Consolation Champ - Invitational

Consolation Champ's debut album, "The Invitational," is a self-produced eight-song effort and features songs such as "She's Such a Fox," "Checkout Girl," and "Tomorrow's the Start." It was recorded in Northeast Minneapolis during the summer of 2006 and independently released on September 22, 2006. The band celebrated by playing to a packed house that night at the Fine Line Music Café in downtown Minneapolis. CC is a comfortable three-piece rock suit from Minneapolis that is a stylish choice for all seasons and a variety of occasions. Singer-songwriter John Richards is the vest; his lasting hooks and lyrics are the underlying garment of the group. Matt Mitchell's smooth bass work is comparable to a nice pair of slacks. Rick Nordquist's drumming and soaring harmonies are the coat that puts the finishing touches on a rock n roll getup that's cutting-edge yet classic, folky yet fiery'n'funky. Wherever you're coming from, wherever you're going to, you'll feel like a couple million bucks as soon as you put on Consolation Champ. One size fits all. This trio's been playing together for about two years, primarily at Twin Cities clubs such as the Fine Line Music Café, the 400 Bar and the Cabooze. They released their first full-band album, 'The Invitational,' in September 2006 and are currently hitting the road to explore clubs and colleges throughout the midwest and beyond. Along with the full-band gigs, John Richards has been performing solo for more than four years in both the U.S. and U.K. He released a self-titled solo album in July of 2004, and he continues to play solo acoustic shows regularly. In addition to his work with CC, versatile bassist Matt Mitchell also plays with Twin Cities indie quartet The Exchange. Gaining confidence and fans with each live show, Consolation Champ is simply having a tremendous time making music.

1) She's Such a Fox
2) Texas
3) Race Car in the Shop
4) Short Sweet Messages
5) The Blues ; Basil McRae
6) Checkout Girl
7) Tomorrow's the Start
8) Wonderful Unknown