Heartwood Trio and Friends
Robert Oberst, Acoustic Bass and Tenor Vocals
Jennifer Byers, 12-String Guitar, Alto Vocals and Songwriting
James Mellick, Guitar, Bass/Baritone Vocals and Songwriting
Heartwood is a new gospel folk group formed in 2003. We are so new that we don't have a band photo or our first CD. The only documentation that we have is this drawing by Seth A. Alexander during our June 20th program at the Glenwood United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Seth was no doubt bored with his grandfather's (Rev. Robert Alexander) preaching and he put his talents to use. Way to go Seth! It was my own father's preaching that started my drawing at the age of 2. (l. to r., friend Eric Alexander on drums, Robert Oberst on bass, friend Scott Vallery on lead guitar, James Mellick on guitar and Jennifer Byers on 12-String.)
Our First Photo--Gig at the Mustardseed Cafe, West Jefferson, OH. Left
to Right, Jennifer Byers; Friend, Tabitha Kelly; Jim Mellick; Robert Oberst;
Friend, Alex Vargo; Friend, Scott Vallery. Photo by Gary Mellick
Photos and Biographies of Heartwood and Friends
Samples of Lyrics by James Mellick
Artist Statement
Heartwood was inspired by O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and the renewing of "roots music" by Alison Kraus and Union Station. Heartwood specializes in simplicity and the tight harmonies usually found in family groups such as The Cox Family or The Whites. I am influenced by the harmonies of a local Bluegrass group, Hickory Grove and have sat in on many of their practice sessions. As a songwriter/performer, I write most of the songs during the Winter months when farm and art work is slow. Some of my funkier songs and rhythms are inspired by the Holmes Brothers (whom I first heard in some real "dives" when they were being re-discovered) which results in an urban-rural mix. God bless Alison Kraus and Union Station and the Holmes Brothers. Life is too short. Be all you can be. --Jim Mellick