Musical diversity isn't a problem for Prairie Oyster, said lead singer/guitarist Russell deCarle.
"All of us were raised during a time when radio wasn't so formatted," deCarle said during a phone call from the band's base in Toronto, Canada. "Our influences range from everything by way of the Beatles, New Orleans rhythm and blues, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and old bluegrass string bands."The eclectic country feel of Prairie Oyster - consisting of deCarle, pedal-steel guitarist Dennis Delorme, guitarist Keith Glass, keyboardist Joan Besen, fiddle/mandolin player John P. Allen and drummer Bohdan Hluszko - will hit the Westerner on Tuesday, May 6. Doors open at 7 p.m.
"We were lucky that we had a chance to hear all those different styles," deCarle said. "That way we don't `ghettoize' ourselves into a rut. The music we play, although it falls under the umbrella of country music, is fresh and exciting."
Glass, Delorme and deCarle formed Prairie Oyster in 1975 and played gigs around Canada and the United States. After a five-year hiatus, the band reformed in in 1983 and added Besen and Allen. The only position the band kept filling was the drummer. John Adams, who was the original drummer, was replaced by Bruce Moffett in 1986. Moffett was subsequently replaced by Hluszko early last year.
"The band's lineup hasn't changed very much these last 15 years," deCarle said. "So we've gotten to know each other well and have a collective sense of direction.
"From the time we reformed to now, we've picked up quite a few fans," deCarle said. "And our listeners are the type who like the eclecticism. They like the different things we do. And we enjoy those things, too. Nobody knows our audience as much as we do."
Prairie Oyster's new album, "Blue Plate Special," continues the band's tradition of combining roots country with other styles.
"It's one of the best albums we've done," deCarle said. "That's because we really had our hands on the project. We were involved in everything. The reason for our deep involvement is the record company (Velvel). They liked the music even before we had the deal. So there wasn't any company intervention. They liked us as we were. So this album was a joy to make."