THE BEACON NEWS, Tuesday, April 11th, 2000
KAMPFIRE KOWBOYS RELEASE NEW ALBUM
Local Buzz, By Gary Schaefer
Artist: Kampfire Kowboys.

The Skinny: Kampfire Kowboys has just released its second album titled, Stand Still. These men have their own rocking western style, setting them apart from any band here in the suburbs. Stand Still at one glance, unique, Yet never strays too far from the group’s rock roll blueprints.

Background: Tom Colton is the lead vocalist, guitar player and song writer of Kampfire Kowboys. With 30 years of performing and recording experience, he echoes familiar guitar licks from the likes of Mark Knopler (Dire Straits) and smooth vocal sound reminiscent of Roy Orbison.
Dave Piper is the bass player and also chimes in on vocals. Piper is originally from Florida, but moved to Chicago in the late 1980’s. In the fall of 1997, Piper met up with his old friend Tom and decided to contribute the bass lines for their first CD.
In April 1998, the group welcomed the addition of a second lead guitarist, Brian Tedeschi. He contributes 30 years of playing experience heavily influenced by Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana and it shows on the new CD.
The local boy, Tadd King from Yorkville, joined in late 1999. He performed with other bands such as Plain Dealin’ and the Core.

Past Performances: The Kampfire Kowboys has covered a lot of ground, having already played on more than a dozen venues in Chicago and the suburbs. The group just had its CD Release party at Club 602 North in Glendale Heights and has played local venues like McNally’s in St. Charles. Their first CD release party was held at Chord on Blues celebrating their debut CD, somewhere blue, which was released in the Summer of 1998.

On the CD: Stand Still was recorded and mastered at Star Trax Studio in Crestwood, IL and engineered by Jeff Luif. A follow up to the group’s first album, somewhere blue, this hoe-down has 13 tracks with continuity written all over them.

So What’s the Rumpus: The Kampfire Kowboys play catchy tunes that leave the listener feeling good. The topics in the album are easy to relate to, yet the band brings their own twist to make it something original and emotional. Colton said Kampfire Kowboys caters to people who enjoy a rock & roll with a Texas swing to it. “This is roots rock and that is what America is all about,” said Colton.

Need to Know: To pick up the CD, the band sells them at all shows or go to Kiss the Sky Records, Batavia, or Bark at the Moon Records in Geneva. For more details, call (630)443-1440 or at the web site www.kampfirekowboys.com.