American Nomad, the musical brain child of singer-songwriters Hassan El-Tayyab and Shiloh Parkerson, is an award winning acoustic group firmly rooted in the flourishing Bay Area Americana scene. Drawing on influences ranging from bluegrass, folk, swing, blues, and soul, their music creates a classic sound that is brand new, while still embracing the Americana genre. Country Mile is the band’s debut full-length release, produced by Grammy award winning bluegrass and folk musician Laurie Lewis on her Spruce and Maple Music label.

Smart songwriting, heartfelt lyrics, tight rhythms, rich harmonies, and strong musicianship have earned American Nomad a reputation as a band that can intrigue listeners from a wide variety of musical tastes and backgrounds. El-Tayyab, a descendant of Nomadic Bedouins and European immigrants who grew up in the East Coast and Parkerson, a native of Alaska, both came to California on their own personal journeys and began collaborating in 2011. The group has received numerous  accolades including: best vocal performance in the 2013 Berkeley Old Time Music Competition, as a finalist in the 2011 International songwriting competition, and were recognized in the 2011 Rocky Mountain Folk Festival Songwriter Competition.

El-Tayyab (guitar, lead vocals) and Parkerson (guitar, lead vocals) are joined by a host of first class musicians; Ryan Lukas (stand up bass, harmony vocals – The Brothers Comatose), Mikiya Matsuda (pedal steel, dobro), Mike Daillak (drums), Matt Crimp (violin), Tristan Clarridge (violin, cello – Crooked Still, The Bee Eaters), Patrick Sauber (banjo – Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands), Laurie Lewis (guitar), Spencer Jarret (Harmonica – Otis Rush, Big Mama Thorton) and Kathy Kallick (harmony vocals –Grammy/IBMA winner). The release was recorded at Bird and Egg Studio, engineered by Nino Moschella and mastered by Ken Lee Mastering.

Country Mile features eleven originals and two covers; “Hallelujah” written by Martha Scanlan and Ray Lamontagne’s “Big Boned Woman.”  Country Mile, the haunting title track, serves as the conceptual thread through the whole record. The phrase “country mile” symbolizes a traveler’s long, unknown journey away from home, overcoming hardships and obstacles along the way and, finally, the emancipation of the spirit as the protagonist takes off on his own path. The longing for love, overcoming heartbreak, and taking emotional risks on life's journey are also explored Parkerson’s tune “New Heights” and El-Tayyab’s ”Legions of War.” American Nomad’s album explores the vulnerabilities exposed during the traveler’s journey and what is ultimately discovered within. These modern-day troubadours are tramping the sometimes dark and dangerous highways and byways of the human soul, and sharing their tales of the road in poetry and song.

American Nomad’s crystalline harmonies, rich storytelling, and heartfelt song-craft inspired producer Laurie Lewis to collaborate on their album: “The blend of Hassan’s and Shiloh’s voices makes my toes curl and my hair stand on end in a most delicious way. When they approached me about producing their album, I jumped at the chance to work closely with these two unique singers and their uncommonly good songs.”

1849

Country Mile

Love of My Life Tonight

Big Boned Woman

Legions of War

With Grace

Be Here Now

In the Folds:

In the folds is a 9 song album featuring Hassan El-Tayyab on guitar and vocals, Dana Saltzman on Piano, and Gabriella Welch on harmony vocals. The styles explored on this CD feature folk and pop soul with a modern feel. This recording is Hassan's first solo album and features songs about love, loss, redemption, and following your heart.

Wish You Well

Burned By Fire

Knew Your Name

Just To Keep You Warm

Let It Ride

Five Rooms

In The Folds

You Don't Need Money (To Have A Good Time)

If It Looks Like It Feels

This song was honored as a finalist in the 2011 International Songwriting Competition. Temple Sunrise is the title track for American Nomad's debut album. Their music draws from American roots traditions but remains original through compelling song writing, strong musicianship and authentic life experience.

Temple Sunrise EP

Temple Sunrise

American Nomad

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