Biography
The Lonesome Strangers emerged amid the surge of roots-oriented music that swept through Southern California throughout the 1980s. Their vocal blends called to mind sibling acts such as the Delmore Brothers and the Everly Brothers, although founders Randy Weeks and Jeff Rymes shared no family ties. Weeks, originally from Minnesota, and Rymes, a Colorado native, launched the group in Los Angeles during 1984, with some recollections placing the start as far back as 1982. Bassist Nino Del Pesco and former Wall of Voodoo drummer Joe Nanini completed the first lineup. The quartet fused tight harmonies with a mix of classic country and roots rock, gigging steadily on the local club circuit until producer Pete Anderson, later known for his work with Dwight Yoakam, took notice. Anderson placed their track “Lonesome Pine” on the 1985 anthology A Town South of Bakersfield, an early showcase that also spotlighted Yoakam, Rosie Flores, James Intveld, and other artists tied to the revitalized Los Angeles and Bakersfield scenes. He then helmed the band’s self-titled debut for the independent Wrestler imprint, which earned favorable notices. Nanini exited once recording wrapped but prior to release, so Mike McLean appeared in the album artwork despite not having performed on the sessions. The Lonesome Strangers supported Yoakam and Dave Alvin on the road, after which Del Pesco departed to establish Snakefarm alongside Barry McBride and was succeeded by Lorne Rall. Weeks and Rymes contributed backing vocals to Yoakam’s well-received 1988 album Buenos Noches From a Lonely Room. The group then signed with the larger HighTone label and delivered a second, self-titled record in 1989 that again drew strong praise. Activity ceased when Rymes relocated eastward in the early 1990s. His eventual return to Los Angeles prompted a reunion with Weeks and led to the 1997 release Land of Opportunity on Anderson’s Little Dog label, co-produced by Anderson and Dusty Wakeman. Wakeman handled bass duties on the sessions, which also featured drummer Jim Christie and keyboardist Skip Edwards. Jeff Roberts later joined as the road bassist, while the drum position passed first to ex-Plowboy Kenny Griffin and subsequently to Greg Perry.
Albums