The Howlin’ Brothers are coming to raise the roof at Johnny D’s, and you’re invited to come see it happen.

By Jim Clark

In a culture driven by genre defining obsessiveness, it comes as an invigorating blast of fresh air when something genuinely unique presents itself for public consumption. So it goes with the genre-defying musical group The Howlin’ Brothers, set to perform at Johnny D’s this coming Friday.

Best described as roots Americana, tinged with Dixieland, and peppered by boot stomping Bluegrass, these brothers take the whole bowl of gumbo and splatter the ceiling with their high-energy musical antics. To call a Howlin’ Brothers performance “fun” is a big understatement. One comes away from the experience as energized as the performers themselves, and that says a lot for their ability to bring a crowd to life.

Now based in Nashville, TN, the three individual members of the group – not actually brothers, in spite of the group’s name – grew up in such diverse locales as Homer, NY (Ian Craft – vocals, banjo, mandolin, fiddle), Bayfield, WI (Jared Green – vocals, guitar, harmonica), and near next-door neighbor Lexington, MA (Ben Plasse – vocals, upright bass, banjo).

The trio met up while attending Ithaca College in upstate NY. Each individual had their own musical interests, but they eventually found one another, began noodling around, and discovered a special musical chemistry working together that ultimately transformed into the present neo-folk powerhouse that is The Howlin’ Brothers.

“We realized that acoustic music was what we loved the best,” says Craft. “We just had so much fun doin’ it.” And the fun was shared by audiences who watched as they developed their act, took it to Nashville, and began carving out a niche for themselves in the heart of Music City.

After putting out a short string of self-released albums, their current major release, appropriately entitled Howl, is putting them firmly on the map as musical forces to be reckoned with. Produced by Brendan Benson, of The Raconteurs, Howl is a showcase for their bombastic style and expert musicianship.

“The Howlin’ Brothers live the life they sing about in their songs,” says Benson. “They are authentic and the real deal through and through. On top of that, they are the hardest-working musicians I’ve come across. They play their instruments every waking moment and are truly possessed by music.”

Other industry big-timers heartily concur. According to Warren Haynes, of Gov’t Mule, “They are content to not worry with the current contemporary music scene and just build their own.”

Mike Scott, of The Waterboys, puts it succinctly, “They’re good. Damn good.”

Somerville has a unique opportunity to catch these rising stars as they jet upwards towards whatever destiny awaits them. And the chances are good that a great time will be had by all along the way.

The Howlin’ Brothers: Friday, September 27, 7:30 p.m., at Johnny D’s, 17 Holland St., Somerville.