Honeyguide is a folk/rock trio based in San Luis Obispo. They've played several times on our Tuesday showcase, celebrated their debut CD at the Clubhouse in March, and return for another fun night of original songs.
Formed in 2007 by singer/songwriter/guitarist Shannon Savage and bassist Benedict Erchul, Honeyguide completed its lineup with last year's addition of percussionist Barry Johnson.
Shannon has been writing and performing for 17 years, primarily as a solo artist. Shannon has shared diverse bills with both major and indie label artists, including Cake, Sarah McLachlan, Sublime, Laura Love, and the Deftones. Ben played for years in various rock bands in LA and the Bay Area but now finds himself in a newer realm—and he has settled in seemingly effortlessly. Ben’s bass playing is creative and melodic, carefully filling in some of the sparse spaces found in the songs penned by Shannon.
The addition of Barry Johnson (who also plays bodhran, drums and the tin whistle in a local Celtic ensemble called The Darlings) completes the rhythm section of Honeyguide. Barry, who has been a drummer since age 9 and has played with countless bands over the years, intelligently brings a lightness, a groove, and depth to the music.
honeyguide (hŭn'ē-gīd') n. 1) Any of various tropical Old World birds of the family Indicatoridae, some species of which lead people or animals to the nests of wild honeybees. 2) A trio of San Luis Obispo musicians of the family Indiefolkrockidae, which lead people and, at times, golden retrievers to honey sweet melodies, sticky, pulsing rhythms, and nests chock full of stinging lyrical bliss.
