Trick Pony

Trick Pony emerged as a contemporary country trio whose sound leaned heavily on 1970s outlaw country and country-rock influences. Guitarist Keith Burns and bassist Ira Dean launched the band in 1996 after five years of acquaintance, during which Burns worked as a sideman for Joe Diffie and Dean performed the same role for Tanya Tucker. They opted for a two-man, one-woman lineup with shared lead vocals, and Burns’ then-wife identified California-born singer, guitarist, and harmonica player Heidi Newfield as an ideal match; she joined promptly. The group refined its style over several years on the Southern club circuit while steadily adding more original songs to its repertoire. A Warner Brothers contract arrived in 2000, leading to the release of the self-titled debut album the next year. Lead single “Pour Me” fell just short of the country Top Ten, follow-up “On a Night Like This” reached the Top Five, and third single “Just What I Do” again came close to the Top Ten. The album earned gold certification within twelve months of issue. On a Mission appeared in 2002, its title track peaking inside the Top 20, and R.I.D.E. followed in 2005. Singer/songwriter Aubrey Collins became a member in 2007.