Eric Ambel
Introduction '''Eric "Roscoe" Ambel''' (born August 20, 1957) is an American guitarist and record producer.He has worked with a wide range of artists including Nils Lofgren, Steve Earle, the Yayhoos, Del Lords, The Bottle Rockets, Joan Jett, Mojo Nixon, Blood Oranges, Blue Mountain, Freedy Johnston and Mary Lee's Corvette.
Early life Eric "Roscoe" Ambel" was born August 20, 1957, in Kankakee, Illinois. At a young age, Eric took up the piano and trumpet as part of the School music program. Around 10 years old Eric borrowed a guitar from his neighbor and began to teach himself with a chord book and by playing along with records. Eric played both trumpet and guitar throughout his college career at University of Wyoming. "Ambel first took up the rock 'n' roll torch in the late 1970s while attending college the University of Wyoming, where he formed the punk combo the Dirty Dogs, who released the cult-classic single "Sorority Girl" before changing their name to the Accelerators and relocating to Los Angeles. In L.A. the Accelerators recorded and released an EP called "It's Cool To Rock" produced by Danny Holloway (Plimsouls, Bob Marley). Then, after playing with Rik L Rik and Top Jimmy, he began a two-year stint as lead guitarist in Joan Jett's original Blackhearts, touring extensively and playing on her I Love Rock 'n' Roll album. He exited in the early 1980s to co-found the gritty New York foursome the Del-Lords, which also included ex-Dictator Scott Kempner and future Cracker drummer Frank Funaro, which released four highly regarded studio albums and helped usher in the 1980s roots-rock mini-boom."
Later life "Veteran singer/guitarist/songwriter/producer/raconteur Eric Ambel—known to friends, associates, and bandmates as Roscoe—is the possessor of an estimable musical resume that’s established his credentials as a deeply committed rocker as well as a witty and thoughtful songwriter. Between his current duties as producer, bandleader, studio proprietor, bar owner, member of the uber-bar-band supergroup the Yayhoos, and lead guitarist of Steve Earle’s band the Dukes, he’s found time to launch his own label, Lakeside Lounge Records, to redress the longstanding absence of Ambel solo product from the marketplace.Lakeside Lounge Records’ initial release is Knucklehead, the first new Eric Ambel album in nearly a decade. The disc compiles 15 previously unreleased tracks recorded by Ambel in a variety of locations over the past 14 years with a variety of notable collaborators, including his fondly-remembered ’80s band the Del-Lords, the Bottle Rockets, Andy York (John Mellencamp), Warner Hodges (Jason and the Scorchers), Will Rigby (the dB’s), Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu), Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith), Ron Gremp (the Morells), Steven Terry (Whiskeytown), Martin’s Folly and Ambel’s Yayhoos cohorts Dan Baird, Keith Christopher and Terry Anderson. Also lending a hand is Steve Earle, who contributes a previously unheard composition, "The Usual Time", and adds vocals to a new version of the Del-Lords chestnut "Judas Kiss".In 1996, Ambel co-founded the Yayhoos with ex-Georgia Satellites frontman Dan Baird, Satellites/Shaver/Roscoe's Gang bassist Keith Christopher and noted drummer/tunesmith Terry Anderson, who released their long-brewing debut album ''Fear Not the Obvious'' on Bloodshot Records in 2001.Also in 1996, Ambel opened the popular East Village bar the Lakeside Lounge, which he co-owns and where he sometimes performs. In 1999, he inaugurated Cowboy Technical Services, his own 24-track analog/digital recording studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which has since played host to the likes of Ryan Adams, Robert Randolph, Steve Wynn, Marshall Crenshaw, Laura Cantrell, Marah, the Silos, the Damnwells and Martin's Folly.In 2000, he became the lead guitarist in Steve Earle’s touring and recording band the Dukes, appearing on such projects as Earle’s acclaimed ''Jerusalem'' album, the documentary profile ''Just An American Boy'' and the Grammy Award-winning record ''The Revolution Starts…..Now''. Ambel