Henhouse Prowlers

Henhouse Prowlers are a bluegrass group from Chicago, active since 2004. The line-up consists of Kyle O’Brien, Dan Andree, Jon Goldfine and Starr Moss. They build their sound around traditional bluegrass while also writing original material that addresses contemporary subjects.

Background and style

The group is based in Chicago, a city with a notable bluegrass history, and draws on a wide range of influences beyond bluegrass, including blues, country, folk, harmony singing, rock and roll, old-time music, classical, funk, Broadway, barbershop, church music and shape note singing. Their approach combines traditional instrumentation and arrangement with a modern repertoire. They often perform in suit and tie and use a tightly choreographed one-microphone stage setup.

Career

After forming in 2004, the band becomes a full-time touring act in 2007 and spends much of its time on the road. Their work gains momentum through extensive touring, and by 2010 they establish a stronger reputation for hard-driving bluegrass, intricate harmonies and energetic live performances. The group also competes in major festival contests, taking top honours in the 2010 RockyGrass Band Competition and reaching the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition.

Recordings and collaborations

The Henhouse Prowlers have three full-length albums and contribute music to a PBS series soundtrack. Their 2009 album A Dark Rumor includes assistance from Chicago musicians Greg Cahill and Don Stiernberg. Their third album, Verses, Chapters and Rhymes, is recorded with producer and dobro player Sally Van Meter and comprises thirteen tracks. They also compose the soundtrack for Mike Leonard’s PBS documentary series The Ride Of Our Lives, based on Leonard’s book of the same name.

Performance and songwriting

The band’s songwriting focuses on stories and themes drawn from everyday life rather than the traditional rural imagery often associated with bluegrass. Each member handles both musical and business duties within the group, reflecting a collective, collaborative approach. The Henhouse Prowlers continue to present bluegrass rooted in tradition but shaped by their varied musical backgrounds and contemporary perspective.