 Return to Lonely Goat Features Archives Emma Gibbs Band @ the Music Farm, 01/25/01 From the opening notes of Bob Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues', I new this wasnít going to be your traditional bluegrass band. Bluegrass wouldn't come across my mind at all in describing the Emma Gibbs Band, more like; eclectic. The group of two guitars, harp, bass, drum, and lead vocalist / mandolin player Will Straun performed soulfully to a quasi-filled room in Charleston, S.C. this past Thursday night. Once The opening act, Charleston's tribute to Bluegrass, The Biscuit Boys, left the stage, I wondered what to expect from this band with notable praise from such media as Relix magazine, describing them as 'Country-Rock'. Having a star fiddle player in the band, Mr. David Blackmon, I was expecting more Bluegrass Country standards than the Western flavored rock. Due to poor health, Blackmon did not perform with the group but one couldn't imagine how his incredible fiddle playing could mix into an already powerful ensemble. They played several tunes that did cross the boundaries of Country-Rock but I feel the best bands to compare them are acts such as Wilco or Uncle Tupelo. The music was soulful and had traditional American roots in the song writing and music structure. Straun's vocals came across strong, as did his mandolin playing that mixed with the dueling guitars. The twang of the three string instruments offered plenty of room for jamming, which was supported by the driving rhythm from the bass and drums. The harpist took several solos but mostly added an interesting and very enjoyable, danceable sound, almost like a train, rolling down the tracks. As far as song selections, I had virgin ears. They played some interesting covers expanding from The Band's 'Ophelia' to the more traditional 'I know you Rider.' 'Ophelia' had front man Will Straun featured on trumpet. Mixing the horn with the already folky style of Emma Gibbs offered a pleasant jam that had everyone moving on the dance floor. I could imagine throwing in a Emma Gibbs CD and go driving through the country on a weekend exscursion. Like any adventure, their music is exciting, enjoyable, and most of all unpredictable. |