J-200

J-200 is a Chicago-based country-rock band which serves up a light but potent blend of pop melodies, twang-friendly instrumentation, and rock & roll rhythm. Named for the Gibson J-200 acoustic guitar -- a celebrated flat-top box whose satisfied customers included Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, and Emmylou Harris -- J-200 was assembled in 1999 by singer/songwriter Renee A. Giron and guitarist and songwriter Jacque Judy. The band eventually grew into a six-piece with the addition of Steve Thomas on guitar and pedal steel, Suzanne Ecklund on backing vocals, Steve "Evets" Ross on bass, and Chris "Rusty" Russell on drums. The group released their first album, The Dark, in 2000 on their own Loose Booty label; in 2002, they recorded their second full-length, Trip From Grace, with the help of producer Mark Hallman. Following the release of Trip From Grace, J-200 blocked out plans for their first nationwide tour. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide