John & Mary
Encyclopedia
John & Mary is a U.S.
based folk music
duo featuring John Lombardo
and Mary Ramsey
who have had a long-time close association with alternative rock
band 10,000 Maniacs
.
and Mary Ramsey
soon after they first met in Buffalo, NY in December 1989. Lombardo, one of the founding members of 10,000 Maniacs
and responsible for much of their early sound, had left the band in 1986 due to "creative and political" differences.
The pair signed with Rykodisc
in 1990 and recorded their first album Victory Gardens
which was released in 1991, and were the opening act for the Maniacs on the Time Capsule Tour in late 1990. They followed up with their second release, The Weedkiller's Daughter
, also on Rykodisc
, in 1993.
as full-time members in 1994 after Natalie Merchant
's departure. The duo released two albums with the Maniacs, 1997's Love Among the Ruins
, which contained a cover of the Roxy Music
song "More Than This
" that reached number 25 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart, and 1999's The Earth Pressed Flat
. Lombardo and Ramsey continued to perform occasionally as John & Mary between tours.
After the death of the Maniacs' lead guitar player Rob Buck in December 2000, the Maniacs went on hiatus, following which, Ramsey was replaced with singer Oskar Saville
from the Chicago-based band Rubygrass. Lombardo
quit the group at the same time.
, John & Mary began work on a new album in 2001. The Pinwheel Galaxy
was released in December 2002 and the duo began a ten date national tour to promote it.
The two performed locally around Buffalo regularly from 2002 to 2006. Ramsey was rehired by 10,000 Maniacs
as a viola player and backing vocalist for the 2006 shows with Oskar Saville
and returned to the lead vocalist spot after the departure of Saville
in 2007.
was released the following year. Lombardo
and Ramsey
both have continued to appear with 10,000 Maniacs
from time to time during 2008-2011 as well as doing regular shows as John & Mary with the Valkyries.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
based folk music
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
duo featuring John Lombardo
John Lombardo
John Lombardo was one of the founding members of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs and one of the band's most influential members, writing much of its early material.- Biography :...
and Mary Ramsey
Mary Ramsey
Mary Ramsey , currently a resident of Buffalo, NY is a member of folk duo John & Mary and lead singer for alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.- Biography :...
who have had a long-time close association with alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
.
1989-1993
John & Mary was formed by John LombardoJohn Lombardo
John Lombardo was one of the founding members of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs and one of the band's most influential members, writing much of its early material.- Biography :...
and Mary Ramsey
Mary Ramsey
Mary Ramsey , currently a resident of Buffalo, NY is a member of folk duo John & Mary and lead singer for alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.- Biography :...
soon after they first met in Buffalo, NY in December 1989. Lombardo, one of the founding members of 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
and responsible for much of their early sound, had left the band in 1986 due to "creative and political" differences.
The pair signed with Rykodisc
Rykodisc
Rykodisc Records is an American record label. It is owned by Warner Music Group, operates as a unit of WMG's Independent Label Group and is distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance.-Company history:...
in 1990 and recorded their first album Victory Gardens
Victory Gardens
Victory Gardens is the debut album from John & Mary, recorded in 1990 just six months after the two met in December 1989 and immediately following their signing with Rykodisc. John Lombardo, former member of 10,000 Maniacs and responsible for much of their early music, brought elements of the...
which was released in 1991, and were the opening act for the Maniacs on the Time Capsule Tour in late 1990. They followed up with their second release, The Weedkiller's Daughter
The Weedkiller's Daughter
The Weedkiller's Daughter is the second album from John & Mary.The Weedkiller's Daughter was produced by John Lombardo and Armand John Petrie and, like their first album Victory Gardens, features 10,000 Maniacs members Rob Buck and Jerry Augustyniak...
, also on Rykodisc
Rykodisc
Rykodisc Records is an American record label. It is owned by Warner Music Group, operates as a unit of WMG's Independent Label Group and is distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance.-Company history:...
, in 1993.
1994-2000
Both joined (or re-joined) the Maniacs10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
as full-time members in 1994 after Natalie Merchant
Natalie Merchant
Natalie Anne Merchant is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She joined the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and left it to begin her solo career in 1993.-Early life:...
's departure. The duo released two albums with the Maniacs, 1997's Love Among the Ruins
Love Among the Ruins (album)
Love Among the Ruins was the first album released by 10,000 Maniacs with their new lead singer, Mary Ramsey after the 1993 departure of Natalie Merchant. The two singles from the album, "More Than This" and "Rainy Day", were not originally slated to be included on the album at all...
, which contained a cover of the Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Roxy Music was a British art rock band formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson. The other members are Phil Manzanera , Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson . Former members include Brian Eno , and Eddie Jobson...
song "More Than This
More Than This (song)
-Track listing:CD single#"More Than This " – 3:17#"Clear" - 3:59#"More Than This " - 7:18-Charts:...
" that reached number 25 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart, and 1999's The Earth Pressed Flat
The Earth Pressed Flat
The Earth Pressed Flat is a 1999 album by 10,000 Maniacs featuring vocalist Mary Ramsey who replaced Natalie Merchant after she left the band in 1993...
. Lombardo and Ramsey continued to perform occasionally as John & Mary between tours.
After the death of the Maniacs' lead guitar player Rob Buck in December 2000, the Maniacs went on hiatus, following which, Ramsey was replaced with singer Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville is the former lead singer of Chicago-based Rubygrass, and is also a solo artist. She served as lead vocalist for 10,000 Maniacs from 2002 to 2007.-Discography:Rubygrass*Fireflies Solo*A Girl Named Oskar 10,000 Maniacs;...
from the Chicago-based band Rubygrass. Lombardo
John Lombardo
John Lombardo was one of the founding members of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs and one of the band's most influential members, writing much of its early material.- Biography :...
quit the group at the same time.
