Submitted by Cindy Johnson
I decided to change my pace a little and commit to an evening of a wildly growing brand of music called “Americana”. It’s a little folk, a little country with some bluegrass mixed in for flavor. I keep hearing this type of sound called “roots” music, but to me, it’s all relative to keeping it real. No gimmicks, no weird outfits, just good music from yesterday and today. That set the pace throughout the evening with two very talented and spirited bands – one a duo, the other a small army.
Gray Gurkin and the Lost Souls started off the evening. They were missing one Lost Soul reducing them to a duo with their drummer, Chip Farnsworth, and singer, guitarist, Gray Gurkin, who has carved out quite a name for himself as a solo artist, but he obviously thrives with his band, no matter how small.
The Lost Souls are very professional and know how to put on a show. Gray Gurkin interacts with the audience and makes them feel appreciated. The originals songs are both upbeat and spirited, even the sad ones. Gray Gurkin has a powerful voice and he’s not afraid to use it, coupled with that Dwight Yokam bounce when he plays, and you have a great front man and a wonderful sounding band. All the members of The Lost Souls are from Virginia and have played with many other successful bands through the years and it shows. The bands original songs include “Matchbox”, “Wildflower”, and “Sunday Morning”.
Band Members:
Gray Gurkin: Lead vocals, guitar
Chip Farnsworth: Drums
Turtle: Bass and backing vocals
Website: The Lost Souls and Gray Gurkin
The Muckrakes took the stage by storm a while later and I could barely believe the head count on that stage. The band has 7 current members who all play a variety of different instruments, including my personal favorite, the lap steel guitar and rub board. It gave the band personality to play such vibrant instruments and the combination of harmonies and blend of music swept you away to another time when things were simple. I think this type of music is really needed right now to get our priorities back in line and see the simple beauty in things. That’s what this music gives you, simple beauty, and I was definitely in need of some.
The Muckrakes formed in October of 2008 in Newport News, VA after some lineup changes have their current band. Their songs include “Young and Crazy”, “What Does She Have to Say” and “Until They’re Gone”.
Band Members:
Melissa Troutman: vocals
Matt Minguez – violin
Jon Owings – vocals, mandolin, banjo
Dave Jackson – drums
Cory Nealon – Lap steel guitar, dobro guitar
Spider Turner – guitar
Billy Englan - bass
Website: The Muckrakes
The Muckrakes Pics
The Lost Souls Pics
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