Rose City Band is a psychedelic country jam band from Portland, led by guitarist and singer Ripley Johnson – best known as the frontman of Moon Duo and Wooden Ships. The Rose City Band, despite the name, has mostly functioned as a solo project where Johnson has explored laid-back sun-soaked cosmic country-folk on three unusually warm and inviting albums since 2019’s self-titled debut.
With the upcoming album “Garden Party” (released April 21, 2023), the project looks more and more like a band, counting Barry Walker (pedal steel), Paul Hasenberg (keyboards), Dewey Mahood (bass) and Dustin Dybvig (drums) on stage. The record, mixed by John McEntire (Tortoise), features guest appearances from Moon Duo colleagues John Jeffrey (drums) and Sanae Yamada (keyboards) as well as contributions from Hasenberg and Walker from the live band.
“Garden Party” is a celebration of summer and all that it brings. Freedom, contentment and joy were the sources of the songs. From the soaring guitar solos, to a rhythmic drive, elegant pedal steel melodies to a groovy organ, Garden Party has the energy of a live band captured in every detail. In May, they are here for the first time.
Support: Rosalie
