Group formed in 1988 and began playing parties, events at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and later into local clubs. Their sound fused ska, jazz, reggae, hard rock and other elements. Early lineup featured David Davis (guitar), Landis McCord (drums, lead vocals), Brett Sharbaugh (bass), and Mitchell Valiant (lead vocals and assorted instruments). The original lineup frequently included saxophonist Ted Albano (Instant Siberia).
In 1989 they released 12” EP “Spit Fire Why?” Soon after record release Davis left and was replaced with Ben Watson. By early ‘90s group added a horn section consisting of Calvin Tullos (sax, percussion), Jeff Chiavarini (trombone ex-Ellis Woodward’s Lazy Boy Horns), and David Finnell (trumpet). The horns allowed the group to greatly expand their variety of sound.
The group performed at the large local clubs including Hammerjacks, Dulaney Inn (where they recorded most of their first live full-length album), Windsor Inn, Recher Theatre…
Barry Hampton (bass) left group in 1994 and went on to join Pornflakes. He was replaced with Jack Denning. Davis was replaced with Warren Boes (guitar, vocals). Boes, Denning, Hampton, and McCord were also all members of early ‘90s band Q.
The Senators horn section circa 2000 featuring John Partridge (sax ex-Pornflakes), Dave Finnell (trumpet), Craig Considine (trombone), and Jeff Bryce, also appeared on the Kelly Bell CD “…Ain’t What It Used to Be!”
The song “Wink” from their first vinyl single was included on the “Merkin Seedy Sampler” (Merkin Records 305). A live version of “Race Car” was included on the 1997 Baltimore compilation “Adventures in Mobtown” (Kwality 74202). “One Way Street” included on “An Udderly Fowl Release” (2000 Fowl Records).
Sharbaugh later with the Kelly Bell Band…
1989(12”EP) Merkin 304 Spit Fire Why?
1989(7”) Merkin 307 Wink / TNRS
1995(CD) Dog Eat Dog All Mighty Senators
1996(CD) Fowl An Evening with All Mighty Senators
1997(CD) Fowl Flow
1998(EP) Dog Eat Dog SuperFriends
2000(CD) Phoenix Raw Power Live!
2003(CD) Dog Eat Dog Music Is Big Business
2006(CD) Severn Checkered Past, New Tomorrow: Essential AMS (1988-2005)
