Sugar Lime Blue

Artist Information

Biography

Sugar Lime Blue is a roots rock and jam band that has performed regionally for the past 3 years. Sugar Lime Blue has performed at many different venues including coffee houses, clubs, restaurants, farmers markets, wineries and more logging several hundred dates. Sugar Lime Blue has played festivals with attendaces up to 6,500 people and in such locations regionally as Nashville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Knoxville, Clarksville, Southern Kentucky and more. With the release of their debut album "Far From the Tree" SLB has been garnering praise in music magazine reviews and blog sites, as well as receiving airplay on FM stations and local TV broadcasts. The band performs both original and cover material with over 4 hours of cover material available.

Deeper about the band:
Out of the love of good music, comes an obsession to push the envelope, to write songs that are ever evolving into something new, yet the same. Sugar Lime Blue writes catchy songs that are ever changing, one night a song may be a southern blues infused romp, the next it may take on a reggae extravanganza!

Many times a band is formed to make money, to have something to do on weekends, or maybe even to fuel an ego trip. Who knows the many list of reasons bands are born and come and go.

Sugar Lime Blue is different.

"If you look at bands like the Grateful Dead, what sticks out, above all else, even transcending the music itself, is the sense of community. Take that community, then the music serves as a common bond, an icing on the cake, if you will." says Dave the band's leader and guitarist. "That is why when this band was forming, we paid close attention to each member and how they interacted with each other as well as the music. Watching the group form as a sort of small family has been a beautiful thing."

But it doesn't stop there, Sugar Lime Blue invites the listeners to be part of that family. Their laid back persona carries over from stage into the audience and is even reflected in their selection of venues. They often choose to lay down the jams at Festivals, Farmers Markets, Pizza Places, Outdoor Outfitters and Coffee Houses, while still managing to navigate the Bar/Club scene. The band's merchandise even reflects a family feel featuring tie-dyed tee shirts handmade by the band, and batik "Sugar Sacs" (book bags/pouches), that hint of simpler days with a retro feel; much like the band's music. The band has taken a grass roots approach to the whole thing. They get excited every time 1 fan signs up to be part of the family. S.L.B. sends a monthly newsletter and blogs regularly, but the main way to stay in the circle is through the shows.

The live show while casual, draws in many listeners. Sugar Lime Blue has been receiving more attention as they have started to move regionally, with venues in Birmingham, AL, Atlanta, GA and all over TN. Sharing songs that fall somewhere in between Blues and Rock with a tendency to jam, you may find it tough to find an immediate comparison. The song themes range from serious in nature to whimsical, with an ever growing list of originals about traveling home, people that mutter to themselves, and trying to break addiction. when you add in the fact that the band can perform dozens of different covers that include artsits like Otis Redding, Gov't Mule, Fleetwood Mac and of course the Grateful Dead, it makes every live show experience a unique one.

Instrumentation

Ashley Beth - Lead Vocalist
Dave Beth - Lead guitar/vocals
Russ Dean - Bass & Backing Vocals
Al Plourde - organ, keyboard

Discography

Far From the Tree (2011)

"Talkin' To Yourself" and "Go Home" the fiirst singles off of Far From the Tree are currently recieving Internet Airplay on Toginet Radio*, The Detour, and Rizing Bandz as well as several community radio stations across the U.S.

*Ashley was featured in an on-air interview at Toginet Radio on 9.17.07 and again on 10.08.07.

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Last.fm
• Bandcamp

Audio

• Go Home
  Listen  
• Far From The Tree
  Listen  
• Talkin' To Yourself
  Listen  
• The Breeze
  Listen  
• Don't Let It Bring You Down
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Talkin to Yourself
• Go Home
• Don't Let it Bring You Down

Video

SLB AT FOX 17 NASHVILLE- The Breeze.mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• Far From the Tree - Album Review [+ Show ]
  

  Sugar Lime Blue has been praised heavily in the Murfreesboro area, most often for an authentic, blue...Sugar Lime Blue has been praised heavily in the Murfreesboro area, most often for an authentic, blues-heavy song craft and Ashley Beth’s full-bodied bluesy lilt to match. Far From The Tree, released earlier this year, validates both. Twelve tracks of blues range from hot and slow-dripping to gritty and fast-burning. It’s apparent that they know their blues, but they also clearly know the West as they channel the laidback California acoustic pop in addition to Deep South back porch sound; Far From The Tree sounds as if Sheryl Crow moved to the Mississippi Delta after her self-titled debut and went native.
  
