Nearly every month, college radio station WUTK's dynamic Friday night "Funhouse" hosts Derek and Rob bring a live music line-up to the stage at Barley's Taproom. In 2006, we saw pairings of bands like Flesh Vehicle with The Shazam, Plan A with Cornbred Blues Band, and The Lost Brakemen with Nug Jug. The fact of the matter is, regardless of what kind of music you like, there's always great live music to be found at one of these shows. This year proves no different, as this Friday those "Funhouse" fellas bring you the smooth acoustic stylings of Brendon James Wright, and the driving Southern rock sounds of Athens, Georgia band Southern Bitch.
My first introduction to
Brendon James Wright came by accident. In a fit of "I know I want to do something tonight, but I have no idea what," I met some of my friends at West Knox sports bar, Blue Chips. Typically I'm there for their Monday nights with acoustic duo, Absolute Wood, and the 10-cent wing specials. But this was a Saturday night, and after a long work week, I was ready to relax. A couple of my friends had already told me about this amazing singer/songwriter, but seeing Brendon James Wright performing live made clear why he's got such a loyal fanbase. Not at all new to the Knoxville scene, he's been playing shows regularly in town for over three years, including his own slot on treasured lunchday radio show, WDVX's Blue Plate Special. Mixing together bluegrass, rock, country, and a little pop, he presents touching songs with seemingly effortless melodies. His down-to-earth personality shines through in his singing and guitar playing, and after awhile you get the feeling he's singing to you, rather than at you, and it's comforting to hear fresh material with influences ranging from Bob Dylan to Darrell Scott, from Van Morrison to the V-Roys.
stands up to their reputation as a foursome of solid Southern rockers. With no fewer than four albums under their belt, their self-described "mountain rock" has found a big following in fans of classic rock - think Lynrd Skynrd, Crazy Horse, and The Rolling Stones. Their members - Adam Musick (lead vox/guitars), Wendy Musick (guitars/vox), Chuck Bradburn (bass), and Taylor Sproull (drums) - have a synergy that's not easily forged; however, their dedication to what they do and to doing it well comes through in their sound. Southern Bitch's most recent recording, 2006's "Strong Medicine," is the latest collection of their down-home, mud-stomping, 'shine-slugging sonic offerings. At first listen, it's got a familiar sound, but not reminiscent of anything specifically. Then you realize how they've come so far and done so much - their music is genuine, keeping close to their influences and roots, but doing it in their own style. Athens, Georgia is well-known as the home of pop idols R.E.M., and while you may think that no one could really be farther from R.E.M. than a Southern rock band, think again - the driving force behind their success is their originality and their unique sound, the side of the coin where you'll also find Southern Bitch.
Sure, not everyone can be pleased all of the time. Now, however, is the time to treat yourself to a night out at a venue buzzing with cool folks, great beer, and fantastic music. Get thee to Barley's Taproom this Friday, and line 'em up. You're in for one hell of a good night.
Where: Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria
When: Friday, February 23
Time: 10:00 p.m.
