Tommy Ramone going bluegrass
By Katie Hasty
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Tommy Ramone is best known for his contributions to punk music as an original member of the Ramones. But now, the 55-year-old musician/producer is trying his hand at bluegrass with Uncle Monk, a duo formed with Minneapolis songwriter Claudia Tienan.
The group will release its first, self-titled effort on May 22 through the band's own imprint, Airday Records.
The 14-track set will feature both musicians sharing vocals, with Tienan on guitar and bass and Ramone on mandolin, guitar, banjo and dobro.
Currently, the Phoenicia, N.Y.-based group is slated for a number of appearances at the International Folk Alliance Showcase in Memphis during the week of February 22.
The pair also will be performing on March 16 at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas, followed by a short tour in the Southeast.
Reuters/Billboard
