I’ve heard some great music in recent months. The photographs here are from a show I saw last October in the Square Room, which remains one of the best listening rooms downtown. I’ll have more about other shows there, but you really should catch their Tuesday night jazz or one of their other shows.
This show featured Cereus Bright with Guy Marshall. I’d never heard of Cereus Bright before this show, but was invited by friends Tim and Lettie and so we went. There is a Mumford and Sons similarity that I’ve come to expect with any new group of musicians who use the word “folk” to describe their music. I’m not saying that’s all bad, it just is.
In this case, the band has a lot to offer of their own. Tyler Anthony, the lead vocalist and front man is charismatic and has a steady voice to anchor the band. Over that foundation, Evan Ford soars with harmony vocals and bits of instrumentation on any of several instruments giving the music much of its texture. The songs reflect excellent craftsmanship.
So, if I saw this show in October, why am I talking about it now? Because the artist lineup for Rhythm n Blooms was recently announced, and you’ll have the chance to see the band for yourself. When I saw the lineup I remembered the pictures and figured this was a good time to bring them out.
And those other bands? It’s pretty much a peak inside my ipod. The Black Lillies return to headline the event and don’t we all have their music in our homes? It’s been a heady couple of years for the Knoxville band as they have repeatedly played the Grand Ole Opry and have seen heavy rotation on WSM radio in Nashville. Brett Dennen, Ben Sollee and the Felice Brothers are among my very favorites. Holly Williams won wide acclaim for “The Road,” her latest album, released this past year, landing on many best-of-the-year lists. She’s Hank’s granddaughter, so you know I could just stare at her genes all night.
The shows will take place all over downtown on the weekend of April 4 – 6. Venues will include Barley’s (inside and out), Boyd’s, the Standard and many more. Often the shows happen in intimate non-concert settings, which adds to the fun. There will also be songwriting workshops, plenty of chances to talk to the musicians and more. A pass for all the shows sells for $60 and it’s about as efficient a $60 ticket as you’ll ever buy for the music you’ll get. You can buy tickets here.
Here’s a list of the artists who have been announced so far. I’ll also add a Cereus Bright video at the end so you can hear them. In the video you’ll also see some familiar Knoxville sights. Check back to the Rhythm n Blooms site often for updates on artists and venues. You’ll also find artist profiles there.
- Black Lillies
- Brett Dennen
- Shovels and Rope
- The Felice Brothers
- The Wild Feathers
- Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott
- Don Flemons
- Della Mae
- Ben Sollee
- Holly Williams
- Carrie Rodriguez and Luke Jacobs
- Willie Watson
- John and Jacob
- The David Mayfield Parade
- Yarn
- Alanna Royale
- Harpeth Rising
- Danger Muffin
- Anderson East
- Cereus Bright
- Caleb Hawley