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Beat
Magazine
The John Sutton Band “Going Places”
By Rod Kilbourn
Every great once in awhile, you come upon a band that is talented
enough, dedicated enough, and unique enough to just have to tell
people about it. This is most certainly one of those times. Ladies
and Gentlemen, I present to you the “John Sutton Band”.
I had been hearing great things about this Nashville based touring
band for a couple of years and finally on Halloween Night, of all
nights, I finally got a chance to catch a show right here on beautiful
Saint George Island, Florida, at a local favorite hang out and party
spot called “Eddy Teach’s“. ( Another story in
itself, and hopefully will be forthcoming here on Beat Magazine).
I can write to you from personal experience, but I must mention
that I had heard about this band that was SO tight, and SO entertaining,
and had also heard of beautiful girls fawning over John and literally
dancing on the tables at Teach’s…and SO… I thought
I might grab up my good friend and band mate “Smokin’
Joe Brown” (after a few toddies of course…) and go see
for myself, because “SMOKIN’ JOE”… was where
I was getting most of my information from… SO! We threw a
few back and off we were!
Again, bear in mind it was Halloween night, and I had made the rounds
with the kiddies, and also decided to bring my son John along with
me so that he could experience a live show in the raw with Ol’
Dad…
When we arrived, the first thing that I noticed was that the band
was in full costume. John was a “Pancho Villa” type
character, and pulling it off very well, Rick Reese (Bass Virtuoso)
was actually cross dressed (so to speak) between a dragon and a
bumble bee…( Check out the interview following this article
for the details…) while Drummer Rob Garrett, also known as
Black Rob came in jean shorts and a tee shirt…OF COURSE…(those
dang drummers…)
So now that I’ve painted you a picture, on to the music…
First Impression:
“THERE IS NO DEAD AIR AT A JOHN SUTTON BAND SHOW!” They
start playing and just don’t stop! Not withstanding the occasional
humorous quip from John, it is nonstop “Groove”. John
moves with the groove, Rob is right in the pocket and Rick Reese…RICK!
He is probably one of the finest bass players I have seen and I
mean that literally. At any given point in the show, he lays down
on his six pack abs and puts his bass on the floor and plays a bass
solo that kills!
Side note: During one of the breaks I asked Rick to give my son
Jon who is an aspiring musician, some words of encouragement. Rick
spent virtually his entire break conversing with my son. Needless
to say Jon and I both were very impressed. Speaks to the character
of the man. (Break time is precious for a musician).
Rather than going on and on, I’ll let the interviews that
follow speak for themselves. But I must mention that the Band played
over 160 dates in 2010, and plan to be even more busy in 2011. They
bring a perfect mixture of originals and covers to the stage with
that perfect groove. And if I had been a beautiful girl that night,
I would have been dancing on the tables too. All that I had heard
about how tight they were was definitely true. (Thanks Joe Brown).
John is a prolific songwriter, and has several CDs to his credit
over the past 12 years which I can respect, being a songwriter myself.
And as you’ll see in the two separate interviews with Rick
and John, these guys are TOTALLY dedicated to their craft and their
profession. Very hard to find individual musicians that can measure
up to that these days much less all in one band. Supreme talent,
love for music, dedication, hard work, love for live performing,
great songwriting, drive to succeed… I could goon and on.
But trust me, that is so hard to find today. I love Power Trios…But
it is so hard to pull off unless you have that unique combination
of attributes. Having said all that, and short of an act of congress…
( Tha’ Bastards) … “The John Sutton Band”
is going places, both figuratively and literally.
Checkout these most interesting interviews with John and Rick.
Interview with John Sutton, Frontman/Guitar, By Rod Kilbourn
of Beat Magazine
Rod Kilbourn* Why "The John Sutton Band" as opposed
to a "Band" name?
John
Sutton* EGO!!! Just playin'. :) It started out as several
band names back in the beginning over 12 years ago. Then as people
quit, moved on, etc. it always felt like I was starting over with
new names. I was playing around Nashville doing solo acoustic shows
then as I started adding dif friends in on dif nights I just started
calling it John Sutton Band so my friends would know if I was solo
or with a 'make shift' band. It has worked out because, as is the
way of Nashville, I have had several line up changes and the name
recognition never takes a hit. Funny you asked this because it is
always a concern of mine that I am not seen as an arrogant front
man with the band named after him. Anyway ...
