16 Horsepower
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16 Horsepower was an alternative/traditional musical group based in Denver, Colorado.
They combined numerous influences, including Appalachian folk melodies, gospel, bluegrass, and European folk.
They consisted of David Eugene Edwards, Kevin Soll, Jean-Yves Tola, and Pascal Humbert (the latter two formally of the band Passion Fodder). After releasing four studio albums and touring extensively, the band broke up in 2005, citing "mostly political and spiritual" differences.[1]
Edwards' grandfather was a Nazarene preacher and young Edwards often went along as his elder preached the Gospel to various peoples. This experience coloured his approach to songwriting as well as the instrumentation employed to develop the band's unique sound. On several tracks over the course of the band's career, Edwards evoked decisive Christian imagery, particularly that of the redemptive capacity of Jesus Christ.
One instrument that was paramount during the nascent days of 16 Horsepower was the Chemnitzer concertina. It was erroneously credited as a bandoneon (a closely-related instrument) on Sackcloth 'n' Ashes. The antique instrument used on the early tours and recordings was falling apart and quite cumbersome to tour with; some time before the sessions for Low Estate, it was replaced with the more modern American-made Patek brand instrument shown in the photo.
Tola added a French heritage with a rich tradition that was drawn from on various tracks.
Edwards began his musical career in a Denver-based band called The Denver Gentlemen. Since the disbanding of 16 Horsepower, Edwards has been recording and touring with Woven Hand.
Contents |
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- 16 Horsepower EP (CD/vinyl - 1995)
- Sackcloth 'n' Ashes (CD - 1996)
- Low Estate (CD - 1997)
- Secret South (CD/vinyl - 2000)
- Hoarse (CD - 2000)
- Folklore (CD/vinyl - 2002)
- Olden (CD/vinyl - 2003)
[edit] Singles
- Shametown (vinyl 7" - 1994)
- Black Soul Choir (CD - 1996)
- Haw (vinyl - 1996)
- For Heaven's Sake (CD - 1997)
- Coal Black Horses (CD - 1997)
- The Partisan (CD - 1998)
- Clogger (CD - 2000)
- Splinters (CD - 2001)
[edit] Video
- Black Soul Choir and Haw (1995)
- 16HP DVD (2005)
- Live DVD (2006)
