Dallas-area art collective Homespun Remedies is a nod to the past and a look to the future while standing in the here and now. It is a celebration of the triumphs and tragedies that shape all our lives. Homespun Remedies is here to help relieve, relax, revive and rejuvenate people in a musical and spiritual manner. Physically speaking, Homespun Remedies is a gathering of accomplished musicians with diverse tastes, all mixed up in a wonderful stew they call “good ol’, handmade American music.”
Formed in late 2006 by local stalwarts David Mabry and Mike Saunders as an outlet for their burgeoning songwriting, the pair quickly grew to include several talented friends and allies. Scene regulars such as songwriter/luthier Barry Boyd, multi-instrumentalists Wade Cofer and Eric Neal, and the all-around good time vibes of Scott Davis and Steven Morvay (harmonica and keyboards respectively) were added to fill out the sound now known as Homespun Remedies.
The group made its live debut at premier Dallas listening room Poor David’s Pub on November 7, 2007 to a nearly packed house. Due to the energy of the band and word of mouth, a series of successful monthly shows followed, resulting not only in a growing musical repertoire, but an expanding fan base as well.
By this time, the group had more than enough original material to record and so enlisted the aid of well-known music producer Paul Williams (Tablet, Reverend Horton Heat). Together, they chose Tomcast Studio in Dallas. The result was their eponymous release, 2009’s Homespun Remedies.
While the album was well received by fans and critics alike, it garnered little airplay (one exception being Matt and Steve, DJs at Dallas station KHYI, and hosts of Wednesday night’s “Country Jam Radio Show,” who spun the disc regularly, and invited the band in-studio for an on-air interview and jam). This did little to slow momentum, as the group continues to play to enthusiastic crowds all over the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, opening for such high profile acts as BoDeans, Eleven Hundred Springs and Max Stalling.
Meanwhile, the band’s undergone some personnel changes. Keyboardist Steven Morvay, who left to join Club Wood, was replaced in that role by producer Paul Williams. Founding member David Mabry “retired” from live performances to concentrate more on songwriting and his family. Drummer extraordinaire Trey Carmichael (Sorta) and bass whiz Dave Prez came on board in the summer of 2010.
An always dynamic stage show, the list of guest musicians reads like a “who’s who” of Dallas area all-stars (Chris Holt, Camille Cortinas, Trey Johnson, Robert “Bobby Sue” Stave to name but a few). Live work continues at a steady pace.
By the summer of 2011, the band recorded their sophomore effort, Great Depression, which saw release in the fall of that year. In October 2011, the band began work on a third studio album, with an eye towards a 2012 release. With two fully realized studio albums, a wealth of new material and the support of an extended family of loyal fandom, the future of Homespun Remedies looks to be good, be real, and be happy.