Rico Bell & the Snakehandlers

Alt-country/roots-rock singer-songwriter Rico Bell is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist (playing guitar, accordion, melodion, harmonica, and keyboards), as well as a compelling storyteller whose good-natured humor belies a darker worldview. Bell began recording for the Bloodshot label with 1996's The Return of Rico Bell; he followed it up with 1999's Dark Side of the Mersey, which featured his backing unit the Snakehandlers. ~ Steve Huey