Dave Ramont with Dave Nelson- Call it Americana, roots-pop, folk-slop, whatever- Dave (Ramont) aims to spread these songs around like a thin layer of grease on a cast iron skillet. And when no one’s looking he’ll likely kick something down the street…

Watch them here .


Differentiating oneself in the burgeoning field of alternative-country artists is a tricky proposition these days, but Dave Ramont stands tall in the crowd. On Scrawny, his third CD, the Chicago-based singer-songwriter imbues his acoustic-based compositions with a rustic charm that’s unfettered and right to the point. Employing a variety of roots-oriented instrumentation that includes banjo, mandolin, and accordion, Ramont constructs minimalist arrangements that frame his sturdy melodies in softly lit settings.
High points on the CD include the cloppity, reggae-tinged “Coat,” the cowboy waltz “I Wanna Marry a Waitress,” and the hymn-like, string laden “Shoestring” (which features fine backing vocals from fellow Chicago singer Marylou O’Brien Fischer).
Pitching in on Scrawny is a tight-knit ensemble that adds subtle musical shades to Ramont’s plucked acoustic guitar and soulful, twang-tinged tenor. Of particular note are Tom Jancauskas (bass), Gerald Dowd (drums), Scott Stevenson (accordion), Larry Rossi (horns), and Dave Nelson (National steel, dobro, and dulcimer).
From start to finish, Scrawny glows with a minimalist, incandescent beauty.

Russell Hall
 Performing Songwriter

Dave Nelson has major credentials as a member of the popular midwestern band Heartsfield: “Soulful, down-home sound. Distinct vocal harmonies. Rootsy, swampy, foot-stompin’ country rock with bits of folk and jazz blended in. A ‘guitar army’ backed up with fiddle, mandolin, jaw harp and drums, Heartsfield is a slice of Americana. ”
Lee B. Roberts, The Journal Times