Roots-rock combo the Freewheelers formed in Los Angeles in 1989, settling on a lineup of singer/guitarist Luther Russell, bassist Jason Hiller, pianist Chris Joyner, keyboardist Dave Sobel, and drummer John Hofer prior to recording their self-titled 1991 Geffen label debut. Despite good reviews, the album failed to make much commercial impact, and only in 1996 did the band resurface, minus Sobel, with the American Records release Waitin' for George (so titled in honor of producer George Drakoulias). In the wake of continued public indifference, the Freewheelers soon disbanded; Russell then mounted a solo career with 1997's Low Down World and Other Songs before reuniting with Hiller and forming a new band, Federale. ~ Jason Ankeny