Slewfoot
Slewfoot was formed in 1994 when Mike Sirauski contacted Ed Dollen and Jim Hubka from Stone Circus, letting them know that he knew a guitarist, bassist and lead singer looking to form a group.
Ed and Jim were playing out their last shows with Stone Circus and brought Randy Jackson (singer), Matt "Swifty" Swift (bassist) and A.J. Barnaby (rhythm guitar) into the studio to form "Killjoy".
Randy and Swifty had been on the Boston original scene playing with bands such as Crackhouse and D.T. Boyz during the 80's and 90's. Stone Circus was a cover band that had played around the New England area for 7 years or so, and were looking to do their own tunes.
After writing in the studio for a few months, Killjoy recorded its debut EP, changed its name to Slewfoot (after a dog in a racing form...thanks Swifty!), and started playing gigs at The Rockpile and Sharky's in Nashua.
Randy was the first to leave the band, he had started his own record label (Lost America Records), and wanted to hit the studio and record his own music.
Enter Russ Chalmers (Childs)...Russ filled in for a few gigs with Slewfoot, and before long became the permanent lead singer. Slewfoot went back in the studio and recorded "Indian Giver" at Bobcat Studios. It was a 6 song EP with 5 new tunes, and a remake of another with Russ' lyrics and melody line.
A.J was the next to leave...he blew off a gig at L.A. Ballroom and...long story short, Slewfoot from that point on was a 4 piece band!
While playing a benefit in Tewksbury, Swifty gave his notice. He played out the rest of the gigs on the books while Stevie Cuomo (Mary Jane) was brought up to speed. Steve filled in for a few gigs until Slewfoot got their permanent bassist, Pete Fisher.
Pete had played with Mama's Tongue for a few years, and he instantly fit in with his pounding bass licks. From that point on, Slewfoot had solidified their final lineup.
Over that period, the band moved from their rehearsal space in Amesbury, MA, to Rivers Edge studios in Haverhill. They recorded their self titled 10 song CD at Rivers Edge studios, and Cellar Dweller studios, mastered at M-Works.
Slewfoot continued to play on a regular basis with such bands as Mass, Godsmack Mama's Tongue, Jesus Chrysler and Quite Riot just to name a few. After over 7 years from their inception, Slewfoot decided to call it quits.
Russ, Ed and Jim got back together with Joe Barna from Jesus Chrysler, and formed MonkeyFyst.
***UPDATE***Slewfoot is BACK TOGETHER with Russ, AJ, Ed, Swifty and Jim for a few shows in and around Boston! Randy may pop in from time to time so we'll keep you posted on where we'll be and when!
