Park Bench Trio returns to Murphy's tonight
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by Dusty Teng
Staff Writer |
Check out one of the last shows of the
semester tonight at Murphy’s Restaurant and Pub. Park
Bench Trio performs in Boone for the first time in almost
two years.
Based out of Athens, Ga., the trio has recently been touring
the western U.S. and will come to the Southeast promoting
their debut album “Bitch Road.” The CD combines
the band’s strong blues influence with classic rock-and-roll.
“We tried to emulate our influences without really
copying them too much,” Park Bench Trio manager, drummer
and lead vocalist Rick Williams said.
Park Bench Trio began in 1998 after Williams met guitarist
Greg Ward and bassist Stephen Simmons at the University of
Georgia. All three members have since graduated and decided
to continue their involvement in the band.
“We had a solid time playing in college and felt like
we weren’t really done yet,” Williams said.
The group is currently working on a second album to be recorded
with David Barbe, a well-known producer in the music industry.
The album will incorporate vintage analog recording techniques
and in-depth production.
“Our sound keeps traveling around, but I think it’s
starting to come into its own,” Williams said. “For
the past two years we feel like the band was taking a big
breath in. With our new album, I think we’re starting
to exhale.”
Park Bench Trio provides a fresh sound with songs saturated
in blues and a self-invented genre the band calls “erotic
rock.” With Williams as both drummer and lead singer,
audience members often take an interest in the band’s
unusual stage format.
Listeners will also notice that the band has developed significantly
since it first began almost six years ago.
“We’ve become more genuine and play with a lot
of heart,” Williams said. “It’s been fun
trying to win over people who have never heard us before.”
Park Bench Trio began as a strictly blues band, but their
sound has gotten heavier in the past few years. The group
has progressed, bringing a more mature songwriting element
to their music. More melody can also be found in their songs.
“We’re not fluff,” Simmons said while describing
the band’s music.
When not on the road, Williams, Ward and Simmons are constantly
practicing and writing new songs while maintaining odd jobs
to help them make ends meet.
“There’s a special element about the band. We’re
all very level-headed,” Williams said.
The band hopes to get its major break being featured on a
soundtrack for an upcoming motion picture due out late 2004.
“We’re excited, but I’m trying not to get
my hopes up too much,” Williams said. “It’s
the best way to keep our ego intact.”
Park Bench Trio will perform at Murphy’s Dec. 4 at
10 p.m. For more information, visit www.parkbenchtrio.com.
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