Drawing on rock, folk, and jazz, Genghis Angus was formed in Waterford, VA, where the bandmembers shared a cabin and worked part-time as cowboys between gigs and rehearsals. Led by singer/guitarist Allen Kitselman, the band, which includes guitarist Gary Smallwood and drummer Jim Ball, chose the name Genghis Angus because, with the proper local accent, the words have a rhyming quality. Their first release, Echo Park, was released in 1995 and garnered the act positive notices. Dust of Progress, a five-song mini-LP, followed in 1997 with the song "Teaching Her" earning some regional attention due to its inclusion on a Washington, D.C. compilation. With John Mellencamp guitarist Mike Wanchic assisting with production, they issued 12 Days in 1998. ~ Tom Demalon, Rovi