Bio: Radio Free ABQ began in summer 2021 when drummer/songwriter/singer Dave Purcell moved to Albuquerque after three decades of leading successful bands in Cincinnati.
Over 13 years and three records, the fiery Pike 27 — driven by Purcell’s songs that were equally influenced by alternative and roots music — garnered enthusiastic reviews and radio airplay, won regional music awards, opened for national acts (Dave Alvin, Tim Easton, Chuck Prophet, Vigilantes of Love) and earned a reputation as one of the region’s best live bands. Following that, Purcell founded Ghost Man On Second, an instrumental quartet that quickly gained a following while drawing on a wider range of influences than Pike 27. After settling into ABQ, Purcell drummed for other artists for a year while laying the groundwork for RFABQ.
Radio Free ABQ is:
Dave Purcell – drums, songs, lead vox
Tom Andes – guitar, vox
Scott Brewer – bass, vox
Ryan Goodhue – keyboards, vox
Travis Rourk – trombone, synth, guitar, vox
Vibes: Joe Strummer’s show on the BBC World Service. Shortwave radio in the attic at midnight. A Jim Jarmusch soundtrack. Good grooves. Feels like you’re somewhere between London, Kingston, New Orleans, and Memphis. A musical conversation among us and with the audience.
You’ll dig if you dig: Artists who blend genres and cross musical borders like Calexico, Alejandro Escovedo, Wilco, Los Lobos, R.E.M., Hurray For The Riff Raff, and Paul Weller.