Belleville Outfit

Rootsy mix of sassy swing, country, jazz, blues and folk.

“The only music that hasn’t influenced us is the music we haven’t heard.”

- Phoebe Hunt, The Belleville Outfit 

Gigs connected by long winding roads through North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and on to Colorado and California, via the many places in between, have helped weave the charm and energy that defines The Belleville Outfit’s second album, TIME TO STAND. The album showcases the young band’s signature style of gypsy swing, jazz, big band, country and Americana roots music, highlighted by songs including “Sunday Morning,” “Nothing’s Too Good for My Baby” and “Once and For All.” The new record comes on the heels of the band’s successful 2008 self-released debut, WANDERIN’, which spent more than 20 weeks on the Americana radio chart, rising to #10.

The sights and sounds of soulful roads traveled influenced the music the band has performed for thousands upon thousands of people. While sharing stages with Lyle Lovett, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and the Del McCoury Band, The Belleville Outfit soaked up both nuance and energy. Brought together less than two years ago, the six band members’ personal stories also helped contribute to a distinctive swing and often sassy sound that defines TIME TO STAND.

Marshall, Champ Hood’s nephew, Rob and Jeff were originally members of The DesChamps Band in high school in South Carolina. The three moved on after graduating and later reconnected in Austin when a performance was booked at MerleFest. Additional band members were recruited through connections Rob had made while studying music at Loyola University. Fellow students Jonathan and Connor left New Orleans for Austin to join the band that was to become The Belleville Outfit. The final addition was Austin’s darling, Phoebe, who had been playing with the folk band The Hudsons out of Austin for four years. With Phoebe on board, the band's electrifying stage presence was now undeniable, and after several rehearsals, each band member knew that something good was waiting for them on the road ahead.

TIME TO STAND introduces bodacious harmonies, creating glorious new tunes that outshine the sun. Each song inspires comfort, like neighbors chatting across the fence on a warm spring day. TIME TO STAND will follow the listener long after the band has headed out on the road to its next gig.

The Belleville Outfit is:

Rob Teter (guitar, vocals)

Connor Forsyth (piano)

Jonathan Konya (drums, vocals)

Jeff Brown (bass, vocals)

Marshall Hood (guitar, vocals)

Phoebe Hunt (violin, vocals)

TIME TO STAND, the new album by The Belleville Outfit, the Austin band "that captures the best of the hippie-friendly roots string band zeitgeist, without succumbing to it” (No Depression), is named after a tune packed with Appalachian and bayou imagery and exemplifies the band's mix of multi-genre music (swing, country, jamgrass, jazz, blues).

“… their instrumental virtuosity … and sophisticated songwriting touch moves their music beyond fun revivalism. ... They're capable of moving in most any direction they wish.” - Nashville Scene

“… the sextet is one of Austin’s most musically accomplished and adventuresome, mixing gypsy swing, big-band jazz, a touch of bluegrass and some Walter Hyatt covers into a unique mix that flows like a whiskey river.” - The Austin Chronicle

“Mix hot-saucy Texas honky-tonk, city-slicker indie pop, jam-grass mischief, cool jazz and big-band swing, and you’ve about half-described this hot Austin band …” - The Boston Globe

“…an Austin band that captures the best of the hippie-friendly roots string band zeitgeist, without succumbing to it… this really is a band to watch.” - No Depression

“The debut album [WANDERIN’] captures the rich musical heritage of The Outfit’s influences, coming across with skill and confidence that often eludes such a young group.” - Creative Loafing-Atlanta

“[The talented 20-somethings … take elements of jazz, swing and newgrass and blend it all together in new and interesting ways.” — R&R/Billboard Americana Artist Spotlight

“... When pianist Connor Forsyth locks in with Hunt’s violin on 'Caroline' or guitarist Marshall Hood locks in with her on 'Wanderin',' it’s musical beauty of the highest order. ...” — ACL Music Festival 2008 review, Austin American-Statesman

“… Violinist Phoebe Hunt’s sultry alto colors guitarist Rob Teter’s high, reedy tenor like a ribbon of caramel, while Connor Forsyth’s high-spirited piano keys the sextet’s hip-swinging caper. …” - Independent Weekly

“… This music isn't simple three-chord pop. These are … complex tunes musically featuring some of the best playing you’re likely to hear! How they have been able to develop such a tight sound this quickly is a testament to the band’s talent. …” - Americana Roots

“[WANDERIN’ is] toe-tapping … The violin player Phoebe Hunt is phenomenal … with some great Grapelli-Reinhardt-style guitar-violin interplay on the original ‘Caroline.’ And the group’s twin guitars, Rob Teter and Marshall Hood, seem to be able to play any style of music with ease and panache. …” - The Monterey County Herald