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Sunday, 15 June, 2008 6:53 PM
CMA New Artist Spotlight: One
Flew South
Photo
by David McClister
Decca
recording artists One Flew South.
| By
Bob Doerschuk |
| ©
2008 CMA Close Up News Service |
Each member in Nashville-based
One Flew South has shaped his voice into a clarion instrument, capable
of seamless blends and show-stopping solos. Royal Reed nurtured
his in Los Angeles, gigging six nights a week with Country bands
and singing session dates by day. Meanwhile, Chris Roberts pursued
twin paths in New York, as a singer/ songwriter and in Broadway
shows. They met as cast members of the Broadway musical, "The
Civil War," after which they got to know Eddie Bush, whose
solo career was already underway.
With this background,
it's no surprise that Last of the Good Guys merits high marks. The
title track, written by album producer Marcus Hummon, combines velvety
but sturdy vocal pads reminiscent of the Eagles, then adds a quick
lick in octaves that conjures R&B. Members of the band penned
seven of the albums' 12 tracks with Hummon, J D Souther and other
estimable writers whose involvement testifies to the respect One
Flew South has already earned.
Instrumentally, Last
of the Good Guys on Decca Records sprinkles tasty bits of banjo,
mandolin and other flavorings into a base of shimmering or soaring
electric guitars, pop/rock rhythm and on "Let the Day Carry
You" and "Too Old to Die Young," a rustle of bowed
strings. The result is a sonic feast whose appeal transcends demographic
lines. From the chorus that swirls through "Junkie" to
the bare backup and luscious, perfectly intoned singing of "It
Is Good," with a sound that carries the listener from a loose
back-porch jam to the heat of an arena spotlight, Last of the Good
Guys is, one hopes, the first of a great catalog from this talented
trio.
IN THEIR OWN
WORDS
BAND'S MUSICAL HERO
"The Beatles."
SONG WISH TO COVER
"'Wichita Lineman.'"
DREAM DUET PARTNER
"Alison Krauss."
ACTOR TO PORTRAY
YOU IN BIOPIC
CHRIS: "Jude Law."
EDDIE: "Viggo Mortensen."
ROYAL: "Johnny Depp, without hair."
MOMENT IN LIFE TO
RELIVE
"The first time
we ever sang together as a group. It was magical."
LUCKY CHARM
"Marcus Hummon -
every time he hangs with us, something great happens."
On the Web:
www.oneflewsouth.com
Photo
by David McClister
Decca
recording artists One Flew South.
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