musical interests, each drawing from a unique genre and theme. “Trouble” is an r&b song with socially conscious lyrics; his ‘change the world’ song. “Running Your Mouth” is a nod to old school blues with a few twists and some very frank lyrics. “Work in Progress” is a commentary on his own life philosophy about growing goals leading to new challenges. “Little Lylia” is a poignant acoustic guitar instrumental written for his baby daughter. “The Storm is Coming” is a song about planting his flag in the music scene as a solo artist, announcing his arrival and “Drinkin’ Muddy Water” is about the urge to travel and get his music out into the world, expressing the hunger for touring. Musically, it’s like Johnny Winter meets Led Zeppelin.

The Jim Shaneberger Band brings together adept musicians with backgrounds in blues, rock, gospel and funk for a lively stage performance. Schantz, featured on the album, and Shaneberger have worked together previously in the Greg Nagy Band, Mercurial Son and The Funky Gentlemen. Bassist Robert Pace is steeped in gospel, jazz and r&b and has played with Marvin Sapp, Ken Reynolds, The Williams Brothers, Twinkie Clark, The DeBarges and more.

“It’s been a long time comin’,” said Jim Shaneberger. “I’ve always wanted to put something out there that’s truly mine.”

Prichard Harter is a progressive Bluegrass/Americana band based in Chicagoland. Prichard Harter’s inimitable style stems from the song writing team of mandolin player Cheyne Heaton and guitarist Matt Augustine. The duo’s diverse writing styles lend a captivating dynamic to their compositions, which are filled out by bassist Jake Carmany, guitarist Tommy Cantwell, and percussionist Cole Oosthuizen.