Rod
Kilbourn* I noticed on your artist page that you have recorded
more than a few songs, are you the songwriter of the group, or do
Rick and Rob contribute also?
John
Sutton* I do the writing. I am a songwriter to my core.
It's what I love to do and is totally my outlet. Live performance
is what my total passion is but I need writing for my vent. Both
good and bad venting. :) I do write with others on occasion but
write JSB music about my world. These songs hit home to me in one
way or another. Rick and Rob both have never really brought up songwriting
but I think that is more attributed to knowing who I am and what
writing means to me.
Rod
Kilbourn* I'm a big fan of your music, what are you trying
to accomplish through your originals?
John
Sutton* Thank you!!! The numbers are not a huge deal to
us. Our goal or 'mission statement', if you will, is to **be able
to play anywhere we want, for folks who have shown up to see us
play 'our' music ... and sing along and become apart of it!!!!**
In my opinion you can only truly create this kind of connection
with the crowd with your own music. It really establishes your sound
and who you are like no other. Getting our music out is our biggest
goal.
Rod
Kilbourn* Who were your major musical influences growing
up, and who do you like on today's music scene?
John
Sutton* I personally didn't grow up with a huge music perspective.
I listened to rap music in mid and high school. In college started
to see the light when I got my first guitar at 22. Around the same
time I fell in love with Big Head Todd & the Monsters and tried
to copy Todd Park Mohr's guitar style. He and Stevie Ray were my
first guitar influences. Now I am a fan of all kinds of folks. Guitar
is def Joe Bonnamassa. Songwriters are Ani Difranco, Ray LaMontagne,
... Singers are Michael Buble', Beyonce'. All around package would
be John Mayer and Warren Haynes of Gov't Mule. My Favorite band
right now is by far JJ Grey & Mofro out of Jacksonville, FL!!!
They are amazing live and on CD.
Rod
Kilbourn* Where can fans go to purchase your music?
John
Sutton* Website is the best place to start. www.johnsuttonband.com
From here they can find hard disc or download links for purchasing
from a number of dif sites like iTunes, rhapsody, CDbaby, ... Also,
on our website we always have a bunch of our older or live music
people can download for free. Rick does our website and is real
great at it.
Rod
Kilbourn* Do you prefer writing and recording, or live
performance?
John
Sutton* Live performance is my one and only MAIN love.
Rob and Rick are the same way. We love and need the stage. As mentioned
earlier I also do love writing. I will be honest though, I hate
the recording process. I don't have the patience for it but it is
obviously a necessary part of the 'whole' process.
Rod
Kilbourn* Give me the band lineup, and some brief thoughts
on your band mates.
John
Sutton* Rick Reese (Bass Guitar) -- My thoughts on Rick
are very simple. He will become a legend in the bass world as our
band grows. He is that good!!! It's just a matter of time. .....
Rob Garrett (Drums / vocals) -- Amazing drummer and amazing singer.
His harmony vocs have added so much to our live sound. He calls
himself a pocket player (which he does beautifully) but he brings
so much more than that. Never has a J.S.B. line-up contributed so
much to forming it's own sound. When folks ask me to describe our
band I say we are a 'rhythm section heavy band'. We all groove together
to create our sound. I love these guys and this sound.
Rod
Kilbourn* If
you had to be put into a "Box" musically speaking, how
would you consider your style of music? Rock, Reggae, Jam...etc...
John
Sutton*
A Funky Groove!!! A little rock, reggae, blues, and soul!!! Albums
lean more soulful rock. Live leans more funky blues.
Rod
Kilbourn* Where is your band based, and how many dates
a year do you do?
John
Sutton* We are based out of Nashville, TN and we played
168 shows in 2010. We are shooting for even more this year!!! We
love to play and be on the road!!!
Rod
Kilbourn* Do you make your living strictly from playing
and recording music? If so, how did you come about making that decision?
John
Sutton* I do make my living off of my music. It has been
a long 12 year process and has been the goal since the beginning.
