“The top of southern rock”
Reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the Southern rock sound from the east coast and make it their own. Since their inception in 2011, these native Californians; Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), Warren Murrel (bass) and Jake Abernathie (keyboards) have been electrifying audiences all over the world with their soaring guitar leads, rich vocal harmonies, and memorable tunes. Simply put, it is difficult to ignore when these talented musicians take the stage.
Little wonder they have made an impact on audiences across the world, where they’ve played a run of sold-out shows and proudly shared bills with talent the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Blackberry Smoke, Peter Frampton, Joanne Shaw Taylor, The Mavericks, Buddy Guy and Rival Sons. 2020’s ‘Last Light On The Highway’ garnered worldwide acclaim for the band and 2021’s ‘Shine A Light On Me Brother’ continued their upward trajectory, leading to a collaboration with Blues Rock Titan Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records, which paved the way for even more new and exciting music. Most recently they released ‘Ride Into The Light’ a dynamic, multi-faceted album featuring material produced by GRAMMY-Award winners Don Was (Bonnie Raitt, The Stones, John Mayer) and Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Blackberry Smoke, Rival Sons), Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes), along with guitar virtuosos Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. This eclectic mix enabled the band to attain new heights in their musicianship and songwriting skills, evoking the timeless sound of classic bands such as The Allman Brothers Band, Eagles, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
2023 also saw the release of ‘Live At The Ancienne Belgique,’ their first official live concert film spanning the last decade of their exceptional career, which Music News called, “one of the best live albums I have heard in years.”
The Wreck are touring extensively across the world and recording even more new music to release to their rapidly growing fanbase.
Robert Jon Burrison lays it all on the line for Robert Jon & The Wreck. The driving force behind the band, he works year-round ensuring they’re on the road or in the studio. The namesake lead singer grew up listening to his Dad’s Motown and Gospel records and playing the drums and piano, but when he discovered classic rock as a young teen, he picked up a guitar and never looked back. Burrison tips his hat to endless blues and rock icons that continue to inspire him to this day. When Burrison’s not rocking venues or working on new material, he can be found enjoying a generously poured glass of whiskey or trimming his impressive beard and enjoying time with is son and lovely wife.
Drummer Andrew Espantman’s uncle played bass and toured Europe with a Danish pop star. Naturally, he looked at his uncle and thought, “If he can do it, why can’t I?” And that’s just what Espantman did – minus the bass and Danish pop star. Holding down the rhythm section since Robert Jon & The Wreck formed in 2011, Espantman continues to deliver fiery percussion in the studio and on the road. His time interning at Spitfire Studios for Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray) led to a long relationship with the esteemed producer, who worked with the band on four albums. Inspired by greats like John Bonham with a sweet spot for tastemakers like Travis Barker, Espantman delivers beats on his custom Ludwig type C drum kit that’s reminiscent of a blue candy cane and very likely the only one of its kind.
Joining Robert Jon & The Wreck in 2017, Henry James is the lead guitarist and overall groove master bringing psychedelic edge to southern rock. Fascinated with the classic sounds of the 60’s and 70’s, Henry spent his teenage years jamming in various bands that toured & performed around Southern California. When he’s not working with the Wreck or customizing his own guitars, he’s focused on his brainchild – King Tree & The Earthmothers. The project features original compositions that pay homage to vintage psychedelic and progressive rock. If Henry can find spare time beyond his musical ventures, he’s out hunting for vinyl records.
Bassist Warren Murrel has been liberating the low end for over a decade. Prior to joining Robert Jon & The Wreck in 2017, he played bass with several SoCal acts including The Higgs, MadTab, PWEST, DMTina & the Bumps and Sutter Zachman Band. Murrel is also a graduate of the Musicians Institute for Drums and Audio Engineering, with a session engineer resume that includes work for Dweezil Zappa, Don Preston, Gordon Campbell and many more. When Murrel’s not jamming with Robert Jon & The Wreck on his one-of-a-kind Echo Park J Bass, you can find him sipping a strong IPA in sweatpants or enjoying long walks on the beach (seriously).
The newest member of Robert Jon & the Wreck, keyboardist Jake Abernathie brings a warm and classic sound with a modern day breadth and sensibility that never goes out of style. Growing up on the edge of the High Desert in California, the rugged landscape and culture inspired him from an early age, becoming the catalyst of his journey into songwriting and the appreciation of Americana. He has worn many hats over his career, from folk band frontman to orchestral arranger, and has a passion for producing music for other artists and himself. When Abernathie isn’t on the road, you can find him improvising in the kitchen – rarely making the same thing twice – or perfecting the world’s next great card game.
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© 2024 Robert Jon & The Wreck
