Life gets a little easier for evolving Ruff Creek

The founder of the band, a Pittsburgh native, is happy with the 'No Regrets' CD.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
When Devon Johnson was growing up in Pittsburgh, his home was filled with music that would inevitably influence him for life.
Musically speaking, country acts such as Garth Brooks, Alabama, Willie Nelson and George Strait could be heard alongside rock bands Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Journey, while Motown's Smokey Robinson rounded out his edification. Today, the music of his youth is what fuels the jambalaya of sounds that defines his up-and-coming band Ruff Creek.
"I would consider us alternative country," Johnson said. "It fits along with the mainstream country but it could very easily cross over."
Formed by Johnson a decade ago, the band has featured more lineup changes than costume changes at a Shania Twain concert, but the singer/guitarist was never worried.
Not only did he believe in himself but he understood any chance at stardom would require an equally focused and talented supporting cast.
Thankfully for Johnson, the band started coming together the last couple of years with the synergy manifesting itself in the group's second full-length album, "No Regrets," which was released last October. Not only did the CD receive critical praise but record labels started sniffing around the Ruff Creek camp. Johnson said Warner Bros. Records Nashville is currently showing interest.
Happy with results
As the album's name indicates, Johnson has no regrets regarding Ruff Creek's latest effort.
"There's a song called 'Bet He Didn't Say That' on the album that is our first single," Johnson said. "It's doing really well. People come up to me on a daily basis and tell me how much they love that song. I'd say it's got a little bit of the Fleetwood Mac feel to it. It's not slow, not fast, kind of in the middle with a unique sound. People just really seem to like the way it comes across."
Other notable album tunes include the upbeat title track "On Your Headstone," which Johnson said is the type of song that empowers people to do something with their life.
What Johnson and Ruff Creek have been doing with their lives lately is playing one concert after another. Averaging roughly 200 shows a year, the act has even opened for major country stars in the Pittsburgh area. The list includes Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt and Dwight Yoakum. Oddly enough, the sextet has never come through Youngstown; however, that changes when Ruff Creek opens for Lonestar on Friday at the Chevrolet Centre.
"People should get there early and expect to see lots of energy and a ton of really good original music," Johnson said. "Our show is really unique and people seem to really like the style that we do."
With the momentum behind Ruff Creek, perhaps this opener today will be a headliner tomorrow at the Chevrolet Centre.
Said Johnson with a laugh, "That's the hope."