Carbon Leaf's brand of rootsy, Celtic-influenced rock originated in the same Richmond, VA, scene that nurtured
Dave Matthews Band,
Agents of Good Roots, and
Pat McGee Band. Guitarist Terry Clark, vocalist
Barry Privett, bassist Jordan Medas, guitarist
Carter Gravatt, and drummer Scott Milstead built up a considerable following and were soon releasing albums through their own label.
Meander appeared in 1996, with
Shadows in the Banquet Hall and
Ether-Electrified Porch Music following in quick succession. In 2001,
Carbon Leaf debuted a more mature sound with the album
Echo Echo and won a Coca-Cola-sponsored unsigned band contest that landed them a performance on the American Music Awards. By this point,
Carbon Leaf was also regularly opening shows for adult alternative-friendly acts like
DMB,
John Mayer,
Guster, and
David Gray, and the band documented their frequent and vibrant live shows with the 2002 double live set
5 Alive! Indian Summer appeared in 2004. Issued through Vanguard, it was
Carbon Leaf's first recording for any label other than their own, and the strongest example yet of their polite, astute, and engaging sound. It was followed in 2006 by
Love Loss Hope Repeat. ~ Johnny Loftus