Minibar

Although hailing from the U.K., Minibar operates as a quartet whose cosmopolitan roots rock echoes the Wallflowers and Counting Crows while remaining distinctly American in character. The band therefore moved its base to California in 1999.

Simon Petty launched the ensemble that evolved into Minibar during 1994, beginning as a trio that performed cover material ranging from “American Pie” to Dylan’s complete Blood on the Tracks inside a Tex-Mex restaurant in Soho, London. Guitarist Tim Walker became the first of the present lineup when he joined in 1995; bassist Sid Jordan followed in 1996, and drummer Malcolm Cross completed the group in 1998. Universal Records issued the quartet’s debut album, Road Movies, in 2001; T-Bone Burnett produced the 11-song collection, which showcases principal writer and singer Petty’s hook-laden, poppy compositions framed by smooth three-part harmonies and an Americana atmosphere.