The Probables hail from the rolling hills of western NY, where their distinctive “Folkana-Roots-Rock” brand of Americana music was born in 2016. Since that time, they have built a devoted, multi-demographic fanbase deriving from the strength of their fiery live performances. Formed initially as a string band fronted by veteran performer and songwriter Steve Johnson, the band’s sound has since expanded to include a powerhouse rhythm section consisting of drummer Jeff Tripoli and electric bassist Jassen Wilber. Rounding out the lineup is mandolin maestro and vocalist Adam Mckillip, and multi-instrumentalist Matt Gronquist on fiddle, electric guitar and Hammond Organ. The result is a multi-faceted soundscape infused with elements of Folk, Rock, Reggae, Bluegrass, and Funk, with Johnson’s introspective and infectious songwriting serving as the unifying element. The band has recorded four studio albums to-date.
The group’s distinctive name was the result of an early exchange involving the Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY. Hoping to make a debut at the annual festival, but having not yet chosen a name, the festival organizer said, "l'll probably book you, so I guess we should just call you The Probables’.” The rest is history...
The Probables have shared the stage with The Wailers, Langhorne Slim, and 10,000 Maniacs, to name a few.
The Probables:
Steve Johnson - Lead Singer/Acoustic Guitar
Matt Gronquist - Fiddle/Guitar/Keyboards/Vocals
Adam McKillip - Mandolin/Guitar/Vocals
Jassen Wilber - Bass
Jeff Tripoli - Drums
“So much great music comes from the great state of New York that it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes to wade through all the new releases. The Probables broke though the stack for me and made an impression with their new EP, “The Home.” They call it Folkgrass and I tend to agree. Songwriter and singer Steve Johnson gives us some great folk lyrics but I think it’s Matt Gronquist on Accordion, Fiddle, and Mandolin who crosses it over into that wonder blend of Bluegrass and Folk that makes this band an instant fave. The songs "Home" and & "Homeward Bound" were instant standouts for me and should be added to any Bluegrass or Folk radio rotation.”
Angela Miakoda - Roots Music Repor