Biography
Since the latter part of the 1970s, Eric "Roscoe" Ambel has established himself as a prominent figure in roots rock through his intense guitar playing, clever yet fervent songcraft, and direct commitment to the music both as a supporting player and behind the boards. Born in Batavia, IL, he first immersed himself in music while attending the University of Wyoming. Drawn to unadorned rock and largely unmoved by disco or polished mainstream acts, he experienced a turning point in 1978 after catching a Ramones/Dictators double bill; soon afterward he linked up with three fellow enthusiasts to launch the punk outfit the Dirty Dogs. The group issued the self-released single "Sorority Girl"/"Eric's Move" and played regularly across Wyoming and Colorado before adopting the name the Accelerators and heading to Los Angeles in 1979. Though they made little headway in California, Ambel landed a spot with Joan Jett as she assembled a new group following the Runaways' dissolution. He performed and recorded with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts through 1981, at which point he relocated to New York and teamed with ex-Dictators guitarist Scott "Top Ten" Kempner to create the Del Lords. Enjoying regional popularity on the East Coast and earning critical favor, the Del Lords issued four studio albums plus a live recording between 1984 and 1990, after which Ambel departed shortly before the band disbanded. During a 1988 hiatus from the Del Lords, Ambel recorded his debut solo effort under the name of the loose ensemble he assembled for intimate club sessions, Roscoe's Gang, which included contributions from Syd Straw, Peter Holsapple, and Skid Roper. He followed with a second Roscoe's Gang album in 1994, the brooding yet forceful Loud & Lonesome. While shaping that record, Ambel began writing songs with Dan Baird (formerly of Georgia Satellites) and Terry Anderson; completed by Keith Christopher, the foursome became the Yayhoos. After serving as Baird's touring band for a stretch, they placed several tracks on compilations and soundtracks, yet widespread label indifference delayed their full-length debut until Bloodshot Records released Fear Not the Obvious in 2001. That same year Ambel joined Steve Earle's backing unit the Dukes on guitar, and following tours behind Transcendental Blues he appeared on Jerusalem and Just an American Boy. Beginning in 1990, Ambel channeled his longstanding interest in recording by producing singles for Brooklyn's "rig rock" imprint Diesel Only Records. His straightforward, artist-centered method resonated with roots-oriented performers, leading him to helm sessions for the Bottle Rockets, Nils Lofgren, the Blood Oranges, Blue Mountain, the Backsliders, Freedy Johnston, and numerous others. In 1999 he established his own 24-track facility in Brooklyn, Cowboy Technical Services, and in quieter moments he curates the jukebox at Lakeside Lounge, the bar and performance space he co-owns in New York's East Village. The venue also inspired the Lakeside record label he inaugurated in 2004 by reissuing the pair of Roscoe's Gang albums along with the odds-and-ends collection Knucklehead. Ambel rejoined the Del Lords in 2013 for the album Elvis Club and the band toured the United States and Europe in its support. Amid his ongoing production work and sideman obligations, Ambel waited until 2016 to complete a fresh solo album, Lakeside, helmed by Jimbo Mathus.
Albums