Started out full time work with part time music. Then Full time
music and part time work (for many years). Now the past couple years,
when I'm not traveling, I wake up every morning and get on the phone
and computer and start booking gigs and promoting shows. I love
every part of this business. At least 100 days out of the year you
gotta forget you are a musician and wear the hat of promoter and
booking agent. Would rather be a musician 365, but ya do what ya
gotta do to keep busy baby!!!
Rod
Kilbourn* I
know you are a family man... tell me about your kids, and what they
mean to you... are they into music as well?
John
Sutton*
I will be married for 17 years in May (Robin). Have two kids. A
son 15 (Levi) and a daughter 9 (Reagan). They are all amazing and
love what I do for a living. They look at this like Dad's work (even
though it never feels like work to me). :) The one draw back to
this business is def the time away from them. It's been apart of
our lives for so long that we are certainly use to it. But it is
hard to be gone. My wife, as you can imagine, is a saint!!! :) They
are both way into sports. My son can pick a little but it is not
his passion. My daughter loves to sing like any third grader does.
She is just starting to play guitar a little but right now it is
just a fun thing to do with dad.
Rod
Kilbourn* I know you guys play several dates a year on
Saint George, any thoughts on Eddy Teach's, and the Island?
John
Sutton* I have been playing St. George Island for 11 years.
It was one of my first regular road gigs. Vicki and Jim at Eddy
Teach's have been so amazing to us. They are real supportive of
what we do and let us come in and play whenever our schedule brings
us down south. Couldn't ask for a better place to play on an island.
And I love SGI. The locals have really taken me in and been so supportive
of our music. Truly grateful for the friends I have made. Plan on
spending a lot of time there over the next 40 years.
Interview
with Rick Reese, Bass Player, By Rod Kilbourn of Beat Magazine
Rod
Kilbourn* What was it that first got you interested in
playing music?
Rick
Reese* My earliest memory would be around 5 years old and
I would make up songs, play whatever instruments I could get my
hands on and record them on a cassette recorder. I thought it was
the greatest thing ever... now these obviously were not very good,
but the creative process was very exciting. It was not until I was
in the 6th grade when I joined the school band and began to play
the saxophone did I start to really understand music and actually
begin to play.
Rod
Kilbourn* How did you come to choosing bass guitar?
Rick
Reese* In a way the bass choose me. I was 13 years old
and in the High School Band. The school had an electric bass that
sat in the instrument room and I was able to take it home on the
weekends. Up until then I just played the saxophone, I thought and
electric instrument was cool and a lot of my friends were playing
electric guitars, no one was playing bass. My dad turned an old
stereo into an amp and I was on my way!. When I heard Rush’s
“Moving Pictures” and realized what a bass guitar could
do, I was hooked. I got an electric bass (Fender Bullet, which I
still have) for my 14th Birthday and have never looked back.
Rod
Kilbourn* Your thoughts on "The John Sutton Band"...
Rick
Reese* To me the John Sutton Band is authentic and has
a vibe. John is a great songwriter and performer, dedicated to his
music and has been driving his vision for over 10 years. It is real
easy to get behind and invest musically everything in a guy like
him. The chemistry on stage combined with John’s music really
creates a great show. Our shows are living breathing things, the
energy is high and the improvisational elements keep it fresh and
exciting every night for us and I think it really comes thru to
the audience. We really care and enjoy about what we do and we enjoy
doing it together.
Rod
Kilbourn* What bands of significance have you played with
in the past?
Rick
Reese* I have played with many people and bands that I
am proud of. The most significant would have to be Sonic Joyride.
I spent 12 years playing with one of my dearest friends Chris Hobler,
who was the singer and guitarist, in the group. We started it from
nothing and by the time it was over we had crisscrossed the country
several times released 4 albums and had been featured on MTV and
CNN because of our unique vehicle the “Cosmic Sled”.
