MT. VERNON —
There seems to be a trend happening in which some of our local bands have altered their rosters in recent weeks.
Of course you are already aware of the new line-up of South of 70, with guitarists/vocalists Jeff Bradley, Jeremy Lloyd and Dave Simmons, along with back-up vocalist and tambourine-banger, Laura Vladetich. They stayed busy last weekend, with a private party in Paducah on Friday night and a visit to the Starview Winery in Cobden on Saturday afternoon.
Now comes word that another local act is doing similarly. However, this band is finding that an addition is even bigger than a change of personnel.
Long-time Jefferson County band, Tommy Gunn — think Mt. Vernon, Spring Garden and Benton — is augmenting their classic rock sound with the addition of another area guitarist/vocalist.
Meghan Crain Barrow has been working with Billy Kniffen (guitar), Greg Lundius (bass) and Dan Lynch (drums) for a couple of weeks now, developing what could become an outstanding performing act.
Lundius said that the official name of the act will be Tommy Gunn with special guest Meghan Crain Barrow.
The move gives the band a rhythm guitar and female back-up vocals for lead vocalist Dan Lynch and Tommy Gunn’s vast repertoire.
The move also brings Barrow into a new scenario, as she has performed for the last few years as a solo artist.
Barrow told me earlier in the week she is energized from practicing with TG. She also told me she plans to continue performing as a solo act in various local venues.
In addition to TG’s originals like “Kathie Faye” and “Come Inside,” the quartet has been working on some new material like “You oughta know” by Alanis Morrisette and “Paris” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Or — no kidding — “Brand new key,” originally recorded and released by Melanie (Safka) in 1970. I guess after I hear them perform it, my perspective may change.
Brand new key? Are you kidding me?
Some vintage Janis Joplin will also be included, as will “All along the watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix, performed in the style of the Dave Mathews Band. That will rock.
I’ll have some selected cuts from the Eye of the Needle show at the Scheller Playhouse on Jan. 29 on this Sunday night’s radio show. I hope that you have the chance to hear what an instrumental rock band can really sound like in a live setting.
Don’t forget to check out www.musicallyspeaking.mvn.net.
Enjoy this weeks radio show and please be careful out there.
DonThursday, March 3, 2011’t drink and drive or text and drive.
The Illinois State Police are counting on it.
- Jack Clark is the host of Musically Speaking, a local radio program heard Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. on 102.1 WIBV.
