Return to Lonely Goat Features Archives

GREENSBORO, GET WISE TO 'NONE THE WISER'
by Tim Cripe (May 2002)

Does JamRock exist in Greensboro anymore? While the third largest city in North Carolina does have its' share of shows featuring bands from out of town, there has not really been a JamRock act from Greensboro that plays regularly in Greensboro since the heyday of FOLKSWAGGIN' in the mid-to-late 90s.

If this lament sounds familiar or strikes a personal note with you, NONE THE WISER may be the band for which you have been waiting. This JamRock band has been playing around GSO since 1998 and has started to develop a good rotation at many of the local live music spots in town. Besides that, they are a talented crew that plays spirited original music and some tasty covers.

I don't mean to slight the other Greensboro JamBands that do play in town like the jazzy MD3, the Latin Rock of BRACO, or the JamGrass of BLUE BAMBOOZA. I'm just saying that sometimes it is nice to be able to drive a couple of miles and have a beer while you listen to a well played GRATEFUL DEAD cover followed up with some inspired originals.

NONE THE WISER has spent the past four years evolving into an active five piece rock band with some serious jazz sensibilities. George Westberry lays the groove-laced foundation for NTW on bass and he does a great job of filling up the music without being flashy. Kent Lovern on percussion also writes a lot of the original material and provides vocals for most all of the original tunes. His percussion definitely adds to the full sound of NTW, but Kent stands out with his pure and pleasant vocal stylings. Justin Fedor plays some adept and rockin' rhythm guitar and provides vocals for the other half of the NTW live catalog. Justin is a natural front-man whose confidence seems to increase with every gig. The jazzy spacey lead guitar of Justin Poindexter continues to evolve as he incorporates more and more bluegrass and blues influences to create a nice blended rock sound. Ryan Ramirez joined NTW just last year when the drum kit position became vacant. Having spent time in the jazz world too, Ryan complements the NTW sound nicely.

These mid-twenty year olds love the music. NONE THE WISER even plays acoustic shows a few times a month. These events are usually noted in the listings for their shows and while I have yet to catch an acoustic set, I have heard these shows are a relaxing good time. NTW jams too! Like all good bands though, they jam more when the audience is feeding them energy. They have a live CD available from 2000 called 'Otherwise' which features some great improvisational jamming with Chip Symonds of LIFE TRIP on saxaphone throughout.

So, Greensboro, are you gonna wise up? NONE THE WISER is supplying funky head grooves regularly at establishments near you. These guys are at an evolutionary point where the right kind of support could inspire them to greater heights. The talent is there and experience will do the rest, but they need audience support to keep it going. JamMusic IS a two-way street between artist and audience. Go See Live Music.

None The Wiser
04-05-02
The Blind Tiger
Greensboro, NC

SET 1
Porch Song
Slippin
Down with Disease
Garden Lake
Sugaree
Ryan Song (Reggae)
Thrill is Gone
Monday Blue
Redhouse
Mike's Song=>Jam=>Jesus Left Chicago
Gotta Go

SET 2
Space Jam w/ Paul on Didjereedoo?
I Get High
Friend of the Devil=>I Know Ya Rider=>Bobby McGee
Doo Doo Doo Song (Reggae)
Jam=>Fee=>CLD=>Remember 2 Thangz
New Minglewood Blues
Strance of the Spirit Red Gator=>Further on Down the Road=>Jack Straw=>Mountain Song
Turn This Mutha Out (we want the funk)=>Flashlight=>Jump around=>Jam=>Fire on the Mountain=>Scarlet Begonias