The Geyer Street Sheiks "Great Dream "
Missouri Blues Old And Evil
A Typical Sheikish Response...
Their response, when asked what kind of music they played, was... "We play music like nobody's business, and that's exactly what it is."
The Geyer Street Sheiks made a splash with their 1993 debut album, Great Dream. The album was released on BJAM RECORDS, a small independent label located in St. Louis, Missouri. It's no surprise that the record was so widely acclaimed. The Sheiks had already built a devoted following throughout the Midwest, especially in their hometown.
The band’s talent wasn't a secret. With every member being an accomplished musician, they delivered a sound that resonated deeply with fans.
Their music was made all the more special by the powerhouse vocals of Alice Spencer, who was formerly of the band Three Married Widows. Her work on their album, Which Dreamed It?, was already a huge success, and with the Sheiks, her voice found another perfect home.
The Geyer Street Sheiks from the album
"Great Dream"
A review from FolkFire Magazine praises the vocalist, Alice Spencer, and the band's versatile musicianship.
The recording was done live at The Studio in Saint Louis and captures the band's live performance feel.
The review also notes that the album is a highly enjoyable listening experience for those interested in American roots music.
The album's collective tunes defy categorization, as do the Sheiks themselves. This album is bluesy,jazzy,traditional and has a gem of an original a capella composition. Not only does it have a good beat and you can dance to it, you can shimmy, grind, swing and sing with it!
However, I don't recommend the "singing with it" part. You'll want nothing to interfere with listening to Alice Spencer's rich and honeyed voice, except the fine accompaniment provided by her fellow Sheiks, all versatile and talented musicians.
Pictured above from left to right:
Charlie Pfeffer--Mandolin, Alice Spencer--Vocalist
David Gebben--Washboard, Michael Prokoph--Bass
Mark Renard--Fiddle, Steve Mote--Piano,Banjo,Guitar
Tom Hall--National Steel Guitar
Oh Daddy
The Geyer Street Sheiks
From the album "GREAT DREAM"
The Geyer Street Sheiks
From the album "BOOTLEG"
STL Music Yesterdays is a great source for Saint Louis based bands and groups that were active in the 1960's-1990's
