Giant Sand | Artist

Giant Sand is an American Alt-Country band formed 1985 in Tucson, Arizona, by singer-songwriter Howe Gelb (vocals, guitar, piano). The group started as Giant Sandworms in the late 1970s post-punk and paisley underground scenes, but shortened the name and developed an idiosyncratic sound rooted in alt-country featuring Gelb's beatnik-influenced vocals and songwriting. For a long while the band's rhythm section consisted of Calexico bassist and drummer John Convertino and Joey Burns. Guest artists over the last 3 decades have included Victoria Williams, Neko Case, Juliana Hatfield, PJ Harvey, Vic Chesnutt, Steve Wynn, Vicki Peterson, Rainer Ptacek, M.Ward, Isobell Campbell, and Gelb's daughter Indiosa Patsy Jean. Giant Sand has released 31 albums to-date, and Gelb himself has released 24 solo albums. Across his sprawling body of work, Gelb and band have recorded some of the finest Americana music recorded in the past four decades. Standout albums include Ramp, Center of the Universe, Glum, Goods and Services, and Chore of Enchantment. The 2001 compilation Selections Circa 1990-2000, is also highly recommended. Offshoot band OP8, featuring Lisa Germano, also released one excellent album Slush in 1997.

Artist Website: howegelb.com

Featured Albums: Giant Sand

Related Artists: Howe Gelb, OP8, Calexico