These Boys Ain't Tuckered Out!
Way back in the days of yor - or 1972 to be specific - some friends got together in Spartanburg, South Carolina to do what they love; play music. Their sound was unique and came from the heart. It soon caught the attention of record executive Phil Walden of Capricorn Records (who had launched the Allman Brothers). With the release of the Marshall Tucker Band's debut album in 1973 the world soon was caught up in the infectious sound they created. Their albums went gold and platinum, their singles hit the Top 40 and they sold out arenas in the United States and Europe.
And the magic is happening again in 2002. SevenMoore, whose line-up features founding MTB members Jerry Eubanks and Paul Riddle, are again creating infectious tunes that come from the heart. The music, like that of MTB's, is improvisational and features extended solos. And because of Paul's and Jerry's involvement comparisons to Tucker are bound to occur. The band does pay homage to Toy Caldwell and the Tucker boys ( usually covering one MTB song in concert) but this is not MTB revisited. Personally, no other music has done it for me the way MTB's has... that is, until SevenMoore came along. And although their music speaks to me the same way MTB's does, it's not the same music.
From L - R: Rick Willis, Mike Rogers, Paul Riddle, Tim Clements, Jerry and Bobby Gaines (Steve Keeter not pictured).
I first heard the music of SevenMoore at a place called Rascal's in Spartanburg. The band has two incarnations; the full line-up and a smaller acoustic version called Jackson Crossing. It was the latter that I first saw. I was totally blown away... not from their showmanship, but, like Tucker, from the caliber of their lyrics and musicianship. Singers Rick Willlis and Mike Rogers are the band's lead singers. Both have different styles and have incredible delivery - and their harmonies are fantastic. Their vocals are just the right fit for the music; that is to say they are reflective, thoughtful and powerful all at the same time It was so good to hear Jerry's sax again - his timing and fills are so perfect, just the right touch for the mood of the song... and he also whips out his magical flute on occasion!
Though I haven't had the pleasure of hearing the full line-up of SevenMoore in person, thanks to the band's taping policy I've been able to experience their shows on CD-R. Paul is still the world's greatest drummer. I'm not one to listen to intently to drummers ( after all, they just provide the backbeat, right?). But Paul is such a (brilliant) distraction that I often find myself just focusing on what he's playing. The rest of the band are equally mesmerizing; Bobby Gaines plays lead guitar, Tim Clements is on bass and Steve Keeter plays piano. All are incredible musicians and are given the opportunity to show it - generally in understated fashion. This is not in your face music. Marshall Tucker's music always felt like it spoke to my soul... and SevenMoore's is the same way. The music emanates from the heart and it shows.
The band has just about completed work on their debut CD. They went about things differently than many new bands. Rather than record a few demo tracks and shop it to record labels, they've cut an entire CD. They had no desire to sign a deal then have their music recorded by a producer who might alter it. They wanted it done their way, on their terms, with no record label interference. The result is unadulterated music and perhaps that's why it's so incredible. The boys do what they feel and let the music go where it will. These ain't no three- minute radio friendly pieces of commercialism... it's music from the heart, as it should be!
The band's CD will probably feature a number of songs that they've been performing live. There's no filler in the bunch, each song stands on it's own and is fantastic - lyrically and musically. Whisenant Street, is a soft, heartfelt love song, as is Missing You. Barnyard Catastrophe is a fun Allmanesque instrumental that clocks in at almost 20 minutes. Drop Your Rock and Roll is a reflective song that takes a look at getting older. So, too, does Childhood, a song written by former MTB lead guitarist Rusty Milner. I'm sure the lyrics reflect the thoughts of many 30 and 40-something year old men. Sunday Morning also deals with time passing by and is a tribute to the late Tommy Holt, who was the lead singer and primary songwriter of Nasty Nedd, an up and coming band from Spartanburg (Tim Clements, of SevenMoore, was their bassist). Sadly their career was cut short with his passing. Tommy was a huge fan of Toy Caldwell and they recorded one excellent CD (and dedicated it to Toy). Another Chance is a hard driving rock and roll number about love and regret. No Time is a bluesy number sung to great effect by Rick Willis. Another Touch has a real nice lyrical edge to it and Spring Street is a very thought provoking song. Smell the Rain has a real anthem feel and features incredible harmonizing from Rick and Mike. It's one of those songs you just want to crank up and sing along to. It deals with dreams and regret and the price we pay along the way. There's a number of songs that I think would do well on radio and I this one would be a good fit for today's country radio. Whisenant Street and Missing You might also do well on Adult Contemporary stations. That's not to say any of SevenMoore's music is the typical fodder these formats are offering - but I think the demographics of these formats would love what they here! Sound bytes can be heard at the band's website - www.sevenmoore.com.
Who knows what lies ahead for SevenMoore. In today's market it's tough to catch a break. Especially when a band bucks trend and tradition as they've done. They're not playing by the rules of the industry (thank goodness!). But hopefully, a music executive somewhere will realize the genuine freshness in that and give SevenMoore a chance. They deserve it. They have the talent and their aim is pure. And I have no doubt their music would move others the way it's moved me.
- Craig Cumberland