“Singer/songwriter Ramblin’ Deano’s new album, “Pills, Puppies, and Bacon” demonstrates what happens when bluegrass flare and punk rock ideology combine....political aggression, as well as commentary on the state of the world and our reliance on technology, and a bit of humor as well. If you have a fondness for Americana, this album is a must-listen.” - Alan Hallas
“The songs of Ramblin’ Deano are protest tunes played out via aggressive folk music and intelligent blasts of acoustic punk. It’s fitting, coming from a founding member of the Chicago insurgent country band Waco Brothers, a group of barroom misfits with rowdy musical prowess.” - Bryant Liggett
“For the eleven songs on his new digital album, he re-envisions himself as “Ramblin’ Deano,” a hard-traveling troubadour in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, and the pre-electric Dylan, brilliantly using the concept to present bare-bones topical songs about the Trump era that sound like they come straight from the early 60s, making it clear that the more things change, the more they stay the same.” - Ron Ehmke
A BRIEF BIO:
Dean Schlabowske's music career spans 30+ years, most notibly as a co-founder, songwriter, singer, and guitarist for the Waco Brothers. Formed in 1994, the Wacos' "Cash Meets Clash" style has become something of an alt-country touchstone, played out on more than a dozen releases for Chicago's Bloodshot records. The live shows are legendary, and the records have recieved plaudits from the likes of Robert Christgau, Greil Marcus, and many more.
Dean is also involved in many side projects, the most recent being solo and group recordings of folk/protest songs as "Ramblin' Deano". There is also the collaboration with a rowdy group of Austin, Texas notables, Ice Cold Singles. In 2004 and 2007, Bloodshot released two albums from another side-project, Dollar Store. Dean continues to write, record, and tour, both with the Waco Brothers and musician friends from around the US and in Canada.
Press Photos
Deano & Bisquit, preparing for a pandemic basement livestream
America's Favorite Folksinger
Photo Credit: Mike Dunn