For Oklahoma-based singer and guitarist JD McPherson, it took years of intense research into early-era rock and roll to develop his own style of retro-inspired, carefully orchestrated bash 'n' croon. He dug deep into vintage New Orleans R&B, shouty Motown soul, Western swing, edgy Chicago blues and swingin' Southern rockabilly before composing the eclectic set of tunes that comprise his debut album, Signs & Signifiers. The raucous, melodic mix of American genres clicked with listeners and critics alike. Signs & Signifiers made a big splash on Americana radio, and earned McPherson and his skillful backing trio solid cred among both rock purists and modern scenesters. McPherson and his band recently completed a series of European shows, and they're swinging through Georgia and the Carolinas before heading to Bonnaroo.