Biography
Though not especially familiar beyond the Rocky Mountain area, Colorado's Runaway Express has nevertheless released numerous albums across its history, compiled a catalog of 1,200 songs, and served as backing band for such acclaimed figures as Chuck Berry, the "Ragin' Cajun" Doug Kershaw, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band members John McEuen and Jimmy Ibbotson. Longtime leaders singer/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Jim Ratts and singer Salli Ratts continue to front the group, whose present lineup also includes Scott Bennett on guitar, Chris Stongle on percussion, Ted Cole on flute, sax, and vocals, Dr. Daniel Jones on pedal steel, and Ernie Martinez on banjo. Live shows interweave original material with generous selections of rock and roll and folk covers from the '50s and '60s, while onstage guests have included David Bromberg, Michael Martin Murphey, the Kingston Trio, and John Prine. The '90s brought forth albums such as Port of Mystery, Tilt A World, From the Archives, and the Buddy Holly tribute Yeah, Buddy!, during which time the band collected several local awards recognizing its accomplishments. Outside his Runaway Express commitments, Jim Ratts has written songs for the Limeliters, the Kingston Trio, and the Dillards, and has performed intermittently with the side project the Wild Jimbos, whose releases encompass a self-titled debut and Wild Jimbos II. Salli Ratts has additionally issued the solo album Now & Then.
Albums
