The Probables are a feel-good, folk-grass band from the rolling hills of western New York. The band formed in March of 2016 and hit the ground running by releasing their first EP in July of the same year. Their dedication and passion for the music can be heard from deep within their original songs that are only one part of their repertoire. With traditional bluegrass and rock -n- roll roots, the group’s goal is to fuse Folk, Bluegrass, and Roots-Rock music to deliver a unique soul reaching sound to their listeners.

The Probables consist of 4 members but often play as a fiver man band or even a duo. Steve Johnson, lead singer, is the former front man of Big Leg Emma. Tom Hodges, the former lead guitar player from Big Leg Emma currently plays the mandolin and sings high harmonies, while Dylan Derby, formally of The Derbines is on stand-up Bass. Matt Gronquist, formerly of The Naked Apes, plays the accordion and fiddle while complimenting Steve and Tom's vocals in a beautiful three part harmony. .

The group’s distinctive name was decided upon during a booking exchange with the organizer of the annual Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY. The band had not yet chosen a name when they expressed interest in making a debut at the annual festival. The organizer of the festival, responded, "I'll probably book you, so I guess we should just call you 'The Probables”. The rest is history.


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 Folk grass and I tend to agree. Song writer and singer Steve Johnson gives us some great folk lyrics but I think Its Matt Gronquist on Accordion, Fiddle and Mandolin who crosses it over into that wonder blend of Bluegrass and Folk that makes this band a instant fave. The songs "I'm Home" and "Homeward Bound" were instant standouts for me and should be added to any Bluegrass or Folk radio rotation. Written by Angela Miakoda " Roots Music Report"