-
Twitter Yes, we’re on Twitter. We’re Twats. Follow Us!
-
Link In Keep up to date via your Myspace. Befriend Us
Saturday, March 20th, 2010 - 9:00pm - Mercy Lounge
Old Union and The Last Straw
with Victoria George
About Old Union:
"Well now I'm committed to my decision for what I must prepare for,
I might wind up in the streets or in the mission, might never be heard from no more
I've been busy working on a building, building one piece at a time,
I'm gonna make a living here if it kills me, putting my soul on the line
And I refuse to be denied,tomorrow or today,
there's been a song down in my life every step of the way
Inspiration don't fail me now,
Sweet Freedom come find me somehow"
Embarks the Chuck Foster penned, “Sweet Freedom”. Poignant lyrics mixed with righteous guitar, monstrous backbone and Foster’s rollicking keys make up the ingredients of OLD UNION’s rock and roll formula. Foster, who began playing the keys because “everybody plays guitar”, melds an eclectic jukebox of influence alongside his boogie style piano. Ranging from Waylon Jennings to Muddy Waters and all points in between, Old Union defies the boundaries of genre music. They are parts old country, funk, gospel, rock and roll and Americana.
The heartfelt lyrics of the band accent their ability as musicians. Johnny Zvolensky and Steve Swertfeger channel an early era Allman Brothers Band vibe; capable of the same flawless teamwork and interplay. Effortlessly the two guitarists trade off lead roles backing the other with flawless rhythm. They both offer songwriting capabilities, and Swertfeger mixes things up with uncanny lap steel and slide guitar.
All of that astonishing guitar and piano needs a vehicle to ride with. David “Freight Train” Bryndal and Jason Williams provide ample backbone to hold it all together. Bryndal provides break neck beats from behind the kit, and Williams’s depth on bass has yet to fully be utilized. He is as comfortable on upright doghouse bass as he is laying down monstrous bombs from his electric Fender.
Road tested and ready, Old Union has been coast-to-coast delivering their coal-fired rock and roll. They have made appearances at music festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra Music Festival, Down on the Farm and many others. They also offered their talents as Bonnie Bramlett's backing band for several tours that took them across the country and to Canada. They love working hard and playing music. Some friends they have shared the stage with include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Steve Cropper, Charlie Daniels, Jack Pearson, Johnny Neel, Bonnie Bramlett, the Drive By Truckers and Outformation. They have also opened shows for Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, the North Mississippi Allstars, Shooter Jennings, Widespread Panic’s JoJo Hermann and many others.
Self-released "Motels & Highways" in 2007, recorded in Nashville and features guest appearances from Charlie Daniels, Johnny Neel, and many others.
About Last Straw:
Five men, from different musical backgrounds, combine the influences of their past and their vision of the future to create a sound so unique, yet so recognizable, that it can be mistaken as nothing but The Last Straw. Screaming riffs, impeccable percussion, roaring slide guitar, groovy bass, and the sensation of the perfect organ notes fill the sound that becomes so easily familiar. Songs like “Rock N’ Roll Queen,” and “She Don’t Love You” are reminiscent of some of The Last Straw’s greatest influences; such as The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and The Beatles.
23-year-old Kyle Daniel’s lyrics scream blues, soul, and rock with the power of a voice far beyond his years. Quincey Meeks’ notes stream from his amplifier in perfect accompaniment, while Marc Williams keeps the bass line fresh for every song. Pearce Harrison marks the beat with his well timed thunder, and Adam Botner provides the perfect amount of funk and soul as he pounds the ivory. Not often is it that you find something that is so fresh, unique, and new wrapped up in a sound that pleases your senses like The Last Straw.
On stage they go huge on songs like “Down the Line”and “Take a Ride,”and blend covers from the Grateful Dead to Rage Against the Machine into their originals. They’ve performed in both festival and concert format, and their long list of accomplishments include The Forcastle Festival of 2009 as well as opening for Blues Traveler later that year. They’re a powerhouse in Middle Tennessee, and recognized throughout the southeast as one of the best progressive southern rock bands touring today. They’ve received great accolades and multiple awards. Their work ethic and dedication to the music is taking them places…..and fast!
About Victoria George:
With lyrical honesty and a fiercely independent point of view, Victoria George is one of those rarest of singer/songwriters: a performer who reminds you of the sheer power of a great voice and a fresh song. Clearly influenced by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams and Sheryl Crow, Victoria combines country and rock with a spark all her own and has created a cache of refreshingly original songs. The oldest of three sisters, Victoria was born and raised in Northern California in a very artistic family. From a young age she gravitated towards opportunities to perform and sing in school and the community. It wasn’t until her first year at the University of Virginia, however, that Victoria’s pursuit of music really started to take shape. Needing an instrument to accompany melodies and lyrics she picked up the acoustic guitar and began performing locally. Victoria graduated from the University of Virginia and returned to California, entering the music scene with force. Today Victoria is a prolific songwriter whose musical journey has led her to Nashville Tennessee. A beautiful fresh face on the scene capable of performing solo, acoustically or with a five piece band, Victoria will leave no doubt as to her ability to captivate and thrill any audience, anywhere, anytime.