The Cosmic Sled was SONIC JOYRIDE's one of a kind, custom welded
tour bus. (Formerly a retired school bus from the Oyster River School
district in New Hampshire). There was stage on the roof, a 10,000
watt "surround sound" sound system, giant rear projection
video screens, a full lighting system, and a 16 track digital recording
studio all powered by a self-contained generator. We played all
over the country at setting up and playing for locals at some of
the country's most unusual landmarks - from the World's Largest
Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas to the World's Largest Bug
outside Providence, RI. It was quite an experience – in fact
I think you can still by our CDs on EBAY 11 years later, LOL We
were a trio and after 12 years Chris was Diagnosed with ALS and
suddenly the band was not as important. Chris lost his battle 4
years later. I was look upon those years fondly and grateful for
the experiences it brought me.
Rod
Kilbourn* Do you prefer the studio, or live performance,
and why?
Rick
Reese* I love to record, but if I were to choose I would
have to say I am live performer. To me music is a voice and a language,
and performing live gives me the opportunity to speak. It is exciting
and it happens in real time, there are no second takes or punch
ins. There is always an element of the unknown that excites me and
there is nothing like the energy and audience provides, it is a
real high for me.
Rod
Kilbourn* Do you have other projects outside of "The
John Sutton Band'?
Rick
Reese* No major projects to speak of, I do occasionally
record some instrumental tunes of my own for fun and from time to
time I conduct a few a master classes at a local high school, but
for the most part my time dedicated to the JOHN SUTTON BAND and
my personal musical education. I did graduate from Berkeley College
of Music over 20 years ago, but every day I like to learn something
new, or at least try. I am constantly researching and practicing.
Lately I have had the scale of the week, and try to spend as much
time improvising using that scale, John Sutton is so very generous
with the bass solos so I need to keep it interesting....this week’s
scale has been the Bebop Dorian Scale....lol... I know I am a music
geek.
Rod
Kilbourn* I was very impressed with your conversation with
my son John... Do you have kids also?
Rick
Reese* It was great to meet your son, I had too enjoyed
our conversation. I do not have any children or wife for that matter,
but I am the proud uncle of a wonderful Niece and Nephew.
Rod
Kilbourn* How did you come about the laying prostrate,
and playing bass as part of your show?
Rick
Reese* Playing bass on floor is something I had messed
around with for a long time here and there. One day john asked me
to do it and it stuck. It seems to be a fun part of the show and
as long people like to see it I will keep doing it. It is fun, and
also provides an opportunity for me to expand my repertoire and
push myself to grow. I try to change it over time and challenge
myself more and more, again it’s the element of the unknown,
I never know exactly how it will go and I find that exciting.
Rod
Kilbourn* How many CDs does John Sutton have out, and did
you play on all of them?
Rick
Reese* I believe John has 6 CDs out and I joined the group
between the ”Dirty South” and “Swoon” CDs,
so I only appear on the “Swoon” Record. We are planning
a new record in the Spring and I am hoping we can do a live album
sometime in the future.
Rod
Kilbourn* Describe your relationship with John Sutton,
and how did you happen to come together?
Rick
Reese* My good friend Scott Peterson, who used to play
bass for John, had mentioned to me that JSB needed a bass player.
I was not happy in the group I was playing with at the time and
I shot John an email. He replied that he had a few people mention
my name that week and had asked me to join the group, he sent me
some CDs and two weeks later we met for an hour, played a little
and then headed to my first gig in Cape Girardeau, MO. John Sutton
is a wonderful human being; we have really become great friends.
He is a great band leader and works very hard for the group. We
spend a lot of time traveling and hanging around waiting for the
show, so it is important that everyone gets along and has a mutual
respect and think that comes thru on stage.
Rod
Kilbourn* Your thoughts on Saint George Island...
Rick
Reese* I love SGI, a real treasure and I can not say enough
great things about SGI. My family had made several vacations there
long before I had even of heard of John Sutton, in fact I am sure
it was before he even began playing there. The first gig there for
me was real great, I felt like I had come back to real special place.
Since then I have had so many trips there it has taken on a second
home feel to me. The people of SGI are so wonderful and welcoming
it really feels like a family. The beach and the weather are also
a welcome site every time I am there too, not mention the great
hospitality of Jim Vicky of Eddy Teaches.
Rod
Kilbourn* Tell me about Black Rob, and his contribution
to the band...
Rick
Reese* Rob and I have been friends for a few years now.
