The Linemen

Kevin Johnson and the Linemen formed in 1991 with Eric Brace, Antoine Sanfuentes, and Bill Williams.[3] Between 1991 and 2001 the band released four records under Johnson's own SAM Records label, with new members Tony Flagg (bass) and Scott McKnight (guitar) replacing Brace and Williams in 1994, and adding James Key (mandolin) and Dave Giegerich (dobro, steel guitar).[4]

The Linemen's first album, Memphis for Breakfast, was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and produced by Grammy-nominated John Alagia, later known for his work with Dave Matthews, Liz Phair and John Mayer.[5] The Linemen's second album, The Rest of Your Life, was again produced by John Alagia and the album art was designed by Jeff Nelson, co-founder of Dischord Records, and drummer for Minor Threat. The Linemen's third album, Parole Music,[6][7] was produced by singer-songwriter Charlie Chesterman, formerly of Scruffy the Cat.[8] The liner notes for The Linemen's fourth album Sunday Driver, were written by author George P. Pelecanos.[9] In 2001 Johnson took a break from music and started a rare book business in Baltimore.[10]

In 2013, The Linemen reformed, adding Jonathan Gregg as a second lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and pedal steel guitarist, with band alumni Scott McKnight (bass), Bill Williams (guitar, slide guitar, mandolin), and Antoine Sanfuentes (drums).[11] In the fall of 2016 they released their first album with the new line up, Close the Place Down, recorded by Andrew Taub at Brooklyn Recording and mixed by John Alagia at Village Recorder in West Los Angeles.[12] Tracks on the album were written by Kevin Johnson and Jonathan Gregg individually or co-written by Johnson and Gregg, and two songs were co-written by Johnson with Williams and McKnight, respectively. Three songs from Gregg's previous band, The Lonesome Debonaires, were also reprised. Gregg credits his Gretsch 6120 with his sonic approach to this album and how the songs evolved, while his influences encompass roots styles such as bluegrass and country as well as rock legends such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Elvis Costello.[13] Others have compared the album to The Jayhawks, Tom Petty,[14] Ryan Adams and Wilco.[15] The record release show for Close the Place Down was held at New York City venue The Bowery Electric on Sunday, November 13, 2016.[16]