Folk-string band from Upper Alabama/Lower Appalachia creating a Frankenstein's monster of American roots music
"I can hear (Poor Rover) on a CW show soundtrack. Like Dawson Creek."
- Some rando on SubmitHub
Listen to 'Cup of Tea' now!
About Us
Born & raised in upper Alabama, Poor Rover is a folk-grass trio working to create a Frankenstein's monster of American roots music. Using the bones of bluegrass, the flesh of country folk, and the dynamism of 90's alternative music, Poor Rover is not content to just be a folk band but strives to create a unique blend of their varied influences. Starting shortly before his second kid was born, Zeb Worlund (guitar & vocals) felt a spark around writing and recording his songs. In the post-COVID music boom, he took these songs to Frank Garcia, AKA Winslow Davis (mandolin, violin, & vocals) and together with Ryan Ayers (bass & electric guitar), they decided to shift from doing pop-jazz instrumental covers to the much less profitable avenue of original acoustic roots music. They strive to find ways to combine their varied influences in refreshing ways to craft toe-tappin', unique & story-driven music that matches the diverse patchwork quilt that is American music.Poor Rover decided from the beginning they wanted to focus on writing and performing original music. Drawing inspiration from Nickel Creek, as well as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Frank Garcia, aka Winslow Davis (mandolin, violin, vocals), Zeb Worlund (acoustic guitar, vocals) started working on originals in 2021 and quickly found songs that they felt needed to be played and given life. Ryan Ayers (bass guitar, electric guitar) was soon added to fill out their raw, roots music sound. Their music quickly resonated with people as they began to play in local festivals around Huntsville (Panoply, Concerts In The Park, Blast Music Showcase), supporting such great local acts as Smorgasbord. Kam Jones, The Dirty Rain Revelers, Mulan Throneberry, and Carly Little proving that their sound can shift to complement a variety of genres and settings.In 2023, Poor Rover was selected as a featured artist by the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library music platform, Blast. Blast was created to showcase artists in the Tennessee Valley and to support local music.Their latest release, 'Cup of Tea,' is the first in a series of DIY recordings made 'Upstairs' by the band. This is their first attempt to take full creative control over their sound, image, and destiny. Soon to be remembered as the second-best song about pine trees in Alabama, 'Cup of Tea' is a song focusing on inevitable things like new love and Longleaf Pine trees. Poor Rover is planning on continuing to release more music this year, alongside playing more live shows in 2026.
