REXBURG—Easy Chair, a progressive bluegrass and blues Americana trio is set to play a free concert in Driggs on June 5 from 6-8 p.m. This is the first concert in a series held by Driggs Downtown Association.
The frontman of Easy Chair, Michael Batdorf, is a known musician in the Teton Valley. Originally from Ohio, he says he moved to Idaho because “the western landscape spoke” to him. He has always loved music, but his interest has only grown in his professional musicianship.
“[Playing music] feels like this is what I'm supposed to do on this earth, like it just feels like such a natural response,” Batdorf said.
Easy Chair is a trio of talented and experienced musicians. Batdorf is a songwriter and guitarist. Tom Murphy plays mandolin and is a local legend in both Teton Valley and Montana, where he played with the Hooligans. Ted Wells plays banjo and petal steel. Batdorf calls him a “monster influence” on the musicians in Jackson Hole. Wells played with Loose Ties; in 1986 it won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
“It's truly an honor to even play with these guys in this trio and have them play and paint on my songs,” Batdorf said.
Performing with these legends makes it easy for Batdorf to enjoy every song in the show. He says Murphy and Wells can match him in whatever song they play, whether it’s planned or improv.
“I think just stylistically having the versatility be matched by these players, it just lends such uniqueness to the songs,” Batdorf said.
Batdorf loves the musical expression of songwriting and performance for his own thoughts. He also loves the learning process of music and the roots of its form. He says as an artist his exposure has naturally influenced his own personal style.
One of the ways Batdorf says he continues to grow as a musician is by surrounding himself with the best musicians.
Batdorf currently plays in three bands: One Ton Pig, Brother Wolf and Easy Chair.
“The idea is just to give an outlet to any kind of songwriting that I may want or be inspired to do. It keeps things fresh and fun for me,” Batdorf said.
This December marks 20 years with his house band, One Ton Pig. They play at the Silver Dollar Bar in Jackson Hole almost every Tuesday from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Brother Wolf is a blues and rock band; they play on Wednesdays at the Melvin Brewery in Alpine, Wyoming from 6 to 8 p.m.
Easy Chair plays in Driggs Plaza on June 5 from 6-8 p.m. Easy Chair will also play in Victor on July 16 on Main St.
To learn more about Batdorf’s music go to michaelgbatdorf.com or follow him on social media at Michael Batdorf Music.