User:Njrocker/sandbox

Benjy Davis Project was formed in 2001, as a simple folk-rock duo, but soon grew into one of the most popular bands in Baton Rouge. Eventually expanding into a six-piece group, the Project has recorded three albums prior to their new release, “Dust,” each a big leap from the one before. They have played across the country as headliners and support act on shows with John Mayer, Better Than Ezra, North Mississippi All-Stars and others, as well as events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

The Early Years
Louisiana singer/songwriter Benjy Davis formed the Benjy Davis Project as a folk-rock duo in Baton Rouge in 2001. Originally, the group members were Davis and drummer Mic Capdevielle. Eventually, the outfit expanded into a six-piece with the addition of Anthony Rushing (violin, mandolin, vocals) (later leaving the band), Jonathan Lawhun (guitar, banjo), Brett Bolden (bass) (later replaced by Matt Rusnak), and Michael Galasso (harmonica, keyboards, vocals). The group self-released its first album More Than Local, on April 20, 2002, and an EP, The Practice Sessions, on May 4, 2004. Bogalusa issued their second full-length album, The Angie House, on September 27, 2005.

Dust (2007-present)
Real Records stepped in to handle their third full-length release, Dust, which appeared on September 18, 2007. Benjy Davis Project was soon signed to Rock Ridge Music in August of 2008, and re-released Dust on November 4, 2008. The new release was remixed and included three new songs. Dust was produced by David Z. (Prince, Fine Young Cannibals, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Big Head Todd & the Monsters) and is the culmination of all the best creative parts from the band’s past, in a sound and style that proves they’re totally in the moment. “These sessions were more raw, more real,” Davis says. “David wanted to record us where we were and how we played at that moment in time. And we were introduced to more elements of the arrangement process, the architecture. And we did it in four days, so there was more pressure to perform, in a good way.”

Benjy Davis Project is currently on tour in the US in support of Dust.

Current members

 * Benjy Davis - lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar
 * Mic Capdevielle - drums, percussion, vocals
 * Jonathan Lawhun - electric lead guitar, banjo
 * Matt Rusnak - bass guitar
 * Michael Galasso - piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer, harmonica, vocals

Former members

 * Anthony Rushing - violin, mandolin, vocals
 * Brett Bolden - bass