Left in Texas

The Song Birds are a high-energy alternative folk band that centers around powerful vocal harmonies and a unique blend of electric and acoustic instrumentation. Through the past 2 years they have developed a solid fan base and made a name for themselves in the rapidly growing original folk/country scene in Columbus, Ohio.

The first incarnation of the band that was to become the Song Birds started when roommates Jon Keylor and Brian Maxwell, bumped into an old friend, Jessi Maxwell (the Jessi Sunderlin) at Comfest in June of 2007. Jon and Brian had often tossed around the idea of starting a band during several a drunken basement jam sessions, but Jessi’s powerful voice and lifelong backlog of original songs combined with the unique bond between bass and guitar the boys had developed brought those inebriated musings to life. After a brief, somewhat successful run as an alternative rock band, the group disbanded to refocus as a more folk oriented project, in which the songs seemed to find a true home. As a side note, in the mean time Jessi and Brian somehow managed to fall in love and get married.
With a new musical direction stemming from the great tradition of American folk and country music, the group set out to find the missing element. After several failed attempts and just before giving up hope, Savannah Norris-Jenkins happened across a “musician wanted” add on craigslist of all places. It became instantly obvious upon the first meeting that Savannah’s voice and ear for harmony was the perfect match for Jessi. In addition, Savannah’s percussion provided the final touch to the toe-tapping rhythm of The Song Birds music.
In 2009 and 2010 the Song Birds performed at all the local original music venues as well as putting on several 4 hour shows showcasing a mix of originals and covers spanning genres from old timey appalacian to classic rock. During this time they amassed a faithful group of “fanbirds” who love the mix of boot stopping drinking jams and heart tugging tunes about the struggles of life.
During the recording of their debut album, amazing both the Song Birds ladies found themselves expecting little birdies. And so, after several shows at the local bars and a memorable show at the Newport Music hall (perhaps the venues first performance featuring not one, but two peformers in their 3rd trimester) the band took a 4 month maternity hiatus.
Upon returning to live performances, the Song Birds prepared to release their long awaited debut album, Nightingale, a collection of songs spanning the emotional spectrum from the fast paced goodtime jam “Beer Drinkers Ballad” to the heartfelt ballad “Left in Texas.”
As the group progresses as a musical entity, they are exploring new territory, with all members contributing to song writing and Jon and Savannah taking turns on lead vocals.