recorded and toured with Earle and the Dukes from 2000 through 2005.In June 2006 Ambel’s Lakeside Lounge label releases the new Yayhoos CD titled ''Put The Hammer Down''. Also in 2006 Ambel's song "Baby I Love You" from the Yayhoos ''Fear Not the Obvious'' was featured as the closing credits song in James Gunn's Horror/Comedy film ''SLiTHER''.Ambel has been producing records for many artists including Kasey Anderson, The Travelling Band, Mark McKay, and the Bottle Rockets while playing gigs with the Roscoe Trio and playing guitar for Mike Ferrio's band Tandy.In 2008 New West Records released Steve Earle's ''Live From Austin, TX'' from the Austin City Limits on November 12, 2000, featuring Eric as a member of the Dukes.In 2009 The Bottle Rockets Ambel produced ''Lean Forward'' was released by Bloodshot Records. Ambel also began work on his Gringoman recordings which find him playing all the instruments and doing most of the recording in his home studio Lily’s Terrace in the East Village.In 2010 the Del-Lords released the Ambel produced ''Under Construction'' EP. The recent reissues of their records had brought them back together. After a couple of undercover warm-up gigs in the North East, the band played their first tour in 20 years in Spain. Back in NYC Ambel began work on Chris Barron’s next solo record and albums from Ben Hall from Nashville and the Tallboys of Kentucky. "As a member of The Yayhoos with Dan Baird, Keith Christopher, and Terry Anderson, the band put out the record “Put The Hammer Down” in 2006.In the 1980s Del-Lords reformed and put out a record titled “Elvis Club” in 2013.After 11 years, Eric put out his first solo record titled “Lakeside” after a bar he co-owned. He also runs  Cowboy Technical Services, a recording studio, with Tim Hatfield.
Discography
Awards & Contributions 2016Canis MajorisEsquelaProducer2015#392: The EP CollectionMarshall CrenshawMixing2015Blue HealerJimbo MathusPrimary Artist2015South Broadway Athletic ClubThe Bottle RocketsMixing, Photography, Vocals, Guitars, Composer2014Face the MusicNils LofgrenGuitar, Producer, Vocals2014The Box Set SeriesRun-D.M.C.Guitar2013Bottle Rockets/The Brooklyn SideThe Bottle RocketsTransfers, Reissue Coordination, Guest Artist, Mixing2013Elvis ClubThe Del-LordsEngineer, Guitar, Vocal Harmony, Soloist, Inside Photo, Composer, Keyboards, Vocals2013Let Me Turn You On!Composer, Guitar, Instrumentation2013Are We Rolling?EsquelaProducer2011Heart Of A DogKasey Anderson and the HonkiesComposer2011Not So Loud: An Acoustic EveningThe Bottle RocketsMixing2010The Music of Run DMCRun-D.M.C.Guitar2010The Owl Has LandedEsquela Producer2009A New BeginningTed MorrisMixing2009Lean ForwardThe Bottle RocketsProducer, Engineer, Mixing, Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards2009Royal CityRoyal CityEngineer2009This Song Kills Cancer, Vol. 1Producer2008Live from Austin TX November 12, 2000Steve EarleMain Personnel, Vocals, Guitar2007Brooklyn BridgeCasey NeillGuitar (Electric)2007Dismissed With a KissSpanking CharleneProducer, Photography, Guitar, Guitar (12 String Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Wah Wah Guitar, Soloist, Dulcitone2007Let GoKeri NobleGuitar (Electric)2007LowMiss OhioMixing, Keyboards2007ReckoningKasey AndersonProducer, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String), Guitar (Baritone), E-Bow, Trumpet, Keyboards, Tambourine, Vocals (Background), Hi String Guitar, Mando-Guitar2007Songbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten GemsEmmylou HarrisVocals, Guitar2006Harpo's GhostThea GilmoreEngineer, Guitar (Electric), Harmonium2006In the RawSugar MountainProducer, Mixing, Guitar (Acoustic), Pump Organ, Vocals (Background), Vocal Harmony, Fuzz Guitar, Telecaster2006Love, Loss & LunacyMary Lee's CorvetteProducer, Guitar (12 String), Drum Programming2006Put the Hammer DownThe YayhoosProducer, Liner Notes, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (12 String Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Piano, Drums, Percussion, Clapping, Dulcitone, Fuzz Guitar, Group Member, Composer2006Slither Music from the Motion