the Riders
(as pictured above L-R)

Neil MacPherson - Piano, B3 Organ, Wurlitzer

Jimmy Olson - Drums & Percussion

Tom Cusimano - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Devin Shea - Violin

Mike Clairmont - Bass & Harmony Vocals

Crown City Sessions track listing 

1. Katie May I (3:48)
2. Storylines (3:26)
3. 'Til The World Seems Right (4:08)
4. Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You (3:31) - By Bob Dylan (lyrics not available)
5. Summer Rain (3:25)
6. From Far Behind (4:17)
7. The Minute (3:31)
8. Harvey Noone (3:39)
9. Somewhere To Run (3:06)
10. Ooh La La (4:27) - By Ron Wood & Ronnie Lane (lyrics not available)
11. No Easy Way (5:02)

Press Release/Bio

Founded in Southern California in the summer of 2003 by singer/guitarist/songwriter Tom Cusimano and drummer Jimmy Olson, the Riders are now a five piece band featuring Neil MacPherson on piano/organ, Mike Clairmont on bass, and Devin Shea on violin. The Riders just wrapped up their second full-length album entitled Crown City Sessions. 

Crown City Sessions

Co-Produced with Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris)

Featuring saxophonist Buddy Leach (George Thorogood & the Destroyers)

Drawing from a variety of influences ranging from Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, R&B, Country, and Bluegrass the Riders create Rock'n'Roll music often compared to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Dave Matthews Band, The Band, Bob Dylan, and Dire Straits. 

It is in this versatility that the band finds its niche, allowing for multiple interpretations of their own music as well as influential music. This is evident on the Riders latest album entitled “Crown City Sessions”. Crown City Sessions which was co-produced with Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris) shows the Riders dynamic range of influences and arrangements starting from the album opener "Katie May I". This song kicks off the album and exemplifies the implicit swagger of the band with its influence and vibe obviously taken from The Band’s iconic tune “The Weight”. “Katie May I” right away showcases the soloing abilities with a ragtime style piano, bluesy violin, and soulful guitar solo all making their introductions on the album. Following that is a more ethereal tune entitled “Storylines”. This song shows the influence of Dire Straits style guitar and Dave Matthews style violin work combined with a thundering bridge Peter Gabriel would be proud of. 

The Riders are used to performing covers from their years performing in bars and clubs and Crown City Sessions features their first venture into recording a few; Bob Dylan’s “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” and The Faces “Ooh La La” (written by Ronnie Lane & Ron Wood). It is with these two songs you hear the Riders ability to rearrange instrumentation and add intensity while at the same time staying true to the song itself and not sacrificing its overall story and theme created by the writers. 

After the finger-style acoustic guitar number entitled “Summer Rain” the Riders turn up the volume a bit with the riff based and jam inspired rockers “From Far Behind” and “The Minute”. “From Far Behind” showcases the Riders with one of their more funk inspired grooves. This song surprises you, as you would expect it from a veteran jazz-fusion combo. With its extended Wurlitzer solo and bouncing bass line tying the whole song together this song really drives the album into the next few tracks. “The Minute” follows with a Rolling Stones inspired guitar riff that would make Keith Richards proud – the whole song is clearly influenced by late 60’s early 70’s Stones with it rocking guitar solo to its falsetto harmonies on the chorus reminiscent of the Stones “Miss You”. The album finishes out with a Springsteen-esq number entitled “No Easy Way” featuring George Thorogood & the Destroyers saxophonist Buddy Leach. This is a great driving song that sounds like a lost track from somewhere between “Born To Run” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town” sessions. 

 
Press Photo by Kate Shackford
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200 Miles from Everywhere
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Featured on Paste Magazine's 2008 Sampler entitled "The Best Of What's Next"
 
“...comforting sound of being in the middle of a road trip...the vocals capture the nostalgia of the past, while the funky bass and power guitar ballads embody the optimism of undiscovered possibilities."
- Relix Magazine

"If you can imagine U2's Bono fronting the E Street Band with a couple of the Heartbreakers sitting in, you might have some idea of what the Riders sound like. Their brand of rock is firmly rooted in Americana, but their excursions into other styles reveal their versatility and sense of musical adventure...This is a band that has distilled its influences into a very coherent and focused musical statement." 

- San Diego Troubadour

"'Coalinga' is a classic bit of country-rock: catchy melody, perfect bridge, nice guitar solos. It'd be a huge hit if radio still cared about breaking new artists. 'Toby's Song' is also a hit in waiting ---- an uptempo little rocker...a touch of Atlanta Rhythm Section or Widespread Panic, and the rhythm section is as supple as a good jazz combo"

- NC Times

"Great lyrics, memorable melodies, and a classic rock sound you always loved and always will. Roll down your windows, breathe in deep and sing out strong with the Riders"
- WFDU - NJ

"Bruce Springsteen+ Bob Dylan + Bruce Hornsby + The Band = The Riders"
- From The Future Music

"...this is a topnotch American-rock record"
- Dan Bolles - Seven Days, VT

"the skill exhibited by all the players here is undeniable" 
- San Diego Citybeat

The Riders will be performing an official showcase at the Folk Alliance’s 2010 Conference in Memphis, TN  

In 2009 the Riders have supported and performed with classic rock hit-makers America as well as supporting legendary guitarist Robin Trower (of Procol Harum) at some of southern California's most prestigious venues including Humphrey's by the Bay, Anthology, Del Mar Fair Grandstands, and House of Blues in San Diego.