Rob is a great drummer. When there was an opportunity for a drummer
to join JSB, I jumped at the chance to invite my friend Rob Garrett.
The bass and drums in a trio are so important and need to be a real
special rhythm section. I think of Rob as my Ying to my Yang, Once
in awhile as a bass player you come across that drummer that just
gets you and visa versa. We play together without even thinking
about it.
Rod
Kilbourn* Were you dressed as a dragon on Halloween, or
as Barney... (There seems to be some debate...)
Rick
Reese* I am not even sure what I was dressed as....I think
it was supposed to be Frankenstein, but it was a little confusing
with the bee stripes and all. I think the final decision was it
was either FrankenBee or BumbleStien. I do know it was hot and hard
to see out of....LOL
Rod
Kilbourn* Final Question... Where from here?
Rick
Reese* Up. As a band we have a shared focus and goal to
grow this band just as big as it get. We know that it is a slow
and steady process. Keep playing more and more shows, adding cities
and exposing our music to as many people as possible. Next month
we are making our second trip to Canada and are adding several new
spots to our schedule this year. I think staying healthy and focused,
and working hard will propel the band to the next level.
New Music Edge Magazine
"Music
Spotlight"
By
Bud
This weeks feature
is the John Sutton Band from Nashville, TN. JSB features the trio
of John Sutton (Guitar/Vocals), Rob Garrett (Drums), and Rick Reese
(Bass). I got a chance to sit down with these guys before a show
in Lexington, KY at a favorite spot of theirs, Kitty O'sheas. My
first impression of JSB left me with the feeling that they were
your average hard working young band. After chatting with JSB, and
especially after watching them play live, I realized that these
guys are anything but average.
Sure they have
experienced their share of growing pains (i.e. a bus that served
as transportation which was finally laid to rest in Nashville because
it simply became to costly to repair). Now they travel from city
to city with a UHaul. Do they mind? Not a chance. Nothing could
keep these guys from doing what they love ... and that is playing
music for their fans. During the show they took control of the crowd
and interacted with the audience like a group of seasoned veterans.
It's no wonder they are so popular with the college crowds. You
simply cannot go to a John Sutton Band show and not have a blast.
When I asked them to give some advice for young struggling bands,
their response was, "Play anywhere you can ... for as free
as you can afford." Damn ... now that's a band that loves what
they do.
Forgotten Coastline Magazine
John
Sutton Band Strikes Again
By Ed Tiley.
So
late last year, December 29th to be exact, I walked into Harry A's
to find a really kick butt band playing. Check out the archives
if you need reminding. That was the island's first exposure to the
John Sutton Band. Within and hour and a half, just on word of mouth
buzzing the island, they had the placed crammed.
So
Thursday night I go waltzing into the A's, looking for one of these
wonderful, and cheap burritos they do, and who is it setting up
to play? Yup, the John Sutton Band. Put on your party hat! This
is the third time JSB has played the area now, and they just keep
getting better. You wouldn't think three guys could kick up such
a cloud of dust, but they do. These guys have more energy on stage
then you've seen in a long time. With an interesting mix of covers
and solid original tunes, these guys know how to rock it down and
get people coming in the door.
The
Murray State News
Nashville Artist To Play Murray
By Marci Owen.
With
drummer Rob Garrett and bassist RIck Reese, Sutton, lead singer
and guitarist, said he feels his jam-rock band is finally on it's
way.
Although
the band has released two albums, Sutton said he and band members
have not practiced in years. "I'll just play something for
them before we get on stage and just try and wing it. I like that
method because sometimes the band takes it in a direction I hadn't
thought of when I was writing it."
Although
many musicians are shopping record deals, Sutton says he prefers
to sit back and see what happens. "My focus is grass-roots
promotion," Sutton said. "Who really wants a record deal
if you have to beg for it. They know who you are and what you are
doing."
...
Sutton says he enjoys playing small college towns. "It's tough
to grab a loyal following in big cities."
Because
his band's performances rely on improvisation, Sutton said he was
not sure if his songs would ever be Radio-friendly. "Some songs
will be. Lately we've been getting quite a bit of college radio
play." ...
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