Hailing from Dallas, TX, Eleven Hundred Springs is a band with the old Bakersfield sound and authentic old school country music in its soul. That sound and soul is brought to life by six band members: Mark Hillyer (lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist), Chad Rueffer (guitarist), Steven Berg (bass), Christian Doran (drums), Ray Austin (pedal steel) and Jordan Hendrix (fiddle).
For nearly 20 years, EHS has boldly played the style of yesteryear and has solidified its presence in today’s world without straying from its affinity for the classic country sound. Today’s music has become a bit of genre crossing with the mix of pop and some hip-hop, but what EHS has discovered is its perseverance and love for that old style was something they would never compromise.
Their latest album, Here ‘Tis!, is storied with the trials and tribulations of today, like social media as addressed in the song “Nobody Cares.” The tune, steeped in classic steel guitar, fiddles, and easy 2-step fashion, focuses on the power of the internet, its faults and its fodder, where folks detail their lives for a few “likes” and “shares” when in reality, no one cares.
“Miles Apart” and “Fair Weather Friend” are as classically old school as they come with a Honky Tonk vibe accompanied by easy listening vocals of Hillyer. The strong uptempo guitar rhythmic “Miles Apart” and pedal steel sound of “Fair Weather Friend” make both a 2-stepper’s dream.
Although Hillyer penned and leads on vocals for all songs, he has fellow guitarist Chad Rueffer take both reins on “Let Tomorrow Wait And See.” This upbeat number with tons of fiddle, pedal, and steady drums, details the ups and downs of a relationship; one that is fraught with challenging emotions.
EHS’ latest release has an equal mix of uptempo tunes alongside the few slower ones, and there’s no doubt that this album is an emulsion of Honky Tonk, Rockabilly, and classic country music. The instrumentation as well as production is stellar, just are the vocals of Hillyer and accompanying harmonies, making this a must for fans.
Here ‘Tis! was released on State Fair Records in January 2020, and can be purchased through Amazon as well as the State Fair Records website. A full documentary of the band and their 20 year career will be released in September.
For information on the band, please visit: elevenhundredssprings.wordpress.com.
Here ‘Tis! Track List
This Morning It Was Too Late
All Jokes Aside
Miles Apart
Fair Weather Friend
Let’s Move Out To The Country
The Song You’ll Never Hear
Looking Back
Let Me Be Your Man
Let Tomorrow Wait And See
Nobody Cares