Special Guest: Johnny Neel
Although not a household name, Johnny Neel is a Grammy award nominee recognized in the music world for his work with the Allman Brothers, Lonnie Mack and Gov't Mule, among others. In addition to his soulful vocals, harp, piano and B-3 proficiency, Johnny is an accomplished songwriter whose tunes have been recorded by the likes of the Allman Brothers, Joe Louis Walker, John Mayall, Irma Thomas, Ann Peebles, Marie Osmond, the Oak Ridge Boys and Travis Tritt.
Johnny was first introduced to Chuck Foster early on in the Nashville scene and was revered as a musician's musician. The band has become close friends in recent years with Johnny and has backed his soulful playing on many situations, especially from Old Union's, Jason "J-Dubb" Williams; whom has worked as a bassist for Johnny throughout the years. www.johnnyneel.com
Special Guest: Jack Pearson
Singer, studio musician, songwriter, producer...these words only begin to describe Jack Pearson. But guitarist is what comes to most people's minds when they hear his name. Revered as one of the best guitarists throughout Nashville as well as professionals like Warren Haynes, Derrick Trucks, and many more.
Jack Pearson's influence has been tracked by all of Old Union's members through the years and has led to several shared concert bills with the guitar genius. Jack continues to teach Old Union's guitarist's of the expression which can be made through the medium of the electric guitar.
Special Guest: Ball Hog!
BALLHOG! Nashville’s music community is cultivating an All-star ensemble of singer-songwriters and instrumentalists playing original music based in the traditions of bluegrass, Americana, rock, folk, country and jazz. Ballhog! is finding its diverse musical niche by featuring bluegrass instruments and gang vocals accompanied by horns and drums. The seven-piece band formed in 2000 cut its teeth in the bars of Music City and continues to play in Nashville when not traveling to weekend shows and festivals throughout the southeast. The band’s strength lies in well-thought-out musical arrangements, purposeful lyrics and contagious onstage enthusiasm. Ballhog! has an independently produced eponymous CD now available online at CDBaby.com.
Special Guest: Midnight Riders
Based out of Music City USA, Nashville's own Midnight Riders are the premier Allman Bros. tribute band of the South. Consisting of seasoned Music Row veterans, studio players, and of recently; Chuck Foster, the Riders respect one of our favorite influences.
Special Guest: Chris Bledsoe
Chris Bledsoe has been a business manager, friend, and confidant throughout the years and has been Old Union's number one supporter for a long time. Old Union will be honored to share the stage with Bledsoe for an event that couldn't be without his presence.
Special Guest: The Last Straw
Four men, from different musical backgrounds, combine the influences of their past and their vision of the future to create a sound so unique, yet so recognizable, that it can be mistaken as nothing but The Last Straw. Screaming riffs, impeccable percussion, roaring slide guitar, groovy bass, and the sensation of the perfect organ notes fill the sound that becomes so easily familiar. Songs like "Rock N' Roll Queen," and "She Don't Love You" are reminiscent of some of The Last Straw's greatest influences; such as The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and The Beatles. Kyle Daniel's lyrics scream blues, soul, and rock with the power of a voice far beyond his years. Jason Graumlich's notes stream from his amplifier in perfect accompaniment, while Marc Williams keeps the bass line fresh for every song. Pearce Harrison marks the beat with his well timed thunder .The combination of all four men's eclectic southern roots and influences produces a stripped down, in your face sound that's familiar, yet fresh.
Special Guest: Jimmy Hall
Jimmy Hall was the lead singer and harmonica player for the Southern Rock group Wet Willie. He spent several years playing with Hank Williams Jr. and has become a sought after recording/performing artist in Nashville. Old Union has been privileged to have Jimmy as a guest musician many times and they continue to be humbled by his vocal, harmonica, and saxophone abilities. See this weeks youtube below! www.jimmyhall.com
Special Guest: Johnny Few
Johnny Few is a musician's musician. Coming through the ranks as a coveted singer and bass player, he has played with The Dicky Betts Band, Billy Joe Shaver, and, in recent years, played a major role in Jojo Herman's (of Widespread Panic) Mardi Gras Band. His singing and mere presence at Old Union shows has become a fan-favorite. Johnny has played with the best of the best in the southern music scene and has been a supporter of Old Union from the very beginning 10 years ago. He is also a member of the new Chuck Foster Band. www.myspace.com/johnnyfewmusic
Special Guest: Bonnie Bramlett
Bonnie Bramlett is an American singer and sometime actress known for her distinctive vocals, most notably as forming the husband-and-wife team of Delaney & Bonnie, which instituted the beginnings of Americana music, melding gospel, rock, and blues.
Old Union was privileged to back Bonnie in shows throughout the US and Canada from 2005-2006 performing in the style of her late 60s & 70s bands. The 10 year anniversary will mark the first show played with her by Old Union in years. www.bonniebramlett.com
You tube link for this week features Old Union rehearsing, and includes the first week's special guest, Chris West, saying a few words about his involvement with the band over the years.
YouTube flick of the week:
Special Guest: Chris West
Chris West is one of Nashville's most sought -after saxophone/woodwind players. Along with his own album releases, Chris plays in a variety of music groups including Bump City, Halfbrass, Ballhog, and most noteably; The Dynamites, featuring soul legend Charles Walker, with whom he has toured the world with. Chris has been a long time friend and associate of Old Union, and has written/scored/recorded/ performed all horn arrangements for both studio releases as well as live shows. www.jazzmanic.com
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