The Smoke Eaters Band

Diamond Dave Russell

Fronting the band on guitar and vocals for the past ten years, Diamond Dave has spent his career honing his chops with several Canadian musical institutions. He’s been a longstanding stand-up bass player with Washboard Hank’s road bands (The Wringers, the Gravestone Lickers, and more) as they toured “Canada, the States, and parts unknown.” From 2005-2008, he crossed Canada on tours with The County Boys (alongside Benj Rowland and Chris Culgin). Closer to home, he’s been a part of a few Peterborough mainstays (alongside Dave McQuarrie) in the Zen Again and The Vortexans.

Bashing out hard-luck tunes with The Smoke Eaters, Dave pleads innocent: “I’m not a songwriter. I’m just a guy who wrote a few songs.”

Benj Rowland (Bass)

Making a name for himself as a banjo-wielding, accordion-playing multi-instrumentalist, in previous lives, Benj was part The Mayhemmingways, releasing music, touring Canada, and collaborating with the likes of Joel Plaskett. He also toured extensively with The County Boys.

Matthew Fines (Pedal Steel)

Making his mark in both Canada and Nashville, Matthew has been both a sought-after session player and a well-respected touring sideman.

Matt Greco

One of the hardest working drummers in the business, Matt Greco is a staple of both the Peterborough and Toronto music scenes, working with countless artists on stage, record, and tour. You can currently find him in the pockets of Evangeline Gentle, Nicholas Campbell, Jesse Whitely, as well as any number of artists playing the Cameron House.

Sean Conway (Lead Guitar/Vocals)

Equally comfortable leading a band and performing his own songs as playing alongside others, Sean is a well-respected recording and touring musician in his own right, making his name with The Post-Modern Cowboys and playing alongside Diamond Dave and Washboard Hank as one of the Wringers.

Jake Walton

Jumping in with the Smoke Eaters for many of their current gigs, Jake shows versatility on guitar and bass. In the 90s, you would have found Jake gigging around Toronto with Mourning Grey and sitting in at Grossman’s Tavern with the likes of Jeff Healey, Michael Keith and Mike Macdonald. He’s played with the legendary Willie P. Bennett and recently lined up alongside The Currie Brother’s and the Hip’s Johnny Fay.