  Ashley Beth’s vocals are deep and expressive, reaching for notes with impressive range and soulfulness. She keeps an even alto through a lot of rollicking percussion, breezy acoustic and hot wiry licks, all of which are strongly reminiscent of Crow. Sometimes a Natalie Merchant influence slips in as well, like in the dark bass and intermittently bubbling keys paired with Beth’s dusky, smooth pipes in “Don’t Let it Bring You Down.”

• "Far From the Tree" Album Review - Jayson Kohl "the Eggman", WSCA 106.1FM [+ Show ]
  

  "'Far From the Tree' is one tight and funky blues-rock album with lead vocals by Ashley Beth that wo..."'Far From the Tree' is one tight and funky blues-rock album with lead vocals by Ashley Beth that would make Edie Brickell drool. Dave's guitar licks often resemble the bluesier Clapton or the less-Latin Santana, with a slight possession by the ghost of Jerry Garcia. The record from start to finish takes me to an outdoor venue with a hazy purple cloud over my head and dancing with some hairy broad for some unknown reason... but loving it all-the-while. Track highlights are the beautiful country-rock ballad 'No Road Back To Texas', the soothing 'Happiness Falls' (serious Jerry licks here with great flashback organ), the funky intro 'Far From The Tree', and the splendid hard-rockin' finale 'One More Tomorrow'. For fans of both modern electric blues-rock and 70's classic rock alike!"
  -Jayson Kohl ("The Eggman" The Metaphysical Circus - WSCA-LP 106.1 FM Portsmouth Community Radio, Porstmouth, NH)

• Debut Album from Sugar Lime Blue, “Far From The Tree” Released. [+ Show ]
  

  Yes, I indeed did mention Nashville. However this is not a country act. Sit back, close your eyes a...Yes, I indeed did mention Nashville. However this is not a country act. Sit back, close your eyes and think about artists like the Grateful Dead, Little Feat, Edie Brickell and even Renaissance’s Annie Haslam. Now mix them in with R & B acts Al Green, Bill Withers, maybe some Otis etc. Ok, now you have the idea!

• Sugar is Sweet and Limes are Blue? [+ Show ]
  

  When I hear the name Sugar Lime Blue I think a unique hint of a little bit sweet and a little bit so...When I hear the name Sugar Lime Blue I think a unique hint of a little bit sweet and a little bit sour. But this band surely does not leave a sour taste in my mouth. This band is oh so sweet with a touch of soul. Their musical style is very unique. I would say it’s a beautiful blend of rock and blues. The band’s influences are Bill Withers, The Grateful Dead, Sheryl Crowe and the Black Crowe’s just to name a few. You can hear these influences in the flavor of their music. An old school sound with a modern day twist.
  
  The red headed, sultry lead singer Ashley Beth sings with heart. But, sorry boys she’s taken. Ashley is married to Dave, the leader and guitarist of the band. They came up with the name of the band by throwing out ideas to each other. It was a joint effort and not an easy one at that. But when sugar lime rolled off Dave’s tongue, Ashley finished his sentence with blue and voila. Not only do they play in the band together but they co-write the songs as well. The other band members include Jonathan “Fence Post” Bradford (percussion and drums), Eric “Mudd” Johnson (bass guitar) and Mr. Al Plourde(keys). S.L.B. was formed 3 years ago but has gone through some changes. The current S.L.B. lineup met on craigslist and has been playing together for about a year. They are based out of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. They perform frequently around Nashville, Alabama, and Georgia. They play a various venues, festivals, and coffee shops which has gained them lots of attention. Their set list includes covers and originals. Some of the covers include “Ain’t No Sunshine” (Bill Withers) and one of my all time favorites “Come Together” (The Beatles). You can find a set list as well as their calendar at: sugarlimeblue.com.
  
