The Idle Americans




About the Band

 

 

Three young guys that play like they're old, and an old Wolf that plays like he's young. Playin' American Roots Music: roots rock, rockabilly, jump & swing blues and old & alt country!

 

Who are these guys?
"... an excellent local group" - Fritz Hahn, The Washington Post
 
 
"Baltimore's Rollicking" Idle Americans' performances at Bangkok Blues highlighted in Washingtonian Magazine's "Where to Hear Live Music," by Matt Carr and Cristina Daglas, Oct. 1, 2008.

"Here are some favorite Washington music venues - and highlights of their season - where you can be sure the acoustics will be good, the acts will be first-rate, and the joint will be jumpin’."
http://www.washingtonian.com/print/articles/5/0/9935.html

"Matt Kelley's Idle Americans had the Cat's Eye rockin' on Tuesday 10/7.  A good crowd was mostly walkins who liked what they heard from the street and stayed for the evening.  They were diggin' it.  Probably the best Tuesday night they've had there in many a year.  The band now has a regular first Tuesday gig.  Why?  Because they're damn good.  Right now this bunch is the hottest band in town.  And every time I hear Zach Sweeney on that telecaster I am all the more impressed.  You're missing a good thing.  Mend your ways."
"... it was my good fortune to wander over to Bertha's where the Idle Americans were tearing the joint up!  ...Matt Kelly has stepped up front and center and was nailing every pitch out of sight on vocals while playing some scorching guitar.  And he had plenty of help with guitar duty from even younger phenom Zach Sweeney on rhythm guitar who was also playing some smokin' solos.  This band was HOT! 

"You'll be amazed at Zach Sweeney pickin' on guitar for all the world like Danny Gatton and the eclectic roots music that the band expertly delivers.  ... Make sure you check it out.”

-Steve Keirn “BB Steve”, Writer & Critic , Author of “Blues Nation” Thread, Baltimore Blues Society Website Front Porch Forum

 

A little more about these guys..

In February 2007, Wammie nominated Acme Blues Company bass player Steve "Wolf" Crescenze and guitar player Zach Sweeney joined forces with Rockabilly/Blues guitarist extraordinaire Matt Kelley and drummer Scott Rabino to form "The Idle Americans."  Since then, the group has been anything but Idle, playing their own brand of traditional and newfangled blues, rockabilly, roots rock and country, alternative country, jump and swing to appreciative crowds throughout the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. 

The band’s lively, light-hearted, high-energy, entertaining performances have gained them a reputation for engaging the audience and creating a loyal following wherever they play.

The 4-piece band features Matt Kelley on guitar and vocals, Zach Sweeney on blistering guitar and slide, Steve “Wolf” Crescenze on electric bass and Scott Rabino thumping out the rhythm on drums.
 

The group’s wide range and eclectic mix of music styles including covers as well as originals is sure to please the most diverse crowds!  See for yourself and join the ever-growing group of followers.  You won’t be disappointed!
 

"Live blues & Roots Music - that most primal and influential of American musics!" Become a believer!

 

An article about these guys ...

"The Idle Americans, Young guys who play old, an old Wolf who plays young - Idle Americans know how to roots-rock a crowd" article by Dickson Mercer, Southern Maryland Weekend, August 22, 2008


Link to article about The Idle Americans


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The Idle Americans - American Roots Music
-Matt Kelley, Zach Sweeney, Steve "Wolf" Crescenze and Scott Rabino