Western Edition is an original country western pop band based out of Portland, Oregon. It is comprised of seasoned veterans coming from such diverse backgrounds as surf, rockabilly, zydeco, punk, bluegrass and, of course, country and western. The band specializes in writing all its own material, which is based on the country western pop sounds of the 60s and 70s. You will hear the influences of the great artists of that era such as Conway Twitty, Roy Orbison, Roger Miller, Jimmy Webb, The Everly Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Lynn Anderson, and Patsy Cline, just to name a few.
Western Edition features the vocal stylings of lead singer Heidi Hellbender with the harmonies of fiddle player Elyse Rosenberg, both formerly of the Can’t Hardly Playboys. The guitar work is provided by veteran steel guitar player Mitch Gilbert of Shorty and the Mustangs and the Texecutioners; while on lead guitar and baritone you will find Jon Wallace, formerly of the Volcanos and Tailfins. Wallace brings a Duane Eddy-like deep sound into the solo slots of Western Edition’s original material. The rhythm section is composed of Jason Ballard on guitar, also from the Texecutioners; LW Mcgrath on bass from Lisa and her Kin, and The New Iberians; and finally Fred Ingram on drums, known for his work with The Reverb Brothers, New Iberians, and many more.
After decades of playing other peoples’ songs in “cover” bands, the members of Western Edition have dedicated themselves to creating their own original sound, based on the greats of the past but with the intention of keeping the classic sound of country and western pop alive in new original compositions. It’s clear they have succeeded in this task. So, if you like 60s and 70s country and western you really ought to give Western Edition a listen. Just close your eyes and you’ll be taken back to the golden years of country music… but it’s happening now!