There are scores of talented local musicians here in the Mountain Empire and although I’m always reluctant to leave anyone out of a “Best Of” list, it’s important to look back and give credit where credit is due.
To that end, I have begun my latest Best of 2007 list here on my blog and will discussing the selections on the year end podcast at Buzzcutz and without further delay, here are my picks for the year from the regional music scene. Let me know what you think.
Best New Band of 2007 (Tie)
• The Swinging Pachyderms
This was a late entry into the year and I picked these guys because I like their spirit, their battery of new music and the entire package is destined for success in the New Year. These young musicians are bringing Southern Rock back to the local music scene with plenty of original music and they’re probably the most exciting new original band since Virginia Ground. Check out the new music and their website at http://www.swingingpachyderms.com
• Catbird Seat
– Extraordinary songwriting, silky vocals and bohemian originality. Recent performances continue to draw great crowds and favor shines brightly on this new act.
Best Metal Band of 2007
• Omega Tribe
– Seasoned organic chaos – like a seething river of molten rock burning everything along the way. These guys keep creating great music and unforgettable hard core performances.
Best Pop Rock Band
• Pale Orchid
– This local band has always intrigued me and Adam Cloninger has potential both as an entertainer and vocalist. Their sophomore recording ‘Six Songs Til Sunday’ was original and a good first effort. We’ll see how they fair in 2008 as an original act.
Best Bluegrass/Americana Act
• Trey Hensley
– This phenomenon from Telford is destined for prime time. Everybody knows it and each year he keeps getting better and better. I think he’s legal now and that could mean trouble for some of those poser bluegrass players because here comes a legend!
Most Promising Teen Phenomenon
• Adam Steffey
– This special category has had the likes of Chelsea Constable, Trey Hensley and this year, we give it Adam Steffey. Adam is a blonde, bright-eyed, dimple marked boy who knows how to hold a fiddle and take names at 11 years of age. Saw this boy on a street corner at a Saturday night Bristol Rhythm and Roots performance and he didn’t need a spotlight – he’s a bright star indeed.
Comeback of the Year
• The Carousel Band
– After 30 years in the currents of life, these act re-unites to culture their special chemistry from 1969. A tribute to some of Kingsport’s most enjoyable lost decades.
Best Country Band of 2007
• Gary Hensley Band
– Gary hasn’t identified himself as a country band, but if he did, he might find a wider path of opportunity. His new recording from Bristol to Memphis is an original effort that if mixed with a bit more whiskey, pickup trucks and wayward memories (don’t forget the cowboy hat) – might earn him new stature in 2008.
Best Instrumentalist of 2007
• Ron Baisden
– I’m gonna have to give props to this musician because I’ve seen him in a number of situations and he’s got a real sense of versatility – ‘keyboards, accordian, harmonica, saxophone.’ He’s a great player with a confidence sense of placement in our region like a work of avant-garde art hung in the most uncommon of places.
Best Local Venue
• Stir Frye Cafe
– As a musician, I don’t like Stir Frye and it’s the stage. The people here are usually more interested in the scenery than the band, but as far as a venue, they get my nod because they a) treat bands with respect, b) pay them on higher scale, c) have a well-defined business plan, d) culture a great food environment and stand out as a real sensation for the past few years with variety and a long-term manager who is seen most every night. The Down Home is still the best place to see original music and although I’ve given my nod to Stir Fry this year, the Down Home is still the holy sanctuary.
Best Camera Fodder for a Band
• Saad – Tarnished
– This guy looks like a rock star and if the band continues to culture and he finds his style, Saad may be on the next metal fan covers.
Best Outdoor Music Festival of 2007
• Twlight Alive – Downtown Kingsport
– Bristol Rhythm and Roots has established itself as the ultra-premium msc festival for years in a row in my opinion, but this year, I’ve got to give recognition to the folk in Downtown Kingsport who put on successful concerts every Thursday and Friday this year. Kudos to all and can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen this year.
Best Local Recording of 2007
• The everybodyfields – ‘Nothing is OK’
-I’ll have to agree with Jared on this one too. There were a handful of new recordings, but this one has the best collection of songs and honest originality. You can tell this duo has more concern for the music than the business and that’s why they continue to turn heads and ears with their sincerity. An enchanting duo with masterful melancholy musings and haunting harmonies.
Best Live Performance of 2007
• Lightning Charlie, Billy Crawford, Charlie Aesque on stage at Down Home for George Hammonds funeral. Unpretentious grief and stellar performances from everyone on stage.
Best Male Vocalist of 2007
• Myron Steffey/Citizen Kane
– I heard Myron again this past weekend and I came back for that purpose, because he doesn’t sound real. He’s that damn good and the fact this kid plays drums has him picked as the Hulk Hero for the New Year. Together with his cousin, these guys are the most talented voices on stage. It’s a real chemistry and Myron has the balls, the pitch, the versatility, the endurance and the range to stand out on any stage.
Best Female Vocalist of 2007
• Vanessa Persson, “Bag a Cats”
– I’ll agree with Jared on this because it’s good to see Vanessa back out with her voice. She ventured on to the theatre stage and came back this year for solo work with a few new writers and has added a shimmering color to one of the area’s most popular/social party bands – ‘A Bag of Cats.’ Her blues performances at Get Rhythm and impromptu efforts gain her a horns up this year.
Best Sound System of 2007
• Dave Williams and Steve Bailey
– There are a lot of great sound technicians in East Tennessee, but this year, I have to give credit to Abell Productions and Dave Williams and Steve Bailey. They were the driving force behind the Twilight Alive concerts in Kingsport, they ran the best stage at Bristol Rhythm and Roots and have the best work ethic and personality of any crew in the region. I love that damn Scotsman too! Great job guys. Keep up the good work.
Best Lighting Rig of 2007
• Spank
– I’m still suffering from a scorched brow from their last performance. Perhaps the band should consider a insurance waiver for fans who experience blinding spots in their eyes and high frequencies of skin cancer.
Best Party Band of 2007
• Benny Wilson Band
– Best all-around entertainer who needs a new pair of red shoes. Benny Wilson is still my hero and this past year, I saw a new side to this urban legend from Kingsport. He’s got a big smile that matches a big heart. If you’re looking for a band to make a difference at your party – Benny and the boys (Tommy, Gary and Chris) are hard to beat!