The overlap between bluegrass appreciators and basketball fans seems relatively small, but Ballhog!, the self-described Nashville "six- or seven-piece," are proudly both. Initially coming together as a quintet back in 2000, the country-, bluegrass- and jazz-inspired group were also college basketball fans, which inspired their name. "It's a basketball term for a guy that never passes and takes all the shots like Kobe or Jordan," Ballhog! member Randy Russell tells CMJ. With input from so many members, Russell says that the band's sound draws from a whole spectrum of genres that stretches from pop to old-school country. The main thing that characterizes Ballhog!'s diverse yet cohesive style, however, is Nashville. "Our goal with our sound," Russell explains, "is to unify it somehow under the Nashville umbrella... We are a byproduct of our town." Next, the gang will spread their Nashville twang further than just their own backyard by focusing on the upcoming release of Ballhog!'s as-of-yet-untitled album. This new full-length features four different lead vocalists and six writers, though Russell promises that this signifies a leap forward solidifying their sound. "The new album is focused and driven. The songs are topical and driving and dark," he says. “We are a party band at our essence, but we do try and challenge our audience." www.sonicbids.com/ ballhog2 www.myspace.com/ballhogmusic