  I visited their webpage sugarlime.com and listened to their tunes. While listening I also discovered a breathtaking, artistic photo of Ashley holding a sugar lime blue, that is. I particularly like the song “Go Home”. The haunting sound of the keys struck a chord in my soul. The lyric “Go Home, Go Home Little Girl” has sadness but underlying hope. The guitar break in this song reminds me of a Santana lick. “Happiness” is also another must check out tune at: myspace.com/sugarlimeblue. You can definitely hear a Grateful Dead influence on this record. I love the groovy guitar parts. I felt like I was on a natural high, floating on the clouds of happiness. They have downloadable songs on both websites.
  
  Sugar Lime Blue takes me back to a time when music was real and raw. This band has no gimmicks or costumes. They are just real musicians with real artistic expression. You can tell this bunch of modern day hippies are in love with recording, performing and overall just making music. They are currently unsigned but I’m sure not for long

• Rage Into Spring features good local acts last Friday [+ Show ]
  

  Sugar Lime Blue took the stage and the night picked up. This Mt. Juliet based unit are fans of south...Sugar Lime Blue took the stage and the night picked up. This Mt. Juliet based unit are fans of southern rock and jam band music's dream and easily were the show stealers. Look out for these guys because I predict you will hear their names again at some point in the not so distant future.
  
  

• Jam Band Blog Site (Canada) [+ Show ]
  

  The album covers what appears to be a well-aligned style of music that would fit the interests of mo...The album covers what appears to be a well-aligned style of music that would fit the interests of most jamband fans. The band would probably be well received at any jamband or indie festival stage.

• SLB Goes Regional [+ Show ]
  

  Mount Juliet Jam Band taking it Regional Sometimes with so many bands on the scene it can be toug...Mount Juliet Jam Band taking it Regional
  
  Sometimes with so many bands on the scene it can be tough to distinguish one from the next, but Mount Juliet’s own Sugar Lime Blue is looking to set themselves apart from the seemingly crowded scene.
  
  In November the band takes it regional even though they have been on the scene for less then 6 months. Tour stops will land them in Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, and even some smaller towns like Columbia, TN, in addition to monthly appearances around Nashville. The band already has plans to expand into Bowling Green,KY and many other regional venues.
  
  Although relative newcomers to the scene, it seems like S.L.B. is always busy and by years end will have racked up well over 50 gigs in just over half years time. One thing that has kept them so busy is the bands ability to give a different look depending on each venue. Appearing as everything from a duet to a full 5 piece blues/rock/jam band each set up may produce a different sound but the results are the same; a growing fan base for a unique and upcoming band.
  
  Showcasing originals that critics claim as “breakout material”, and being “one of those band with a definitive sound,” Sugar Lime Blue has played to its own strengths; smooth soulful vocals and a groovy vintage vibe. Mixing in underplayed covers from artists like Al Green, Otis Redding, The Grateful Dead, Three Dog Night and more you may never guess whats coming next, but you can bet it will get the hip SLB treatment!
  
  Mount Juliet residents may want to check out the hometown rockers at their layed back monthly acoustic gig at Billy Goat Cafe in the Providence Shopping Center the first Friday of every month or visit www.sugarlimeblue.com for a full list of upcoming concert dates.
  

Setlist

Sugar Lime Blue usually will play a single 1 1/2Hr or 2 Hr set, set or 2 1hr 45min sets with a 20min break between sets. However S.L.B. is adaptable to most formats. A typical set list is a blend of covers and originals with the covers ranging from R&B standards to modern classics. Artists covered include Otis Redding, Al Green, Bill Withers, Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule, Grateful Dead, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, and a various list of other artists.

Some of the songs S.L.B. covers:
-Heart of Glass, Blondie
-Shakedown Street, Grateful Dead
-Ain't No Sunshine, Bill Withers
-Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones
-I'm A Ram, Al Green
-On Your Way Down, Little Feat
-I've Been Lovin' You, Otis Redding
-Come Together, The Beatles
-Everyday Is A Winding Road, Sheryl Crow
-Never Been To Spain, Three Dog Night
-Casey Jones, Grateful Dead
-Summertime, George Gershwin
-Rockin' Horse, Gov't Mule
-Lonesome Whistle, Hank Sr.
And many, many more!!!!

Basic Requirements

Calendar