Stump the Host
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Defunct | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Stump the Host was a Chicago-based ensemble active between 1988 and 1993, led by vocalists Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen, who subsequently established the band Dolly Varden. Their musical style merged elements of country, rock, and R&B, featuring harmonies from both male and female voices, electric guitar with a country-blues influence, saxophone, and a dynamic rhythm section. Gaining recognition through their cassette releases and a showcase at South By Southwest, they secured a publishing agreement with PolyGram Music and attracted interest from Zoo Records. Their discography includes a single 7" record titled "California Zephyr," issued by the independent label Minty Fresh.
Career
Initially formed in 1988 as an acoustic trio comprising Dawson, violinist Tom Murray, and Christiansen, the group expanded by 1989 to add Dave Gay on upright bass, Leslie Santos on drums, and Brian Dunn on electric guitar. Murray departed in late 1989 during the production of their first cassette with Timothy Powell. The addition of tenor saxophonist Davyd Johnson came in 1990; their second cassette garnered notable attention with a featured review in CMJ.
In 1991, Stump the Host secured a publishing contract with Polygram/Island Music and were finalists in Musician magazine's Best Unsigned Bands Contest. That year, Jim Powers, an A+R representative from Zoo Records, financed demo recordings produced by Steve Berlin alongside engineer Jim Rondinelli. Although Zoo extended a contract offer, it was ultimately declined by both sides. Powers went on to establish the independent label Minty Fresh, which released the band's only single in 1993.
Internal disagreements related to touring commitments and industry pressures culminated in the band's dissolution in 1993. Drummer Leslie Santos exited in 1992 to join the Long Gone Lonesome Boys and was succeeded by Dan Massey from the Wildroots. Bassist Dave Gay left to concentrate on Freakwater. Lisa Wertman of Get Smart! was brought in but departed before performing live as the group disbanded. Wertman later collaborated with Dawson and Christiansen during the formation of Dolly Varden. Stump the Host's final show took place on June 11, 1993, at Chicago's Beat Kitchen.
Discography
"California Zephyr" / "World's Greatest Liar" (1993, Minty Fresh, MF1021693)
Reception
- "When you delve beneath traditional country rock, you discover a wealth of cherished influences. A spirit of fairness connects contemporary country tunes with rugged Southern gospel and rural blues bottleneck guitar. This is Stump the Host’s approach." (Dave Hoekstra, Chicago Tribune, 1989)
- "Here is one Chicago rock group that truly excels: outstanding original compositions, two engaging and emotionally authentic vocalists, a guitarist delivering memorable riffs, a dependable rhythm section—and yes, a memorable name. Stump the Host performs rock 'n' roll steeped overnight in rich country vibes then aired out in gritty urban surroundings." (Renaldo Migaldi, Chicago Reader, 1990)
- "Live performances by Stump the Host reach transcendent heights, especially when Dawson and Diane Christiansen harmonize on original material. Brian Dunn stands out as an extraordinary guitarist—among Chicago’s finest—and the rhythm section smolders like one of Gay’s ever-present cigarettes." (Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune, 1990)
- "With Dawson’s and Christiansen’s intertwined vocals leading the way, the band delivers country rock infused with gospel, blues, and rhythm & blues elements." (Chicago Tribune, 1990)
- "Stump the Host showcases soulful western musical styles. As one of the finest bands emerging from the late ’80s Chicago scene, their harmonies are exquisite and elevate their lyrical compositions." (Jae-Ha Kim, Chicago Sun-Times, 1991)
- "Powerful vocals and performances captured on local tapes; Dawson’s songwriting talent could be his breakthrough." (Bill Wyman, Chicago Reader, 1993)
- "Stump the Host maintained a unique blend of rustic yet driving songwriting that was unmatched within Chicago." (Rick Reger, Chicago Tribune, 1995)
- "I vividly recall Steve Dawson onstage at Lounge Ax with Stump the Host. While waiting for guitar strings to be changed, he spontaneously sang '(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman'—immersed in the song with eyes closed. Dawson understood that soulful singing relies not on volume but subtlety and profound feeling." (Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, 2005)
Members
- Steve Dawson – guitar and vocals
- Diane Christiansen – vocals
- Brian Dunn – lead guitar
- Dave Gay – bass guitar (both standup and electric)
- Leslie Santos – primary drummer
- Dan Massey – secondary drummer
- Davyd Johnson – saxophone
- Tom Murray – violin