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| First of all, check out that STYLE. |
10: The full band includes (but is definitely not limited to) a banjoist/accordion player, a fiddler, and a mandolin player. Oh. Snap.
9: From their Facebook Page: "Band Interests: Hell raising, good whiskey and good music don't bother us much." How funny/fantastic is that quote? They've got moxie. Also, they've got the great novelty of truly embracing the history and flavor of Appalachia and the South.
8: Their influences: "Social Distortion, Alison Krauss, Flogging Molly, Hank Sr., Patsy Cline, the Misfits, Hot Rize, Flat and Scruggs, Bela Fleck." Having been in a band with a similarly wide range of influences, I can tell you how valuable it can be. It gives you so much more room to define a different sound rather than sliding into a genre stereotype, which brings me to my next reason...
7: Even seasoned members of the industry have trouble classifying their unique style. While they are loosely deemed a "Country/Bluegrass" band, they are so much more than that classification can describe. Their lead singer, Lauren Staley-Morrow, was the frontwoman for a group with an interesting indie/punk/country blend that inspired a following (Missy Gossip and the Secret Keepers). Husband Jason Morrow (lead guitar, vocals) brought into the mix both strong family roots in country and bluegrass and years of his own punk music projects. Each member has a story and a musical history that forms something truly magnificent.
6: In the big, bumping musical metropolis of Atlanta, TWG was named Atlanta's Critic's Pick for Best Local Country Band. To put that in perspective, think about how many local bands are vying for attention here in Knoxville. Then, multiply that by at least 10! That kind of recognition is HUGE. I've seen more than one Atlanta music blog about them (for those of you who find the time to follow such things).
5: John Keane, a music producer based in Athens, GA, produced their latest album "Please Make Welcome" , which is fantastic (I'm particularly fond of the song "Alone on a Saturday Night"). Keane has produced famous groups such as R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and the Indigo Girls. Not only did he believe in The Whiskey Gentry's record enough to work with them (going out of his way to coordinate with their busy schedules and even putting in the aforementioned song on short notice), he allowed the very talented Mr. Morrow to do a lot of co-production work. This is a band that commits itself to retaining its true identity.
4: Paste Magazine featured TWG in their "Best of What's Next" column. Their glowing analysis of this band's musical prowess in this article is just one more reason to believe in them. Did I mention Paste has such trustworthy taste that for two years in the early 2000s, they had a weekly entertainment pick segment on CNN?
3: The warmth and honesty of tradition and family roots are ever-present in this group's function. For example, Lauren's father hails from South Africa, prompting an extremely unique live cover of Toto's "Africa." Now, I haven't yet had the privilege of witnessing this cover, but I hear that it is a favorite of the many TWG fans, especially in areas around their hometown of Woodstock, Georgia. An album-featured tune, "Queen of My Heart," was written by Jason Morrow's grandfather. How cool is it that this new band comes with a fondly historical worldview?
2: The collective and individual personalities of the band members are part of what makes them exciting. Though I've mostly spoken about Lauren and Jason (because I actually know them a bit), the spunky spark is just as alive in the other members of the band: Chesley Lowe (five-string banjo, accordion), Sam Griffin (bass), Price Cannon (drums), Michael Smith (mandolin), Rurik Nunan (fiddle). It took time to put together this motley crew, but it is clear that it was a successful process. They gel as if they've been playing together for a decade rather than a few, short years. One cool story I heard is how Rurik, the fiddler, helped create a transformational intro to the band's chanty "Eula Mae" in which each person comes in separately rather than all at once. Another example of their excellent spirit is their fun hit "Comrade," which utilizes audience involvement as an integral part of the song's artistry. It's a blast to sing along with that one, let me tell you.
1: The number one reason to love a band, of course, is the music. TWG alternates between hauntingly tender and rebelliously rowdy (don't make fun of me for using the word rowdy, by the way). The lyrics are heartfelt, raw, and often tell some sweet, folksy stories that are sure to keep you interested. The musicianship is killer and the vocals are spot-on. If the charisma and critical acclaim aren't enough to tempt you, seeing these people play a show will undoubtedly change your mind.
That concludes my first art-involved blog entry! How exciting. I hope you liked it and that you will give my recommendation a shot! ;)
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