We enjoy a lot of diverse genres of music here at Tapsongz. We’ve featured from rap artists to fresh rock bands to promising pop singers. In some rare cases, we come across a group or artist that mixes genres in a new and refreshing way, which is why we felt we had to feature The Black Lillies. This band may have its origin in Knoxville, Tennessee, but its genre is as diverse as each member’s origin, mixing country and rock with contemporary folk.
Before even diving into the music, each member holds a piece of the band’s puzzle that needs admirable scrutiny. Electric guitarist Tom Pryor and vocalist Trisha Gene Brady both hail from the area of the band’s origin, Knoxville. While Tom “cut his teeth” on the Eagles and The Dead, Trisha raised her voice down home in East Tennessee. According to lead singer and guitarist Cruz Contreras, she “has one of the most gifted and authentic voices you’ll ever hear.” Bowman Townsend grew up both in Knoxville and in Austin, Texas. He began his percussion passion after a Hootie and Blowfish concert. Robert Richards, the bassist, grew up in Alabama while playing in a band as both lead guitar and drums. Finally, Cruz originated from up north in Michigan, but moved to Nashville in middle school. He finally ended up in Knoxville, studying jazz piano at the University of Tennessee.
“Before The Black Lillies formed, we all knew of each other through various musical projects, bands, and realms,” informs Cruz. From playing in different local groups together, meeting through the “bluegrass scene,” and simply having a common interest in certain beers, the band forged its family. From all of this, it is somewhat easy to see how the diversity crept into this musical unity. Not only are the differences in heritage evident in their personal lives, but they are also present among each of their musical stories.
Imagine combining Johnny Cash and his band with Nickel Creek and Lynard Skynard, and you might create a sound similar to The Black Lillies. This is especially true with one of the bands’ favorites, “Tall Trees.” Cruz spoke about their sound, saying, “I think of our music as a stew… lots of ingredients… ultimately creating our own unique sound!” Regardless, The Black Lillies never fails to incorporate a variety of tempos, heart-stopping instrumental solos, and a general home town sound that will put you in the mood to move. All the musicians are experts. Tom shreds on his wailing guitar while Robert walks all over his bass frets. Both vocalists are on point with pitch and harmony, and Bowman puts the cherry on top with impressively intricate percussion fills. Whether you’re listening to hear quality musicianship or just to dance to something, The Black Lillies delivers.
This group is working hard to reach all the listeners they can. In fact, the band was bumping along down a long Montana road as they gave us an insight on their recent performance. Currently, they are touring in the west portion of the States with some of their songs from their recently released on-the-run album, “Runaway Freeway Blues.” “I love the spirit and mentality of the west,” comments Cruz. “It agrees a lot with our east Tennessee mountain style.” Although having been all around in the States and hoping to play soon internationally, the band’s favorite city to perform at remains loyal Knoxville.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about getting on stage and throwing down, the performance high, the continual challenge and evolution, the collective energy of the music, and the audience,” Cruz states. It is clear that, as a group dedicated to both musical roots and evolution, their popularity will continue. Look for The Black Lillies’ tour in your area and a possible new album in 2015.
Before even diving into the music, each member holds a piece of the band’s puzzle that needs admirable scrutiny. Electric guitarist Tom Pryor and vocalist Trisha Gene Brady both hail from the area of the band’s origin, Knoxville. While Tom “cut his teeth” on the Eagles and The Dead, Trisha raised her voice down home in East Tennessee. According to lead singer and guitarist Cruz Contreras, she “has one of the most gifted and authentic voices you’ll ever hear.” Bowman Townsend grew up both in Knoxville and in Austin, Texas. He began his percussion passion after a Hootie and Blowfish concert. Robert Richards, the bassist, grew up in Alabama while playing in a band as both lead guitar and drums. Finally, Cruz originated from up north in Michigan, but moved to Nashville in middle school. He finally ended up in Knoxville, studying jazz piano at the University of Tennessee.
“Before The Black Lillies formed, we all knew of each other through various musical projects, bands, and realms,” informs Cruz. From playing in different local groups together, meeting through the “bluegrass scene,” and simply having a common interest in certain beers, the band forged its family. From all of this, it is somewhat easy to see how the diversity crept into this musical unity. Not only are the differences in heritage evident in their personal lives, but they are also present among each of their musical stories.
Imagine combining Johnny Cash and his band with Nickel Creek and Lynard Skynard, and you might create a sound similar to The Black Lillies. This is especially true with one of the bands’ favorites, “Tall Trees.” Cruz spoke about their sound, saying, “I think of our music as a stew… lots of ingredients… ultimately creating our own unique sound!” Regardless, The Black Lillies never fails to incorporate a variety of tempos, heart-stopping instrumental solos, and a general home town sound that will put you in the mood to move. All the musicians are experts. Tom shreds on his wailing guitar while Robert walks all over his bass frets. Both vocalists are on point with pitch and harmony, and Bowman puts the cherry on top with impressively intricate percussion fills. Whether you’re listening to hear quality musicianship or just to dance to something, The Black Lillies delivers.
This group is working hard to reach all the listeners they can. In fact, the band was bumping along down a long Montana road as they gave us an insight on their recent performance. Currently, they are touring in the west portion of the States with some of their songs from their recently released on-the-run album, “Runaway Freeway Blues.” “I love the spirit and mentality of the west,” comments Cruz. “It agrees a lot with our east Tennessee mountain style.” Although having been all around in the States and hoping to play soon internationally, the band’s favorite city to perform at remains loyal Knoxville.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about getting on stage and throwing down, the performance high, the continual challenge and evolution, the collective energy of the music, and the audience,” Cruz states. It is clear that, as a group dedicated to both musical roots and evolution, their popularity will continue. Look for The Black Lillies’ tour in your area and a possible new album in 2015.