Bob Payne
photo by Mark A. Herndon
For the second week in a row, I was able to get the front row seat for the music at the Chattanooga Market. In the world of baseball, that would mean I am batting a thousand. One more time and I’ll have the hockey equivalent of the hat trick.
This past week I went to see one of my all-time favorites- Sweet Georgia Sound. In their 20th year, this big band gets better and better. Mike LaRoche has continued to find excellent musicians that contribute to the already good quality of band. While I missed seeing 2013 Male Vocalist of the Year Greg Glover at this event, I thought the band sounded the best I have heard them in the ten years I have been going to their concerts. I particularly liked the addition of Amanda Cagle on bass guitar and Tim Hughes on trumpet.
Amanda played for another of my favorite bands – Christabel and the Jons. Sweet Georgia Sound snagged a good one with Amanda. Her bass licks were perfectly timed and well presented by a good mix from soundman Kim Murfin. Tim Hughes, who also plays in a couple of bands here in the area, added his trumpet to the SGS sound and did an excellent job with several solos. As always Sweet Georgia Sound had the entire Chattanooga Market listening area jam-packed with listeners and dancers. They will be back later in the year, so be sure and keep an eye out for them.
You can check out Sweet Georgia Sound at www.sweetgeorgiasound.com. It’s better live, but you can start out at their website. They play all of the standards and more. Do yourself a favor – go see them at your first opportunity. Or better yet, book them for your party and invite me!
Bob Payne grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Baylor School. He is the Entertainment Editor for the Chattanoogan.com and assistant talent buyer for Friends Of The Festival.
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000.