Directory:Rampage Trio

The Rampage Trio was formed in 1990 by singer/songwriter/guitarist, Brian Owens. The band originated in Billerica, Massachusetts, but has been a mainstay throughout the New England states. Influenced by Texas guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Gibbons and Johnny Winter, The Rampage Trio sought to expound on the high energy music those artists pioneered.

The trio's unique three piece sound incorporates the expanse of Texas Blues with that of early rock and roll, Rockabilly, and Roots music. Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Hank Williams and Chuck Berry all factor in to the band's continuing evolution. Owens handles most of the lead vocals chores and designs many of the multi-layered harmonies that appear on the band's albums. His guitar playing is fueled by a Gibson ES-137 Custom and Gibson Songwriter Deluxe acoustic.

Owens studied extensively with Boston Conservatory of Music professor, Phil Cooper. He also studied with Pousette-Dart lead guitarist John Curtis. From 1998 to 2001, Owens acted as the editor-in-chief for the prestigious Boston Blues Society's Blues News. He combined his love for playing music with the promotion of the national and local blues scene by featuring contemporary blues artists of the day. Stories that graced the Blues News covers included in-depth, one-on-one interviews with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal, John Hammond, Magic Slim, Jimmie Vaughan, Roomful of Blues, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones, Keb Mo, Big Bill Morganfield, Duke Robillard, Jerry Portnoy, Candye Kane, Tommy Castro and others. Owens continues to promote the music scene by publishing Metronome Magazine which he founded in 1985.

Bassist Eric Yanaway has been a longtime member of The Rampage Trio. He is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston where he majored in bass Performance. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Yanaway is equally adept on guitar, banjo, mandolin and upright bass. He provides a solid, rhythmic foundation which is powered by Gallien-Krueger amps and G&L basses.

Kevin Crowley takes on triple duty as drummer, lead and background singer, and harmonica player. He started playing the drums when he was four and cites big band drummers Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich among his many influences. On the strength of his performance alone, Crowley was featured in a 2004 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine. His drum sets of choice include a natural Birch shell Tama Swingstar kit and a Vintage 60s Ludwig set.

The band currently has six full-length albums on the Metronome Records label. Radio play for the group has been widespread and has reached listeners in Greece, Belgium, the U.K., France, the Bahamas, Canada, Japan & Mexico as well as the United States.

Discography

• Sound Gadget (2008)
• Silvertone Sessions (2005)
• Let's Turn It Up! (2003)
• Road Shark (1997)
• Too Much to Drink (1995)
• The Early Years: 1982-1987

Additional Recordings

• Boston Blues Society's 2001 compilation CD, Blues From The Hub (Featuring Mighty Sam McClain, Racky Thomas Band, Sugar Ray & Little Anthony, J Place, The Love Dogs, Johnny Hoy & The Bluefish, Mission of Blues, Wooburn-Arena Band, Ricky "King" Russell, The Sky Blues, Two Bones & A Pick, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Vykki Vox, The Porch Rockers & Fatwall Jack)

Regular Appearances

• Marshfield Roots & Blues Festival
• Boston Harbor Blues Cruises
• Massachusetts Summer Concert Series
• The Paradise Rock Club
• Bull Run Restaurant
• Harper's Ferry
• The Pasta Loft
• Kimball Farm
• Emerald Rose