bois d'arc (b'O-"dark) n. 1. An ornamental, usually thorny, hard wood American tree. 2. Country/Rock band from North Texas playing hard country music.

In the small North Texas German town of Muenster about 80 miles north of Dallas in a small, rundown shack, The Bois d'Arcs get together each week to hone their craft into what they call an alt-country, roots rock, Americana or whatever the newest name for it may be, band. The sound is basic but very infectious.

For their much anticipated first release, Horseapple Pie & Lemonade, the band went into the studio with the mind-set of not overproducing, much like what other bands of their genre are doing. Without fiddle or steel guitar, some may say it's not what they call "country music", but with a sound that combines blues, rock, honky-tonk and bluegrass, it is purely Texas.

All the songs on Horseapple Pie & Lemonade were written by Shayne Wimmer, lead vocalist and rhythm guitar. It's hard to describe his stylings because they vary so immensely. Growing up on Willie, Waylon, & David Allan Coe, as the first cut One of These Days explains, along with his years in a rock band, seem to have shaped his music.

In their short time together, The Bois d'Arcs have developed a following of their hometown fans, as expected, but they have also branched out into other areas of the state by playing various nightclubs in Texas and Oklahoma. They have played at several outdoor festivals. They have shared the stage with the likes of Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jack Ingram, Pat Green, Bruce & Charlie Robison, Jerry Jeff Walker, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland, and others.

The Bois d'Arcs have consisted of many members over the years, but they have finally found the right combination of musicians to complete their sound. The five members are: Shayne Wimmer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ian Desmuke (percussion, backing vocals), Chris Jessen (lead guitar), Joe Rickwa (bass guitar) and John Frederick (keyboard, harmonica, backing vocals) . 

Each member has spent their share of time in mostly rock and blues bands. Shayne, the founding member of the band, spent many years in rock bands before switching to the music he grew up on. Ian was tutored by Mitch Marine, who spent time with Dwight Yoakam. Joe, John and Chris have played in many bands throughout the years.  .

Together they have found a sound that is totally their own. And as long as they have an audience, whether 1 or 10,000, they will continue to spread their brand of Texas Music.