New Salvation: The Dirty Guv'Nahs and Scott Miller Live at the TN Theatre (9/2/11)
The Dirty Guv’Nahs have spent nearly six years with their nose to the grind working to bring rock and roll back to the main front of not only local music, but music period. They tour all over the east coast traveling relentlessly from Alabama to New York regularly. But finally, it seems that it is all really paying off, for they achieved something that is unprecedented for a local band… They booked the Tennessee Theatre.
This beautiful venue isn’t Knoxville’s largest for live music; it seats fewer than 2,000 people (1631 to be exact). But that is a very respectable size and the real gem is it was built for sound. The beautiful interior is marvelous and is only rivaled by the spectacular sound that can be produced inside its four walls. This is the stuff dreams are made of as far as musicians are concerned.
Scott Miller, local veteran musician who once was in the V-Roys opened the show for the Guv’Nahs. He was one of the men who paved the way for bands like the Guv’Nahs, and even sold his tour bus to the boys when they were in need. To see him opening for the band was a little unusual considering his status, but Miller’s style isn’t quite as popular as the Guv’Nahs. He seemed happy to be able to play the theatre and generous/smart enough to step aside and recognize the potential of the headlining act.
He kept his set to ten songs and was accompanied by his faithful band, the Commonwealth. The guys played their blend of Johnny Cash country and start-stop punk with a slickness and tightness that is unrivaled by any other local act in Knoxville. The triple shot of well known songs was a great way to kick off the night and he stuck to his popular stuff for the rest of the set including playing a V-Roys classic. He joked throughout his 45 minute set and stayed humble with the local success he has had and most certainly was proud of his home as he closed with the raucous “You Can’t Shake Knoxville.” He received a well deserved standing ovation as he walked off the stage.
Minutes later, the Dirty Guv’Nahs casually strolled out on stage. The audience stood up and most didn’t sit back down for the remainder of the evening.
Lead singer James Trimble welcomed us home and launched into the high energy “It’s Dangerous.” The entire theatre was filled up with the lyrics, “Are you happy now? Are you happy now?” as Trimble moved all over the stage in the tradition of Mick Jagger and Chris Robinson. The band was dessed for success. There was something impressively smooth about the guys all playing while wearing their Sunday best.
The Knoxville flare of the Guv’Nahs seemed to fit perfectly inside the venue. Their mix of Exile on Main Street/Black Crowes infused rock and roll mixed with southern country and smooth gospel with a touch of sweet Tennessee soul seemed to be exactly what the Tennessee Theatre was built for.
Standout songs “Walk With Me” and “New Salvation” grooved beautifully. “Ain’t it Strange” kept things fun and led into some classic Guv’Nahs songs including “Borrowed Time” and “Lovely Bones.”
Lead guitarists Cozmo Holloway was on fire. He never missed a chance to show you that you can still be passionate about the guitar. He would seamlessly move from lead riff into solo with such ease. It has been a long time since I’ve seen a musician express such emotion without speaking a word. At one point, many people had sat down, but Holloway’s guitar solo brought everyone back to their feet. It’s an impressive feat for a guitarist to be able to take multiple extended solos throughout the evening and not lose the attention of the audience, but Holloway did it with purpose that was most certainly well thought out and executed stunningly.
Keyboardist Chris Doody proved that he was more than just a member meant to add depth to the sound. His backing vocals were absolutely vital to the show. And his piano and organ riffs were so brilliantly placed that I thought I was having a religious experience watching and hearing him play. Not to be overshadowed, drummer Aaron Hoskins brought the steady rock and roll jive to the show. He was ferocious all night long, never missing a chance to show some fire behind the drum set. As a drummer, I was jealous of all the fun he was having. The rhythm section is rounded out by bassist Justin Hoskins and rhythm guitarist Michael Jenkins. Both held the songs together with such tightness that if I closed my eyes, I could have sworn the Allman Brothers were backing the Guv’Nahs. I have never seen a local band this tight and together, and that is owed to Jenkins and J. Hoskins.
Trimble launched into a Wallflowers cover halfway through the set that really got people singing along and from there on, the band didn’t slow down. They also were able to let us know that they were playing some new songs tonight, all of which showed the continuing evolution of the group. I look forward to hearing the new album.