PictureAllan WilsonComposer2006Wire WaltzThe Last Town ChorusEngineer2005Best: 1991-2003Joe d'Urso & Stone CaravanProducer, Musician2005Favorites 1990-2005Nils LofgrenProducer, Audio Production, Main Personnel, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Timpani2005For a Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot RecordsProducer, Mixing, Group Member2005Keri NobleKeri NobleGuitar (Electric)2005Lowe Profile: A Tribute to Nick LoweProducer, Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Primary Artist2005My Own BackyardAnn KleinGuitar (Acoustic)2005Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass-Kickin TeamTerry AndersonGuitar2004Austin City Limits Music Festival: 2003Guitar2004Dead RosesKasey AndersonProducer, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String Electric), E-Bow, Piano, Wurlitzer, Tambourine, Dulcitone2004KnuckleheadEric AmbelPrimary Artist, Producer, Engineer, Mixing, Photography, Vocals, Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar, Organ, Soloist, Dulcitone, Composer2004ShimmerMark McKayProducer, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Baritone), E-Bow, Piano, Organ, Wurlitzer, Tambourine, Vocals (Background), Dulcitone2004The Q People: A Tribute to NRBQGuitar (Electric), Vocals (Background)2004The Revolution Starts...NowSteve EarleMain Personnel, Vocals, Guitar, Group Member2003700 MilesMary Lee's CorvetteProducer, Mixing, Audio Production, Photography, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (12 String), Organ, Drum Programming, Vocals (Background), String Arrangements, Dulcitone2003From HopeMartin's FollyProducer, Mixing, Recorder, Horn, Percussion2003Split PersonalityThe Gamma RaysVocals, Guitar2003The Songs of Hank Williams Jr.: A Bocephus CelebrationMixing2003Used Country FemaleTammy Faye StarliteProducer, Guitar (Acoustic), Tambourine, Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm)2003What's in the Bag?Marshall CrenshawProducer, Guitar (Bass), Dulcitone2002Chooglin': A Tribute to the Songs of John FogertyProducer, Vocals, Guitar, Drums2002Come AlongThe Dark HorsesProducer, Vocals, Guitar, Organ, Tambourine2002Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down: A Tribute to Kris KristoffersonProducer, Engineer, Mixing, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Bass2002JerusalemSteve EarleVocals, Guitar2002Perfect CityFlorence DoreProducer, Mixing, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String), Piano, Organ, Vocals (Background), Dulcitone2002The Lowdown: 1997-2002TandyTrumpet2001Cripplin' CrutchJoe FloodProducer, Engineer, Mixing, Guitar (12 String Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String Electric), Percussion, Vocals (Background)2001Fear Not the ObviousThe YayhoosProducer, Engineer, Photography, Vocals, Guitar, Composer2001Green PopBig In IowaProducer, Mixing, Vocals (Background), Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, 12-String, Baritone), Tambourine, Trumpet2001Pulling up AtlantisDemolition String BandProducer2001The Bloodroot TranscriptionsTandyTrumpet2000Boarding House RulesTom HeymanMastering2000Down to the Promised Land: 5 Years of Bloodshot RecordsProducer, Engineer, Vocals, Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar, Dulcimer, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Bass2000Lot No. 99-0038Robert BeckerGuitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Bass2000Tarheel BoogieJimmy NationsGuitar (Acoustic)1999Brand New YearThe Bottle RocketsProducer, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (12 String), Slide Guitar, Guitar (Baritone), Wah Wah Guitar, Organ, Shaker, Dulcitone1999Crown RoyalRun-D.M.C.Guitar1999Get Tough: The Best of the Del-LordsThe Del-LordsMixing, Guitar, Bass1999It's Heartbreak That Sells: A Tribute to Ray MasonProducer, Engineer, Performer, Primary Artist1999Man, It's ColdMartin's FollyProducer, Mixing, Guitar, Trumpet, Keyboards1999Sessions from the FlatsGhosts of the CanalProduction Coordination1999Southern LinesThe BackslidersProducer, Mixing, Guitar (Electric), Composer1999Stir of EchoesComposer1999This Ain't No Tribute