Salamander Tales is a band that has had both a well defined sound and many faces over the years, each bringing their own feel for the music with the consistent writing of guitarist John Shipley. The band was formed in 1994 with the coming together of John Shipley {writer/guitarist}, Cynitha Osborn {lead vocals/guitar}, and Tracy Hase {drums}. They hit the club seen and became a Atlanta hit, as well as weekend regulars at The Star Bar, The Point, Dark Horse, Variety Play House, The Georgia Theater in Athens as well as other local watering holes festivals and just plain holes. Soon after Reid Smith joined the band as the bassist. Tracy who became ill with cancer and was unable to play. {he has sence fully recovered} Zack Holback of Long Flat Red came in to help out and stayed with the band for about a year. He was replaced by John Pompe and at about the same time Reid was replaced by Scott Shipley {no relation to John Shipley} A year and half latter John Pompe left to become a Psychologist {he never claimed to be driven to that by his time in the band} John P. was replaced first by James then by John Foster. That line up went on to play many shows including SXSW. John Foster and Scott Shipley were replaced by Keith Clegg {Bass} and Jonnie Furgeson {Drums} Around 1999 Cynthia packed it in and was replaced by Nan LaSalle {on lead vocals and as a writer}, about the same time Jonnie was replaced on Drums by David Ortegia. That line up went on to play the NXNE show case in Toronto Canada. A year later David was replaced on drums by by Mike Harty who oddly enough had auditioned for the band years earlier with John Pompe. That line up went on to play out but time had taken it's toll. After years of being regulars in the local club seen, opening up for, or sharing venues with Steely Dan, Sarah McLaughlin, Jesus And Mary Chain, The Chieftains, Once Blue, Mazy Star, Man Or Astro Man, and others. The Tales need a break.... Keith and Mike left....... Nan and John took a leave of absence but returned as a Duo {still The Tales} to write record and post new songs on the net................