Last week I received an e-mail from Shirk wondering if I could attend a session by Dusty Rhodes and the River Band. I hadn't heard of them before, but I had heard of the wrestler by the same name, aka "The American Dream." I headed into the studio for my first Dusty Rhodes and the River Band experience.

The band poured out of the band looking a little worse for wear after a night opening up for Blind Melon. Yes, that Blind Melon. The six members lugged their crap up three flights of stairs and looked like they were going to need a jump-start to get going. Well that proved to be the least of my concerns.

Midway through the first track, "Goodnight Moonshine," it became obvious that the six band mates have boundless energy and truly enjoy playing music and performing together. The lineup, complete with mandolins, keys and violins punch out a nice 70's sound with some tinges of country. Dustin Apodaca, one of the lead vocalists, has a persona that is captivating live. I wish I could have caught them performing in front of a real Chicago audience.

As the band progressed through their set, I commented to Steve, "I think they wouldn't even know if we left. We could come back in an hour and I think that they would still be here playing." Soon thereafter, Steve asked them about a rumored cover of "End of The Road" by Boyz II Men. Apparently there was no recorded version of the tune, but that was soon remedied as the gang tore through a raucous version in the studio.

All and all, it was a very enjoyable set by a band that is just starting to make some noise on the national scene.

Exclusive: Dusty Rhodes and the River Band - Goodnight Moonshine

Exclusive: Dusty Rhodes and the River Band - End of the Rhode

Exclusive: Dusty Rhodes and the River Band - Dear Honey

Exclusive: Dusty Rhodes and the River Band - Keys to the Truck