Blues CubeGuitar1999This Note's for You Too! : A Tribute to Neil YoungPerformer, Primary Artist1999True Lovers of AdventureMary Lee's CorvetteProducer, Guitar, Guitar (Electric)1999Ultimate CollectionNils LofgrenProducer, Guitar (Electric)1999West Virginia Dog Track BoogieThe CowslingersProducer1998Dolly HorrorshowThe BlacksProducer1998LeftoversThe Bottle RocketsProducer, Engineer, Mixing, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Slide Guitar, Organ (Hammond), Harmony1998Little Big ManJono MansonProducer, Mixing1998Popular DemonsGreg TrooperComposer1998What's So FunnyAngry Johnny & The KillbilliesGuitar, Organ (Hammond)199724 Hours a DayThe Bottle RocketsProducer, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String), Piano, Organ, Mellotron, Tambourine, Percussion, Clapping, Harmony1997Bug Bite DaddySimon ChardietProducer1997CharactersProducer1997Gadzooks: The Homemade BootlegMojo NixonGuest Artist, Producer, Vocals, Guitar1997Killing Time EPLove RiotProducer1997Mexican BlackbirdThe CowslingersProducer, Guitar1997Paint It Blue: Songs of the Rolling StonesGuitar1997Straight Outta Boone CountryProducer, Drums, Vocals (Background), Bass1997Surf Guitar GreatsProducer1996Buffalo NickelDan BairdComposer1996East Side Story, Vol. 1Performer, Composer, Primary Artist1996Life Is LargeThe KennedysGuest Artist, Guitar (Electric)1996Martin's FollyMartin's FollyProducer, Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet, Piano, Percussion1996Mary Lee's CorvetteMary Lee's CorvetteProducer, Mixing1996Maybe She WillLove RiotProducer, Mixing, Guitar, Percussion, Mastering1996Rig Rock Deluxe: A Musical Salute to the American Truck DriversProducer, Vocals, Guitar1996That's TruckdrivingThe CowslingersProducer, Mixing1996The KnitterCheri KnightGuest Artist, Producer1996Trucker's Last DollarThe CowslingersProducer, Guitar (Acoustic)1996Waiting Around for the CrashGo to BlazesProducer, Mixing, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Penny Whistle, Trumpet, Vocals (Background)1996Wooden LegWooden LegGuest Artist, Mixing1995Cool Down TimeDan ZanesComposer1995Dog DaysBlue MountainGuest Artist, Producer, Mixing, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Shaker1995Look at Me I'm Cool!Simon & the Bar SinistersProducer, Photography, Guitar (Acoustic), Shaker, Vocal Harmony1995Loud & LonesomeEric Ambel & Roscoe's GangProducer, Arranger, Mixing, Liner Notes, Primary Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer1995Sing Hollies in ReverseProducer, Performer, Primary Artist1995The Brooklyn SideThe Bottle RocketsProducer1995The Live from Mountain Stage, Vol. 8Guitar1995Whereabouts UnknownMojo NixonProducer1994Anytime...AnywhereGo to BlazesProducer, Mixing, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String), Dobro, Percussion, Vocals (Background), Composer1994Love & A .45Producer1994Star PowerProducer, Vocals, Slide Guitar1994The Crying TreeBlood OrangesProducer, Mixing1993Marijuana's Greatest Hits RevisitedProducer, Guitar1993Rig Rock Truck StopProducer, Vocals, Guitar1992Crooked LineNils LofgrenProducer, Vocals, Guitar, Timpani1992Just a LittleNils LofgrenProducer, Vocals, Guitar1992Lone Green ValleyBlood OrangesProducer1992Rig Rock JukeboxProducer, Guitar, 6-String Bass, Bass199120 Explosive Dynamic Super Smash Hit Explosions!Guitar, Fuzz Guitar1990Lovers Who WanderThe Del-LordsFeatured Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (12 String), Vocal Harmony, Performer, Guitar (Rickenbacker)1990OtisMojo NixonGuitar, Vocals (Background)1989Howlin' at the Halloween MoonThe Del-LordsGuitar1989Live at Raji'sThe Del-LordsGuitar1989SurpriseSyd StrawGuitar, Guitar (Electric)1988Based on a True StoryThe Del-LordsVocals, Guitar, Keyboards1988Roscoe's GangEric AmbelPrimary Artist, Producer, Liner Notes, Vocals, Guitar, Composer1986Johnny Comes Marching HomeThe Del-LordsVocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer1986Luxury Condos Coming to Your Neighborhood SoonProducer, Vocals, Guitar1984Frontier DaysThe Del-LordsVocals, Guitar1981Bad ReputationJoan JettGuitar
References
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