Elisabeth Ames & the Ultrapolitans’ streamlined country rock sound is traditionally rooted, but insightful lyrics, addictive pop melodies and seamless musicianship keep the sound fresh and contemporary. What critics have said: The Oregonian newspaper called them “a band to be reckoned with” and  raved that the 12 songs on their debut disc “are all keepers, a rare enough feat for a first album.” Since then the band has gone on to record and produce a total of three full length albums in Oregon and California. Lead singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist Elisabeth Ames, lead guitarist Ken Coleman and pedal steel guitar player Peter Burak currently make up the nucleus of the group, which is booked solid for the next year and are frequently joined by Rich Cuellar or Marty Henninger on drums. Their disc, Tired of Drowning, has been added to Americana playlists around the world and their song “LA Turnaround” off their second full-length release reached No. 9 on the Americana charts in Europe. 

Elisabeth started singing and writing songs in San Francisco, where she earned a living as a staff news writer for The Associated Press. Arriving in Portland, she began writing songs and performing with local musicians around town. She and Coleman (Freddy Trujillo band) formed The Countrypolitans as a vehicle for their shared love of roots music. As lead singer and the band’s primary songwriter, Ames pays homage to country greats such as Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline while creating a contemporary sound all her own. The Countrypolitans have opened for Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard (and many other national acts) and were hired by the Cash family to sing for Johnny & June at their son’s wedding in Oregon. They were also the house band at the famed Pappy & Harriets near Joshua Tree, Calif., during their time in Southern California. There, she played with legendary guitar player Chris Lawrence (Mike Ness country band) and pedal steel great Gary Brandin (the Blue Hawaiians) for more than eight years. Back in Portland, guitar great Hershel Yatovitz from Chris Isaak's band sometimes sits in with the Countrypolitans.