Biography
Following a vexing stretch of development deals, demo sessions, and a single overlooked release during the 1990s—namely the 1996 album Snacks on Plump Records—indie rock singer/songwriter Sam Bisbee chose to direct his own path forward. He assembled skilled musicians such as Charlie Drayton, whose credits include the B-52's and Keith Richards, Peter Adams, previously associated with Tracy Bonham and Juliana Hatfield, and guitarist/recording artist John Wolfington. Bisbee then booked time at Philip Glass' Looking Glass studios to produce his album on his own terms. The outcome was the 2001 release Vehicle, a blend of melodic guitar pop, drum loops, samples, and Bisbee's charming, intelligent songcraft that featured guest vocals by Leona Naess on its energetic opening track "Miracle Car." After issuing the live recording Live at Arlene Grocery in 2002, he settled into a steady rhythm of new material every two years, delivering High in 2004, Oxygen in 2006, and Son of a Math Teacher in 2008.