Rooster Run!

While doing coverage in Bardstown for ExploringKentucky.com I happened to walk by a couple of guys doing sound check in between two buildings on a downtown sidewalk. There were a couple of kids sitting in the background as the guys talked shop. They looked like two established musicians about to take the stage at a large club or theater. While their setup was minimal, it was clear they picked and chose exactly what they needed.

As I walked by filming, I couldn’t help but ask them if I could take a photo. They obliged. In fact, they offered to play a song for the video. Initially, Buckshot George (lead vocals, guitar) started playing a popular mainstream song. As great as it sounded I had to tell him that YouTube’s stringent copyright policies might strip the sound. Almost instinctively Dead End Dave suggested playing an original. Buckshot George – almost on cue – suggested Rooster Run and it was as if he’d read Dead End Dave’s mind. The two started playing the song and nailed it on the first take. Everything was spot on.

Buckshot George’s guitar playing was stellar and Dead End Dave kept amazing time with his epic playing of the cajon. I must admit I was clueless as to what this instrument was. There’s no denying that Dave is an epic percussionist and his familiarity with the instrument is abundantly clear given how he was able to use it during various parts of the song. He basically provided the equivalent (if not better) percussion of a full drum kit. The fact he sat on it and was able to keep his line of vision on Buckshot George, passerby pedestrian traffic (which would otherwise be for a venue packed full of people), and the camera, made his contribution to the entertainment factor quite noteworthy. These guys are clearly great musicians and songwriters but they’re showmen as well.

Buckshot George, like Dead End Dave, is both a talented musician and entertainer. He’s also a very good singer. Aside from a microphone for amplification what you hear is what you get. There was no autotune or other special effects at play. There were no second takes. Everything was studio quality – from a sidewalk in Bardstown, KY!

Also for these guys to freely offer me to tape them playing on a sidewalk you can only imagine how tight their sound is in a club setting or even more so in the studio. One question I meant to ask was if they had any music for sale. Upon visiting BuckshotGeorge.com I got to listen to “Six Days on the Road,” and man do these guys deliver! There’s a lot going on with their sound from rock, southern elements, country and even a little punk rock spirit. I mean c’mon, you don’t get more punk rock than playing on a sidewalk! Also, I didn’t see a hat or an open guitar case. It’s almost as if playing was their payment. That’s even more rock ‘n roll!

In addition to visiting their official website, I’d recommend liking their Official Facebook Page where they post all their upcoming appearances and drop new releases. Everything about these guys is on the money. They’ve nailed their image all their own, their sound is great, and they feel the music. That’s very important and they’d do very well in a number of markets beyond Kentucky. In addition to everything I’ve already said, these guys have great personalities! I think they’d do very well in interviews and I also think they’re personable enough to meet and greet fans on a large scale. I really think if they get discovered by the right A&R people they could do very well.

The music industry has changed so much given the demise of records and CD’s. Now it’s all digital which has changed how people obtain and listen to music. For many established acts from yesteryear this shift has forced them to drastically change their approach. On the flipside labels today are still signing artists and still paying well, provided they work with the right artists. Whereas labels used to focus solely on album sales, deals today are all-inclusive. The labels have their hands in music downloads, touring revenue, and merchandise sales. A duo like Buckshot George and Dead End Dave could be very attractive to independent labels looking for a couple of guys who live and breathe their music, who are personable, and who are willing to work hard. And let me tell you, playing on a sidewalk epitomizes what being a blue collar musician is all about. These guys are paying their dues and happy to do it.

Rock on fellas!