“Afternoon Eyes” may have been my favorite song of the night. It grooved, it strutted, and it broke it down all in the tradition of a soulful rocker playing his tunes in a southern Baptist church. “Blue Rose Stroll,” another fan favorite, is a fun country song that got people dancing and taking pride in their surroundings and the wildly popular “We’ll Be The Light” closed out the set.
But of course the boys weren’t done yet as the Encore inevitably rolled around. Trimble walked out on stage alone and had something planned but couldn’t find his harmonica, so he decided to go out on a limb and make a set change and played the sultry, touching “Song For My Beloved” solo acoustic. The result- pure bliss for the audience; It truly is a beautifully touching slow song. The band returned for “Saguaro” and then a horn line and a who’s who Knoxville talent for back-up singers, including Mr. Kevin Hyfantis, decided to turn the show into a party. The song “Tennessee Jed” (Grateful Dead cover) was so much fun for the performers and audience alike and it prepared us for the rowdy version of “Baby We Were Young.”
At this point, I knew the gloves were off and I was expecting them to launch into the Rolling Stones “Loving Cup” to close the show, but the decided to go the other direction tonight and played a version of The Beatles “Hey Jude” that could be a hit on country radio right now. The band took the classic and morphed it into a southern soul song that could be a staple for cathedrals and honky tonks alike. They finished the song but the crowd decided they wanted to continue to sing. “Na na na na na na na,” filled the theatre from the voices of the crowd. The six young men that make up to Dirty Guv’Nahs stood arm in arm at the foot of the stage and just marveled at it as well all sang in harmony. Just voices and the heart of music- they couldn’t have been happier.
But we weren’t done quite yet…
A second encore brought out just Trimble and Doody to give some vocal support to opener Scott Miller. I expected him to play his party anthem “Drunk All Around This Town,” but the guys decided to play something a little more meaningful- the bluegrass standard “Going Home (Carry Me Back to East Tennessee).” It was the perfect way to wrap up the evening.
And with that, I walked out of the Tennessee Theatre on a high of what I had just witnessed. I couldn’t go home, I was too riled up; so I went out for a night on the town. And in the style of the Dirty Guv’Nahs, I felt like doing nothing but showing pride for how I was raised and brought up, so the next day, I went to Cleveland to visit with my family. Something about the music actually made me want to go back to where my roots were. I think that’s what the Guv’Nahs wanted to accomplish. I also can’t stop listening to them; I think they may have wanted to do that to people as well.
It’s rare that artists create this type of buzz, but these guys might have figured out exactly what they have to do to get real music back in the mainstream: Relentless work and full throttle belief in what you are doing. They may save rock and roll...
Scott Miller Setlist
1. Amtrak Crescent
2. Let You Down
3. 8 Miles A Gallon
4. Dear Sara
5. Walk On (Neil Young cover)
6. Claire Marie
7. Kick Me Around (V-Roys)
8. Freedom’s A Stranger
9. Wildcat Whistle
10. You Can’t Shake Knoxville
The Dirty Guv’Nahs Setlist
1. It’s Dangerous
2. This is My Heart*
3. Walk With Me
4. Do You Love Me Baby
5. New Salvation
6. Good Luck Charm*
7. Ain’t It Strange
8. Borrowed Time
9. Honey Would You Be Mine*
10. Lovely Bones
11. Wide Awake
12. 6th Avenue Heartache (Wallflowers cover)
13. Fly Me Up TO Heaven
14. Brown Little Bird
15. Please Don’t Give Up On Me*
16. Afternoon Eyes
17. Blue Rose Stroll
18. We’ll Be The Light
ENCORE
19. Song For My Beloved (Solo acoustic)
20. Saguaro
21. Tennessee Jed (with back-up singers and horns)(Grateful Dead cover)
22. Baby We We’re Young (with back-up singers and horns)
23. Hey Jude (Beatles cover)
ENCORE 2
24. Going Home (Carry Me Back to East Tennessee) (Acoustic with Scott Miller) (Bluegrass Standard cover)
*Guessed on Title, feel free to correct me.
