It was 12 years ago and John Mobley was a part time songwriter and musician, a full time dreamer, and an electrician. Teaming up with one of many cousins, the Cousin John Band was formed.

Based in the DC area, this crew of rowdy rockers delivers a delicious concoction of sultry blues, smooth grooves, and dobro laced americana that takes the genre of roots music and shakes it up a bit.

It’s quite refreshing.

John Mobley (lead vox, guitars) spent his formative years between DC and rural Kentucky – where his passion of roots music began to bloom while fishing, hunting, and spending time with family on his Grandmother’s tobacco farm.

Just back from recording in Nashville with [Bonnie Raitt] guitarist George Marinelli, the new album seems to be shaping up nicely. Will you be able to see CJB live in Nashville soon? I’m predicting yes.

Cousin John Band’s current line-up also includes Joe Goltz on guitars and vocals, Tim Howe on bass and vocals, and Dave O’Brien on drums and vocals. Just wait until you hear all 4 delivering their blend of swampy rock harmonies through the microphones.

Themes of pain, love, breakups, and makeups are prominent throughout this cohesive collection of songs; but the overarching theme of Broken Heart Tattoo is simple, “when all else is broken, what’s most important?”.

Stand out tracks {in my mind} include Broken Heart Tatoo, 110 Years, and Leather and Steel which has a very interesting backstory. Learn more about that here.

Broken Heart Tattoo is a soulful and refreshing record that balances between the intricacies of raw emotion and the uplifting power of well crafted musical compositions. The 4 part harmonies will win you over every time.

Cousin John Band is “your wagon wheel, rollin’ like the oak of the rim, steady like the braces of leather and steel, under my skin…free again.”

Go show your support then connect with the band on Facebook or Twitter.