The Dirtmen: Specializing
in down to earth rock 'n' roll

'We all play with a soul that a lot of bands don't have. When we get together, the intensity we share is really powerful.'

- Paul Sullivan

By RENEE ENNA DIVERSIONS EDITOR

We're men of dirt." That's John Kelly's simple (and determinedly lighthearted) explanation for the name The Dirtmen, a group of four native Oak Parkers who play a sizzling brand of distinctive rock 'n' roll. How they got together four years ago isn't much more complicated: Acquaintances since high school, they were in other bands when Kelly suggested they get together to play a few of his original songs.

"We were frustrated with what was out there to listen to," said Kelly, lead vocalist and the group's songwriter. "It really clicked," added drummer Paul Sullivan. "The songs came out so fast it was unbelievable." They liked what they heard but, more importantly, so have the people who are discovering the band. "It's music anybody can relate to because it's written from that stance," Kelly said. "We all play with a soul that a lot of bands don't have," said Paul Sullivan. "When we get together, the intensity we share is really powerful."

Strong components

That intensity is driven by Kelly's sturdy, understated vocals and Keith Tristano's compelling guitar work. With Sullivan's drums and Dave Niehoff's bass, the musicianship is ably at the service of Kelly's songs, rock tunes that embrace a variety of influences in a genre Kelly terms as "urban pop. The "pop" label might imply the trite subject matter embraced by most Top 40 tunesmiths; not so with these guys. "Words You Speak," "Crazy Kinda Chain," "Kickin'," "Down Home Blue" - these are songs that confront the confusion of life in the late 20th century, without sinking into self-indulgence or redundancy. "I think people have a lot of strong feelings these days," Kelly said. "I think you need to take a stand. It's pretty dangerous to take each other for mind readers."

Delicate balance

The Dirtmen manage to walk the tightrope between serious and frivolous with great melodies supported by textured, rhythmic arrangements. While Kelly is in charge of songwriting, all the musicians collaborate on arrangements. Subsequently, each brings his own musical influences into the sound. Sometimes you'll hear R&B, sometimes a little country swamp. "We encompass a lot of different styles," Kelly said, but essentially, what they play is rock 'n' roll - their way. "It's fresh and contemporary music," Kelly said. "We're not stealing old Rolling Stones rips. We're making it on our own."