2001-2006
After leaving 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
, John & Mary began work on a new album in 2001. The Pinwheel Galaxy
The Pinwheel Galaxy
-Track listing:All tracks composed by John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey except where indicated#"A Brighter Day" – 3:41#"Beyond Love" – 2:49#"Lilies of the Valley" – 3:32#"Summer Street" – 4:19#"The Drone" – 3:33...
was released in December 2002 and the duo began a ten date national tour to promote it.
The two performed locally around Buffalo regularly from 2002 to 2006. Ramsey was rehired by 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
as a viola player and backing vocalist for the 2006 shows with Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville is the former lead singer of Chicago-based Rubygrass, and is also a solo artist. She served as lead vocalist for 10,000 Maniacs from 2002 to 2007.-Discography:Rubygrass*Fireflies Solo*A Girl Named Oskar 10,000 Maniacs;...
and returned to the lead vocalist spot after the departure of Saville
Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville is the former lead singer of Chicago-based Rubygrass, and is also a solo artist. She served as lead vocalist for 10,000 Maniacs from 2002 to 2007.-Discography:Rubygrass*Fireflies Solo*A Girl Named Oskar 10,000 Maniacs;...
in 2007.
2007-present
In late 2006, John & Mary began working with a new backing band, the Valkyries, made up of some of the best local Buffalo musicians, and their latest album, Peace BridgePeace Bridge (album)
Peace Bridge is the fourth album from John & Mary, their first with the Valkyries.-Track listing:All tracks composed by John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey except where indicated#"Poppy" – 3:45#"Easter" – 3:42#"Shudder Girl" – 4:05...
was released the following year. Lombardo
John Lombardo
John Lombardo was one of the founding members of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs and one of the band's most influential members, writing much of its early material.- Biography :...
and Ramsey
Mary Ramsey
Mary Ramsey , currently a resident of Buffalo, NY is a member of folk duo John & Mary and lead singer for alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.- Biography :...
both have continued to appear with 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
from time to time during 2008-2011 as well as doing regular shows as John & Mary with the Valkyries.
Band Members
- John LombardoJohn LombardoJohn Lombardo was one of the founding members of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs and one of the band's most influential members, writing much of its early material.- Biography :...
- Lombardo, an original member of 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
, co-wrote most of the early Maniacs songs, but left the band in 1986. He returned in 1994 with Mary RamseyMary RamseyMary Ramsey , currently a resident of Buffalo, NY is a member of folk duo John & Mary and lead singer for alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.- Biography :...
, and picked up where he left off by writing and shaping the band's music for two albums, Love Among the RuinsLove Among the Ruins (album)Love Among the Ruins was the first album released by 10,000 Maniacs with their new lead singer, Mary Ramsey after the 1993 departure of Natalie Merchant. The two singles from the album, "More Than This" and "Rainy Day", were not originally slated to be included on the album at all...
(1997) and The Earth Pressed FlatThe Earth Pressed FlatThe Earth Pressed Flat is a 1999 album by 10,000 Maniacs featuring vocalist Mary Ramsey who replaced Natalie Merchant after she left the band in 1993...
(1999). He left the band again in 2002.
- Mary RamseyMary RamseyMary Ramsey , currently a resident of Buffalo, NY is a member of folk duo John & Mary and lead singer for alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.- Biography :...
- Ramsey opened up 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
shows with John Lombardo as John & Mary in 1990, and played violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
and sang backing vocals with the Maniacs on a few songs in 1990-1991. She was a touring musician with the band in 1992-1993, playing viola and singing backing vocals. When Natalie Merchant left 10,000 Maniacs in 1993, Ramsey replaced her on lead vocals and added the viola as a main instrument of the band, starting with live shows in 1994 and continuing on until 2001. Oskar SavilleOskar SavilleOskar Saville is the former lead singer of Chicago-based Rubygrass, and is also a solo artist. She served as lead vocalist for 10,000 Maniacs from 2002 to 2007.-Discography:Rubygrass*Fireflies Solo*A Girl Named Oskar 10,000 Maniacs;...
replaced her as lead singer in 2002, but Ramsey again became a touring musician with the band in 2006, singing backing vocals and playing viola on select songs. She was lead singer for the band again for their final show of 2007 after Oskar Saville left the band.
- The Valkyries - the initial line up in 2006 and on their 2007 release Peace BridgePeace Bridge (album)Peace Bridge is the fourth album from John & Mary, their first with the Valkyries.-Track listing:All tracks composed by John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey except where indicated#"Poppy" – 3:45#"Easter" – 3:42#"Shudder Girl" – 4:05...
included Patrick Kane on lead guitar, Rob Lynch on drums, Joe Rozler on keyboards, Nelson Starr on keyboards and Kent Weber on bass guitar.
John & Mary
- Victory GardensVictory GardensVictory Gardens is the debut album from John & Mary, recorded in 1990 just six months after the two met in December 1989 and immediately following their signing with Rykodisc. John Lombardo, former member of 10,000 Maniacs and responsible for much of their early music, brought elements of the...
(1991) - The Weedkiller's DaughterThe Weedkiller's DaughterThe Weedkiller's Daughter is the second album from John & Mary.The Weedkiller's Daughter was produced by John Lombardo and Armand John Petrie and, like their first album Victory Gardens, features 10,000 Maniacs members Rob Buck and Jerry Augustyniak...
(1993) - The Pinwheel GalaxyThe Pinwheel Galaxy-Track listing:All tracks composed by John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey except where indicated#"A Brighter Day" – 3:41#"Beyond Love" – 2:49#"Lilies of the Valley" – 3:32#"Summer Street" – 4:19#"The Drone" – 3:33...
(2002)