Monday, March 31, 2008

David D. Hudson


David D. Hudson is a Christian singer/songwriter from Greenville, SC.   His music is positive and filled with hooks. He talks the talk and walks the walk as it were.    I have had the pleasure of working with David on several projects and can attest to the fact that he is filled with genuine inspiration and a God-given talent for song writing.    

David has an open and unique faith in his God and seeks to bring his message of love and grace to the public.

You can visit his website at www.thearmour.com to learn more about the man and his music.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Existant


Existant is a new Upstate South Carolina band. The members are: Jason Bodson (Lead Singer and Rhythm Guitar); Vince "Rukh" Seabrook (Drummer) and James Heaton (Lead Guitarist and Gadget Master). The group draws inspiration from such artists as Chris Cornell, Dave Grohl, Jimi Hendrix, Counting Crowes, and Van Halen. Yet, the primary focus of this trio is not to do the "bar band/covers thing" but rather to create original music . They are serious young musicians who are in it for keeps. In speaking to them for the latest podcast, I was most impressed by their sense of purpose and poise. Their sound is unique and we wish them all the best as they work toward the dream. Visit them At www.existantband.com and www.myspace.com/existantband

Episode Three of the Reedy Beat Podcast: Existant

Monday, March 17, 2008

Jean Calvert


Jean Calvert is a Greenville, South Carolina based jazz and blues singer. Her voice has been compared to such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, June Christy, and such current singers as Dianna Krall and Jane Monheit. Her vocal stylings go from swingingly hot to sultry cool. She is a well-seasoned vocalist who draws on a variety of genres to create her unique sound. I think the best phrase that describes Jean is that she is "a natural."

Jean has been a fixture on the regional jazz scene and learned her craft in the music bastion of New York City. We are indeed most fortunate that she chose to bring her major talent home to the upstate SC.

Visit http://www.myspace.com/jeancalvertandcompany to learn more about this gifted singer.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

The Late Great Mickey Fowler


Mickey Fowler was a Greenville, South Carolina based musician who passed away in December 2007. Beginning his music career back in the 1960's, Mickey personified the outlaw style of country music and blended that with the feel of true Rock and Roll. Before Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings broke away from the sterile Nashville sound in the early 1970's, Mickey was playing outlaw country in bars across the upstate of South Carolina. He was a great friend of Toy Caldwell of Marshall Tucker fame and they often played together whenever Toy would come home from the Tucker band tours of the world.  Country star, Aaron Tippin, himself a Greenville County SC native, would often cite Mickey as an inspiration.

I had the pleasure of working with Mickey on some of the songs on his self-titled CD in 2001. I was most impressed by his ability to put pure sentiment and soul into whatever song he sang. Mickey was the type of musician who could pick up a guitar and sing song after song and never forget a lyric. The man was a walking catalog of tunes. To me, that is the embodiment of what a singer should be. He was the 'real deal'. The cowboy hat fitted him perfectly. He came from the source of the music and crossed the river after living the life he conveyed in his music.

Mark McAfee, who produced Mickey's CD and is a superb musician in his own right, recently sat down with The Reedy Beat and gave an interview about the life and times of this unique individual.

Episode One of The Reedy Beat Podcast: The Late Great Mickey Fowler