Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
“Deep and melodic is the sound of this quintet from Athens, GA! Rich textures and dramatic songwriting are the hallmarks of their first album, "Overthinking", and the music is even more enveloping in the live setting. Sax, bass, drums, violin, and guitar coalesce into a bright, hook-laden sound that is full of true musicianship but also catchy and harmonic. Their honest and enigmatic lyrics are fully fleshed out by resounding vocal harmonies. Jazz, rock, pop, bluegrass, and innumerable other influences weave their way into the music. With their catchy choruses, stylized melodies, and feel-good attitude, Bluestring are sure to delight listeners of all types.”
Jambase.com ---- Bryan Rogers
- Bryan Rogers
“A little bluegrass, some jam band styling, a little jazz and great fun will be found on Bluestring's, "Overthinking." The dynamics of their musical influences leave Bluestring with a sound all their own. There is even a little Dave Matthews Band along with funk and Latin undertones.
Intricate guitar work begins the jam "Professor Debreeze" as the drums pick up tempo with mellow notes from a saxophone and then leading brilliantly into "Dinosaur." Clay Evans expressive lead vocals along with the bands diverse instruments from the fiddle, mandolin and saxophone create the framework.
"Your Recovery," a great example of their bluegrass sound and entertaining lyrics. "Could I convince you/Or have I dared to cross your way/Do we dare cross unless to change our fate."
Evans's songwriting was inspired by Bruce Hornsby, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Phil Collins and Stevie Wonder. Evans expressed that "'Overthinking' was in many ways for us just that. With so many different instruments and so many different influences." The instrumentation delivery in "Temporary Relief" further demonstrates their diverse musical influences.
"To Be Satisfied" remains my favorite, with its high-energy sound and lively lyrics. The mandolin work is fabulous, up beat drums and the background saxophone for the full effect. Brad Thomas's saxophone is a treat for the ears throughout "Overthinking," whose influences derive from Miles Davis, Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Morphine and Radiohead.”
- Lisa Comento
“Athens good-vibers Bluestring grasp at both the distinctive sax and fiddle interplay of the Dave Matthews Band and the funky rhythmic bass twist of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones… their result is an appealing hybrid of styles that has its own moments of greatness.” - Unknown
Discography
2003 - "Bluestring," Flying Frog Records
2001 - "Overthinking," self release
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
From the musically rich and diverse little town that gave the world REM, The B52’s and Widespread Panic; Athens, Georgia can now lay claim as the birth place of one of the most exciting and talked about new bands to emerge on the scene in quite some time.
Bluestring is a Funk and Jazz flavored modern Rock band with flourishes of Pop and Bluegrass. While they have been called everything from “jamband” to “college pop”, fans and critics alike agree that the infectious grooves and superb musicianship of Bluestring make for one of the most original and refreshing new “Songprov” bands to come along in many years.
Clay Evans, Brad Thomas, Chuck Thomas, Nick Prince and Jason Jones each bring their own unique history of influences and experiences to Bluestring, having each played in a number of Atlanta/Athens based bands ranging in styles from Funk and Jazz to solo-acoustic. Collectively, the combination has been magical. While each member writes, Evans is the principal songwriter for the group combining his gift for lyrical introspection and solid melodies to make Bluestring one of the strongest song-oriented bands working today.
Bluestring’s vocal configuration consists of Evan’s soaring lead vocals, supported by the solid harmonies delivered by each member.
Bluestring’s vocal prowess coupled with the unique instrumentation of sax, guitar, bass, drums and percussion make for a rhythmic and melodic experience seldom seen or heard in today’s music. With the 2001 release of their first full length CD; OVERTHINKING, the band garnered rave reviews and critical acclaim and began touring in the Southeast building a loyal fan base with their high energy stage shows and fun vibe.
Named the "Best Band To See Live" in 2001 by Athens’ Flagpole Magazine, the band has had the honor of multiple sold out shows at The Georgia Theater, Iota Club, Rafters, Riverfront Bluez and Murphy’s. By sharing the stage with acclaimed bands like Acoustic Syndicate, Carbon Leaf, The Recipe, Keller Williams, Pat McGee Band, and Virginia Coalition, Bluestring has been providing support at legendary venues like The Lincoln Theater, The Norva, The Birchmere, Starr Hill Music Hall and many other well-known East Coast venues and clubs.
In 2001, the band caught the ear of the legendary Butch Trucks of The Allman Brothers Band who signed Bluestring to his new "Flying Frog Records" label. Their first collaboration under the Flying Frog label, to be Self-Titled is scheduled for release June 17, 2003. The band is also expanding their touring in 2003 with shows being planned in the Midwest, West Coast and Northeast, as well as continuing to build on their momentum in the Southeast. Talks are currently underway for Bluestring to support a number of bigger bands in different markets, further spreading the word to the masses of the fun and sheer musical joy that is Bluestring.
With only 1 year of full time touring under their belt, the buzz is starting to spread and many expect great things from Bluestring.
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