Catch Of The Week: Back Rhodes
Meet Back Rhodes from Rhode Island
When you see a band having this much fun playing together, it’s bound to translate to the audience. And it does, for the band Back Rhodes. They genuinely like each other, enjoy hanging out together, even when not performing, and respect each other. That’s a lot of love, and that’s why there’s a lot of love out there for this remarkably talented 6 man band from little Rhody.
The boys first got together in 2013. They were all doing separate projects and eventually met up at an open mic night. They have blended their loves of country, rock, Americana, folk and bluegrass music to come up with their uniquely fresh sound. Lead singer, Jesse Desorcy’s voice is weathered and soulful; full of ache and longing, joy and passion. The brotherly love of this band is evident in their tight harmonies. It doesn’t hurt that 2 of the vocalists are actually brothers. Ed Desorcy Jr and Jesse Desorcy. And interestingly, both are legally blind. Undoubtedly, this group has faced unusual challenges, but have managed to turn these challenges into strengths.
Back Rhodes seasoned, sophisticated sound and well crafted songs have earned them plenty of accolades, titles and stage time. The future certainly looks bright from the band from the Ocean State, who’ve chosen a road a little off the beaten path, and that has made all the difference.
An Ode From The Rhode
Check out this talented band’s original song, “26 Strings!”
For your audio pleasure…here’s the official recording of “26 Strings”
Meet The Band
- Jesse Desorcy– banjo/vocals (from Burrillville, RI)
- Ed Desorcy Jr– bass/vocals (Burrillville, RI)
- Chris Quiray– acoustic guitar Burrillville, RI)
- Antonio Salvatore (AJ)– violin/vocals (Narragansett, RI)
- Jay Coutu– Drums (Glocester, RI)
- Tyler Hill– Electric guitar (Foster, RI)
Band Aides
- How Did You Get Your Name: We wanted something that would reflectthe state we’refrom and the people we’re playing for. We settled on Back Rhodes to pay respect to ourroots and the fans who make it happen
- Biggest Influences: Chris Stapleton, The Steeldrivers, Sturgill Simpson, Garth Brooks, ZacBrown Band, Eric Church, Jason Isbell and Charlie Daniels Band
- All Time Favorite Country Songs: “Friends in Low Places”-Garth Brooks (Tyler), “TimeBomb” by the Old 97s (AJ), “It Just Comes Natural” by George Strait (Jay), “Don’t TakeThe Girl”-Tim McGraw (Jesse), Charlie Daniels Band-“The Devil Went Down To Georgia”(Chris), and Easton Corbin’s “Lovin’ You Is Fun” (Ed)
- Current Country 1025 favs: Still hooked on Midland. Alsobumpin: Some of It by EricChurch, Get Along by Kenny Chesney and Heartache Medication by John Pardi.
- Day Jobs: We are all over the place. Tyler is a carpenter, Jay is an engineering manager,AJ is a property manager, Chris is a solar consultant, Ed is a technical associate at anMSP andJesse is a full time musician. But we are all about the music at night!
- Most Proud Moment: Opening up theCowboy Up Festivalin Brockton, and eating ribswith Trent Harmon and his band-a great bunch of musicians
- Accomplishments/Accolades: WinningNew England Country Music’s Country Group of the Year
- Crazy Things Happen: In terms of accomplishments. winning New England Country Music’sCountry Group of the Year. In terms of playing, it would be performing for the rowdy crowd at Loretta’s Last Call at capacity, after a Red Sox win, being drowned out by the crowd singing along to “Friends In Low Places,” while people are fighting at the back of the bar and others are making out in the front. Friends were arm and arm swaying tothe songs, singing as loud as they could. It was a beautiful mix of emotions and energy ina crowd and those are nights we remember playing forever!
- Fun Facts: AJ is a happy dad to a newborn and a 5 year old who has starred in several commercials, Jesse had to learn to play the banjo in a months time after the former banjo player departed the band. Chris and Jesse now trade instruments multiple times per show.Tyler’s a fool for F1 racing.We once played a show for our Veterans outside with no cover on a 104 degree day, surrounded by hornets.The temperature was high, but so was the energy, it was agreatday.A microphone clip even melted due to the extreme heat! Jay recently became a beekeeper with the acquisition of some hives.Jess served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Chris is an environmental activist and a prominent voice in our communities. Ed could be called the captain of the band, spearheading our social media presence and negotiating our gigs.
Back Rhodes Network
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
