The members of two Americana-rooted rock bands, Red Wanting Blue and the Alternate Routes, were mutual admirers
of the other's music. Red Wanting Blue, based in Columbus, Ohio, has released
10 studio albums; the Alternate Routes, from Bridgeport, Connecticut, has
released five studio albums. The musicians repeatedly crossed paths and suggested
that they should work together. The joint project finally materialized as the
tentatively named Red Wanting Blue &
Alternate Routes Quartet, featuring two core members of each band, Scott Terry (vocals, ukulele) and Eric Hall (guitar, lap steel guitar,
mandolin, vocals) of Red Wanting Blue, and Tim
Warren (vocals, guitars) and Eric
Donnelly (guitars) of the Alternate Routes. This collaboration is on a seven-date
tour, and the concerts are being recorded for CD and DVD.
The unique collaboration of two bands allowed for the
musicians to perform songs from their own catalogues as well as the catalogues
of the other band, sometimes alternating verses and singing harmony. Without
the presence of a full band, the songs were centered largely around acoustic instruments.
The evening also consisted of stories, as the musicians introduced their songs
with anecdotes. The presentation was cool and casual, seemingly as leisurely as
a back porch gathering. Lyrics could be heard clearly, and they painted vivid panoramas
of the joys and struggles of working class Americans. The songs were riveting
and passionate because of the inspired honesty of the four vocalists and
musicians. Sensitive lyrics, beautiful melodies, moving vocals and sparkling
musical arrangements together highlighted the hearts and the strengths of both
Red Wanting Blue and the Alternate Routes. Hopefully the CD and DVD will
capture the majesty of this brief but special collaboration.
Visit Red Wanting Blue at www.redwantingblue.com and the Alternate Routes at www.thealternateroutes.com.
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