Tallent Brothers playing their American roots rock from coast to coast

The two-man team of brothers Rocky and Brandon Tallent combine to make up The Tallent Brothers. Originally from Bollinger County, Missouri, between Patton and Marquand, where they grew up on a cattle farm, the pair are touring to share their musical gift and enthusiasm with audiences throughout the country. They entertain crowds with a style similar to that of American roots rock.

The Tallent Brothers released their "Back on the Old Stuff" album in 2015.Photo submitted by The Tallent Brothers

Brandon and Rocky have been playing instruments and singing together since they were young children.

"We both sing and play multiple instruments," Brandon said. "In the full band electrified setting, my brother, Rocky, has been playing drums, and I have been playing mainly slide guitar."

They took their show on the road full time in 2014 as the backup band of an aging country music artist, but they quit several months later when an opportunity opened for them to set out on their own tour.

Now, the roles have been reversed, and the Tallent Brothers have talented musicians joining them and adding to their sound.

"Lately, we have been joined by a band consisting of Evan Farris (piano), Jakob Baxter (guitar), Ken Keller (bass) and Stan Denninger (organ)," Brandon said.

Brandon TallentPhoto submitted by The Tallent Brothers

While the brothers are advancing their own music, they are not without the influence of others.

"We have a wide range of influences that we seek to incorporate and honor in our own original compositions and performances ... Muddy, Howlin' Wolf, all the old Delta stuff," Brandon said, adding, "Allmans, The Dead, songwriters like Billy Joe Shaver, Townes Van Zandt, Dylan ... [and], of course, our old pal Levon Helm, [whom] we were fortunate to get to know and call a friend."

Relative newcomers to professional music, Brandon and Rocky already have one full-length album, titled "Back on the Old Stuff," released in 2015, and a self-titled EP.

With success comes challenges, however, and Brandon acknowledged he and Rocky face their share. Being in the industry itself is a challenge, he said, summing it up by saying the primary challenge is "trying to feed five guys and a drummer and get to the next town ... the usual."

Rocky TallentPhoto submitted by The Tallent Brothers

Brandon spoke of their accomplishments and joys as well.

"Our greatest accomplishment has been our touring and in the many wonderful places and people we have come to know along the way," he said. "It also felt great putting out a record we are proud of."

Though the two are traveling to various states, they have not forgotten their humble roots. They will perform at Burger Fest on March 12 in Perryville, Missouri, which is a local "guy's birthday party."

As for the future, Brandon said, "We're doing a few shows that are on our schedule. Then we are planning to take some time to live and write new music."

Explaining what fans should expect when The Tallent Brothers perform, Brandon said, "While that tends to vary depending upon the night, hopefully they can consistently expect to hear slightly above-average musicians playing mediocre songs that come from real places."

To follow The Tallent Brothers' touring schedule and learn more about the group, visit www.tallentbrothers.com.