Ratings- Scott Miller: 8/10
The Dirty Guv’Nahs: 9/10
NOTES: Chad Tipton came with the show with me, couldn’t think of a better guy to share the evening with--- James Trimble is all over the stage all night long--- Scott Murphy and his badlandpictures were there filming the show. I said hi, it was good to see him and I look forward to seeing the videos. Can I get a full DVD… please!!!--- Scott Miller could probably be a comedian. His story about the poetry party in South Knoxville was hilarious--- The Guv’Nahs played every song of theirs I wanted to hear. It’s rare that I walk out of a show able to say that--- I look forward to seeing the guys again next time they are back home---
This beautiful venue isn’t Knoxville’s largest for live music; it seats fewer than 2,000 people (1631 to be exact). But that is a very respectable size and the real gem is it was built for sound. The beautiful interior is marvelous and is only rivaled by the spectacular sound that can be produced inside its four walls. This is the stuff dreams are made of as far as musicians are concerned.
Scott Miller, local veteran musician who once was in the V-Roys opened the show for the Guv’Nahs. He was one of the men who paved the way for bands like the Guv’Nahs, and even sold his tour bus to the boys when they were in need. To see him opening for the band was a little unusual considering his status, but Miller’s style isn’t quite as popular as the Guv’Nahs. He seemed happy to be able to play the theatre and generous/smart enough to step aside and recognize the potential of the headlining act.
He kept his set to ten songs and was accompanied by his faithful band, the Commonwealth. The guys played their blend of Johnny Cash country and start-stop punk with a slickness and tightness that is unrivaled by any other local act in Knoxville. The triple shot of well known songs was a great way to kick off the night and he stuck to his popular stuff for the rest of the set including playing a V-Roys classic. He joked throughout his 45 minute set and stayed humble with the local success he has had and most certainly was proud of his home as he closed with the raucous “You Can’t Shake Knoxville.” He received a well deserved standing ovation as he walked off the stage.
Minutes later, the Dirty Guv’Nahs casually strolled out on stage. The audience stood up and most didn’t sit back down for the remainder of the evening.
Lead singer James Trimble welcomed us home and launched into the high energy “It’s Dangerous.” The entire theatre was filled up with the lyrics, “Are you happy now? Are you happy now?” as Trimble moved all over the stage in the tradition of Mick Jagger and Chris Robinson. The band was dessed for success. There was something impressively smooth about the guys all playing while wearing their Sunday best.
The Knoxville flare of the Guv’Nahs seemed to fit perfectly inside the venue. Their mix of Exile on Main Street/Black Crowes infused rock and roll mixed with southern country and smooth gospel with a touch of sweet Tennessee soul seemed to be exactly what the Tennessee Theatre was built for.
Standout songs “Walk With Me” and “New Salvation” grooved beautifully. “Ain’t it Strange” kept things fun and led into some classic Guv’Nahs songs including “Borrowed Time” and “Lovely Bones.”
Lead guitarists Cozmo Holloway was on fire. He never missed a chance to show you that you can still be passionate about the guitar. He would seamlessly move from lead riff into solo with such ease. It has been a long time since I’ve seen a musician express such emotion without speaking a word. At one point, many people had sat down, but Holloway’s guitar solo brought everyone back to their feet. It’s an impressive feat for a guitarist to be able to take multiple extended solos throughout the evening and not lose the attention of the audience, but Holloway did it with purpose that was most certainly well thought out and executed stunningly.
Keyboardist Chris Doody proved that he was more than just a member meant to add depth to the sound. His backing vocals were absolutely vital to the show. And his piano and organ riffs were so brilliantly placed that I thought I was having a religious experience watching and hearing him play. Not to be overshadowed, drummer Aaron Hoskins brought the steady rock and roll jive to the show. He was ferocious all night long, never missing a chance to show some fire behind the drum set. As a drummer, I was jealous of all the fun he was having. The rhythm section is rounded out by bassist Justin Hoskins and rhythm guitarist Michael Jenkins. Both held the songs together with such tightness that if I closed my eyes, I could have sworn the Allman Brothers were backing the Guv’Nahs. I have never seen a local band this tight and together, and that is owed to Jenkins and J. Hoskins.
Trimble launched into a Wallflowers cover halfway through the set that really got people singing along and from there on, the band didn’t slow down. They also were able to let us know that they were playing some new songs tonight, all of which showed the continuing evolution of the group. I look forward to hearing the new album.
“Afternoon Eyes” may have been my favorite song of the night. It grooved, it strutted, and it broke it down all in the tradition of a soulful rocker playing his tunes in a southern Baptist church. “Blue Rose Stroll,” another fan favorite, is a fun country song that got people dancing and taking pride in their surroundings and the wildly popular “We’ll Be The Light” closed out the set.
