photo by Peter Salisbury

photo by Bill Ellison

Breakin’ Picks and Takin’ Names!

Boxcar Bandits began when Texas Rex enlisted the help of some local musicians and began performing under the moniker in February 2006 in their town of Denton, TX. Early incarnations of the Bandits featured J. Paul Slavens (ex. Ten Hands) and Tamara Cauble (Telegraph Canyon). Equally at home at a beer joint or concert hall, the Bandits meld old-time, bluegrass, western swing and country with the sounds of string band instruments to create the “North Texas Skunkgrass” sound. The Bandits first album, “Smells Like Grass” was self-released in 2008, and a live set, “Live at Dan’s Silver Leaf”, was released in 2011; now both are available on Break-a-Pick Records.

For a year and a half Boxcar Bandits had a Monday night residency at Dan’s Silver Leaf in Denton, and currently play Sunday night in Dallas at Adair’s Saloon in Deep Ellum.  They have taken their show on the road throughout their home state of Texas and continue touring throughout the southern half of the United States.  The band has also opened for such acts as Junior Brown, John Cowan, Greensky Bluegrass, Packway Handle Band, and Cornmeal.

Break them strings!