Songwriter/guitarist Matt Reasor and singer Dan Coakley formed High or Hellwater after meeting in Los Angeles in 2001. The duo became a regular fixture in the California country rock scene, regularly playing clubs and concerts, including an appearance at Gramfest, the annual Gram Parsons festival held in Joshua Tree, CA. They recorded their self-titled first album in Nashville, releasing it in 2002. A three-song sampler called The Good Lie EP was released later that same year, and a full follow-up album, Living the Good Lie, appeared in 2003 on the group's Cooked in Greasor label. Evolving into a six-piece, High or Hellwater currently includes pianist and bassist Brant Kay, steel and lead guitarist Jordan Shapiro, bassist Jeff LaGore, and drummer Jack Loercher in addition to Reasor and Coakley. Sounding a bit like a grittier, funkier version of the Eagles, the group brings a welcome rock & roll swagger to the alternative country scene. ~ Steve Leggett