About the 1 Uppers

The Lineup

  • Caben Buswell : Bass Guitar
  • Eric Eagle : Drums
  • Kristopher Geren : Electric Guitar
  • John Hendow : Electric Guitar
  • Jon Hyde : Pedal Steel
  • David Russel : Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals

The 1uppers is a country band. The band was started on a whim by Jon Hyde, who after some 15 years of playing pedal steel in non-country bands (Jon Hyde Band, Mount Analog, Transmissionary Six, Downpilot, Varmint, Zera Marvel) and on non-country recordings (Jim White, Jesse Sykes, Laura Veirs, Lori Carson) decided it was time to give in and play country music on this most country of instruments. A plan was hatched by Jon and guitarist John Hendow (Jumbalassy, Preons, Dudley Manlove Quartet, 80s Invasion) one day over coffee and slowly came to fruition. First on board were Jon’s right hand men – Caben Buswell on bass (Jon Hyde Band, Rock Paper Scissors) and Eric Eagle on drums (Jon Hyde Band, Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter, Lawnmowers, Downpilot, Johanna Kunin). Kris Geren (the Swains) was next to join bringing with him country pedigree and terrific Telecaster stylings. Kris’ rendition of the Don Rich / Buckaroos instrumental classic “Sad is the Lonely” is a 1 Uppers show highlight. Last to join was our singer, David Russell (David Russell, The Sideshow Sinfonette). While David and Jon’s old bands crossed paths and shared bills together for years, the 1 Uppers is their first collaboration. David has found his country voice and it sits perfectly atop this band.

Caben Buswell
Caben Buswell Caben Buswell Caben Buswell Caben Buswell Caben Buswell

Eric Eagle
Eric Eagle Eric Eagle Eric Eagle Eric Eagle Eric Eagle

Kris Geren
Kris Geren Kris Geren Kris Geren Kris Geren Kris Geren

John Hendow
John Hendow John Hendow John Hendow John Hendow John Hendow

Jon Hyde
Jon Hyde Jon Hyde Jon Hyde Jon Hyde Jon Hyde

David Russell
David Russell David Russell David Russell David Russell David Russell

The point was to play country and not “alt-country”. A long list was selected of mostly lesser-known country songs primarily from the 60s. While the set list has been infiltrated by some great rock (Flying Burrito Bros, Bob Dylan) and newly penned Hyde and Russell originals – the main directive remains intact.

The band is currently recording tracks for a CD of original material, although we might surprise you with a favorite cover or two… look for more information in the spring of 2010.