But of course the boys weren’t done yet as the Encore inevitably rolled around. Trimble walked out on stage alone and had something planned but couldn’t find his harmonica, so he decided to go out on a limb and make a set change and played the sultry, touching “Song For My Beloved” solo acoustic. The result- pure bliss for the audience; It truly is a beautifully touching slow song. The band returned for “Saguaro” and then a horn line and a who’s who Knoxville talent for back-up singers, including Mr. Kevin Hyfantis, decided to turn the show into a party. The song “Tennessee Jed” (Grateful Dead cover) was so much fun for the performers and audience alike and it prepared us for the rowdy version of “Baby We Were Young.”
At this point, I knew the gloves were off and I was expecting them to launch into the Rolling Stones “Loving Cup” to close the show, but the decided to go the other direction tonight and played a version of The Beatles “Hey Jude” that could be a hit on country radio right now. The band took the classic and morphed it into a southern soul song that could be a staple for cathedrals and honky tonks alike. They finished the song but the crowd decided they wanted to continue to sing. “Na na na na na na na,” filled the theatre from the voices of the crowd. The six young men that make up to Dirty Guv’Nahs stood arm in arm at the foot of the stage and just marveled at it as well all sang in harmony. Just voices and the heart of music- they couldn’t have been happier.
But we weren’t done quite yet…
A second encore brought out just Trimble and Doody to give some vocal support to opener Scott Miller. I expected him to play his party anthem “Drunk All Around This Town,” but the guys decided to play something a little more meaningful- the bluegrass standard “Going Home (Carry Me Back to East Tennessee).” It was the perfect way to wrap up the evening.
And with that, I walked out of the Tennessee Theatre on a high of what I had just witnessed. I couldn’t go home, I was too riled up; so I went out for a night on the town. And in the style of the Dirty Guv’Nahs, I felt like doing nothing but showing pride for how I was raised and brought up, so the next day, I went to Cleveland to visit with my family. Something about the music actually made me want to go back to where my roots were. I think that’s what the Guv’Nahs wanted to accomplish. I also can’t stop listening to them; I think they may have wanted to do that to people as well.
It’s rare that artists create this type of buzz, but these guys might have figured out exactly what they have to do to get real music back in the mainstream: Relentless work and full throttle belief in what you are doing. They may save rock and roll...
Scott Miller Setlist
1. Amtrak Crescent
2. Let You Down
3. 8 Miles A Gallon
4. Dear Sara
5. Walk On (Neil Young cover)
6. Claire Marie
7. Kick Me Around (V-Roys)
8. Freedom’s A Stranger
9. Wildcat Whistle
10. You Can’t Shake Knoxville
The Dirty Guv’Nahs Setlist
1. It’s Dangerous
2. This is My Heart*
3. Walk With Me
4. Do You Love Me Baby
5. New Salvation
6. Good Luck Charm*
7. Ain’t It Strange
8. Borrowed Time
9. Honey Would You Be Mine*
10. Lovely Bones
11. Wide Awake
12. 6th Avenue Heartache (Wallflowers cover)
13. Fly Me Up TO Heaven
14. Brown Little Bird
15. Please Don’t Give Up On Me*
16. Afternoon Eyes
17. Blue Rose Stroll
18. We’ll Be The Light
ENCORE
19. Song For My Beloved (Solo acoustic)
20. Saguaro
21. Tennessee Jed (with back-up singers and horns)(Grateful Dead cover)
22. Baby We We’re Young (with back-up singers and horns)
23. Hey Jude (Beatles cover)
ENCORE 2
24. Going Home (Carry Me Back to East Tennessee) (Acoustic with Scott Miller) (Bluegrass Standard cover)
*Guessed on Title, feel free to correct me.
Ratings- Scott Miller: 8/10
The Dirty Guv’Nahs: 9/10
NOTES: Chad Tipton came with the show with me, couldn’t think of a better guy to share the evening with--- James Trimble is all over the stage all night long--- Scott Murphy and his badlandpictures were there filming the show. I said hi, it was good to see him and I look forward to seeing the videos. Can I get a full DVD… please!!!--- Scott Miller could probably be a comedian. His story about the poetry party in South Knoxville was hilarious--- The Guv’Nahs played every song of theirs I wanted to hear. It’s rare that I walk out of a show able to say that--- I look forward to seeing the guys again next time they are back home---
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