Gene Butler Band
Original Americana/Blue/Country
Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, Gene Butler began singing publicly at the age of nine with the Cotton Street Gospel Choir (an all-Black choir in which he was the only Caucasian).
Butler wrote his first song ‘Momma, Wished I'd Listen To You’ after spending seven hours in the local jail for violating Macon's under eighteen, ten o'clock curfew law. He was nine years old at the time of his arrest.
Now living in Los Angeles, Butler and his band have played in almost every known music venue known to humans; and in a few that probably shouldn't be known to anybody. They’ve headlined shows at the Marilyn Monroe Theater in Hollywood, the Troubadour, The Viper Room, the Palomino, the Whiskey, the Roxy Theater, Luna Park, Café Largo, Rusty’s Ranch and most recently at the Red Door Juke Box.
Butler has had the pleasure of playing, recording and sharing the stage with many wonderful musicians and songwriters. These wonderful great musicians/songwriters include Lucinda William, Chris Hillman, Buddy Miller, Danny Dugmore, Dough Atwell, Brantley Kearns, David Morgan, Gurf Morlix, Dwight Yoakum, Donald Lindley, Dave Pearlman and many more lesser-known musicians who are just as wonderful.
The Gene Butler Band has just released their eight album ‘Not Afraid To Be Country In LA’. All their albums available for purchasing via streaming or Classic CD on this website.
For more information contact: genebutlerband@aol.com 818-522-8730
Press photos
Press / Reviews
“Not Afraid To Be Country In LA could have been called “All Killer, No Filler” if that title had not already been taken. It is still an appropriate description, however, given that it consists of ten tracks that seem to be over all too quickly. Ironically enough, it is one of the longer songs, “This House That We Live In”, that is first among equals, one of those metaphoric country songs about love and loss that never seem to grow old. It’s difficult to pick a favorite on Not Afraid To Be Country In LA, however “God’s Fallen Star”, about a love object who is, perhaps, not the ideal mate, is perfect. Anyone who has ever loved beneath his station will play this song over and over and over and over. Of course, if one does that, they’ll miss out on the rest of this fine CD, which slips effortlessly from a zydeco two-step (the irresistible “Don’t Say Don’t”) to a soulful “Rip Cord” (I keep hearing Otis Redding singing along in the background). The bare-bones arrangement and production in play throughout the album ideally match the material. Butler could make the transition from the stage to your living without missing a beat. Or maybe this is a more appropriate description: if you heard the Gene Butler Band playing on the sidewalk, what he does would stop you like you smacked into a windshield and leave you standing there listening to him for hours. It’s the unassuming competence of a good, a great, journeyman who unexpectedly, yet regularly, tosses in flashes of brilliance. Not Afraid To Be Country In LA is one of those CDs that will quietly but quickly make it to the top of your personal stack of heavy rotation CDs. Any fan of unspoiled, unpolished country music should put this one on their “must have” list. ” - Joe Hartlaub
— www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Hartlaub/630716866
“A hybrid of Bluegrass, Country, and Blues, "Gone Baby Blues" is the latest single from the Gene Butler Band the song has an underlying current of bluegrass and a honky-tonk effect that gives the song some flavor. It’s the perfect song, to square dance to on a hot summer day in an outdoor music fair, being surrounded by the sweet smells of fresh tangy lemonade and corn dogs fill the air. The song’s country roots are evident as it mirrors some of the greats like Randy Travis, Tammy Wynette, and Willie Nelson ”
“Love it! "Concrete Country" is a walk down that good ole' country road. The Gene Butler Band’s debut release “Concrete Country” is the roots of great country music. It is essential for those collectors of early CW icons such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. With tremendous musicianship similar to that found in bluegrass music, this band brings on the southern flavor with their contemporary country ala Americana/Rockabilly sound. Recommended tracks off the album are its opener “Momma Wish I’d Listened To You” because with this one you get a walk down country road. Other top picks are “Cold, Cold, Cold Woman” and “God’s Fallen Star” featuring Lucinda Williams on background vocals for a great Texas two-steppin’ beat. The Gene Butler Band’s “Concrete Country” IS the music I grew up listening to in Texas and knowing they are working on their second release makes me rarin’ to go for more! I highly recommend this album to those who appreciate great country roots music. ” - MusicCityTXGal
— TXGal
“"Concrete Country" is an excellent Americana/country CD by the Gene Butler Band. The CD is filled with excellent visual songwriting, excellent musicianship, and excellent recording quality. Gene's raspy voice adds a very distinctive, real sound to the music. The songwriting effectively combines thoughtful lyrics with memorable melodies. The band is tight and talented. We especially enjoy the up-tempo songs on the CD. "You Go On Anyway" and "Ride that Train" have an excellent upbeat rhythmic pattern, harmonica fills, fiddle solo, and 2-part harmonies in the memorable chorus. "Love's the Real Thing" is one of our favorite tracks, with its excellent up-tempo rhythmic pattern and harmonica fills. If you enjoy Americana/country music, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!” - RadioIndy.com staff