Cornmeal

Cornmeal has never been a band to shy away from reinvention and after over 15 years, they are proving just that as the band sets out with a newly reformed lineup, a fresh energetic sound and a long the awaited first studio album in over 9 years. A nationally recognized live music institution, Cornmeal is heavily influenced by American roots and folk music and seamlessly blends lightning fast tempos and impeccable harmonies into an unrivaled live performance that continues to expand upon the five-piece acoustic-electric groups' vast musical repertoire. While steeped in the tradition of the past, Cornmeal continues to forge a path all their own, pushing the boundaries of bluegrass, Americana and folk for a whole new generation of music lovers. With a growing fan base and ever-evolving sound, Cornmeal challenges the recipe of bluegrass and live performance.

With the release of their debut album "In The Kitchen" (2001 Livin' Live records), Cornmeal secured its place as one of the top bands in its genre. 2003's "Tales from Magic Stone Mountain" (Livin' Live records) garnered much critical attention and became a staple on College and AAA top 10 lists throughout the country. In May of 2006, Cornmeal released their third album, "Feet First", which became proof positive that Cornmeal's tenure on the road brought on an honest and mature sound. Produced by former guitarist Kris Nowak and bassist Chris Gangi, "Feet First" features a strong confidence in songwriting, musicianship and the ability of this band to stylistically ride the fence and bring it back home without missing a step.

In the beginning of 2010, Cornmeal released their first live album, "Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I" (2010 Livin' Live Records), an album that pays tribute to the fans. Towards the end of 2011, Cornmeal released the follow up, "Live in Chicago, IL Vol. II" (2011 Livin' Live Records). During this time the band went into the studio set to record their first album in over 5 years. Self produced by bassist Chris Gangi and tracked in Chicago at the prestigious Rax Trax recording studios, the process was cut short due to lineup changes and the album was shelved. After almost a year of auditions, rehearsals and wood shedding new material the band is poised to return to the same recording space to finish the album polishing the old material and setting forward with a new sound, new songs and a fresh perspective on the future.

While playing a blend of high profile venues, jam-band and bluegrass festivals to thousands nationally, Cornmeal has been a main stage act at some of the most renowned festivals in the country. These festivals include Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Magnolia Fest, Wakarusa Music Festival, and Summer Camp Music Festival as well as having performed on multiple stages at Bonnaroo, All Good Music Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, 10K Lakes, and many others. They pride themselves on the energy they put forth each night creating an unrivalled live performance that continues to shape itself into an energetic one of a kind experience. "Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I & II" prove that Cornmeal continues to be a band to watch out for. Every show they play is a unique experience that leaves fans begging for more.

Praise

LOW STREET YEAR END ACCOLADES
Best Studio Album of 2015-Staff Pick HGMN
Top 5 Best Bluegrass Albums Of The Year-Filipi
Junio-Southernrockbrasil.com
Best Albums of 2015-Musicfestivals.com
WXRT Chicago Local Anesthetic Best of 2015-Dustin Weinberger

SLOW STREET ALBUM REVIEWS
"...is proof divine that Cornmeal has weathered significant personnel changes only to rediscover its roots and harness new inspiration. Never has the band sounded quite so full of vim and vigor."

"Taken as a whole, Slow Street offers Cornmeal fans the perfect marriage of the band’s energetic live shows with their most inspired studio endeavor to date." -Jud Conway KindWeb

"The new release [is] an outstanding collection of original material that remains steeped in American Bluegrass and Appalachian roots tradition." "The quintet… have absolutely nailed it on their first release together." "Slow Street is something special- it manages to bridge the sounds of old with a modern twist. This resurrection of Americana has staying power, capable of captivating whether on first listen or fortieth." -Ed Byrne Live For Live Music

"To sum it all up, it’s balls out bluegrass which makes Slow Street such a welcome return. Longtime fans can affirm the group’s prowess while newcomers may scratch their heads and wonder why they hadn’t taken notice well before now. When it comes to making their music, Cornmeal possess all the necessary additives." -Lee Zimmerman Glide Magazine

"So what we have is an incredibly intelligent and referential album from Cornmeal. It seems that with this release... Cornmeal is poised once again to dominate the Midwest music scene" -Nicholas Stock Music Mauraders