Shiner Rising Star KHYI, 2012 Rd 1, Wk 8, 9/13/12

Wow!

Big Gus, with Kerry and Melvis Brooks

That’s the only word that completely describes the three bands who competed in the 8^th and final week of Shiner Rising Star’s Round 1.  Mark Shelton & The Greater Good came down from Durant to Smitty’s Bar & Grill in Denison, Adrian Johnson Band drove up from Dallas, and 121 North came all the way from McKinney, back to Grayson County, their county of their roots. Judges this week were KHYI radio personality and songwriter himself, Big Gus Samuelson, Chance Cody, leader of the Spur 503 band, and Texas musician Ed Burleson.

At the end of the contest, 121 North emerged as the week’s victor, although it wasn’t until  that was announced on KHYI’s morning show Friday. 121 North will be moving into Round 2.

Shiner Rising Star is a contest that began after sponsoring entities Shiner Beer, Shiner Records, and KHYI narrowed the field of bands from the hundreds who applied to 24 to compete in Round 1. Of those, eight are moving into Round 2.

The bands are competing for the top prize of a recording contract with Shiner Records and several other career-building prizes.

Shelton and his band hit the Smitty’s stage first. After working with the DB Sound crew until every band member was fully hooked up, Shelton asked the crowd, “Can you hear us now?” and kicked the contest into high gear.

David Mathews, KHYI, setting up

Joining Shelton, who had the lead vocals honors, was Matt Hinchey on electric guitar, Eric Grider on bass, and Kyle Walker on drums.

In keeping with the contest, each band is critiqued by the judges following their sets. Big Gus opened it for The Greater Good by, first, thanking Smitty’s for its gracious hosting. Directly to the band, he said that it showed they had rehearsed, and for its great crowd reaction tot heir music. “Awesome vocals, everything was right there, good guitar tone.” On the critical side, Big Gus spoke to the songwriting, saying he believed the songwriter could “make the hook line in your songs a little bit stronger. The songs are good, I’m not critizing them, but a bit of a stronger hook line, to get the people singing along.”

Burleson agreed, saying there was a poet among the band, and the songs’ production was great, but suggested they “slow it down a bit.”

Chance Cody also complimented the band’s overall appearance.

For Mark Shelton & The Greater Good photos, click here

The Adrian Johnston Band opened with their original “Just Another Blond,” rememberable because Adrian is a blond herself. This was a 6-piece group, and probably the most relaxed on stage, seeming as if they weren’t there for a contest, but were there for the crowd and the music.

Joining Adrian on stage were Doran Deshazo and Josh Goode on guitars, David Deshazo on bass, Philip Bradleyon

Chance Cody, Anita, and List Hooks (KHYI)

drums, and Mindy Bell on background vocals. Several of them also helped out on vocals.

Big Gus opened the critique by complimenting their appearance, “You dressed as a professional group.” He was also fond of the rhythem duo of Bradley and David Deshazo, calling them a “really solid professional good job.”

Burleson commented on the harmonies, calling them “great.”

Cody’s comments centered on the three-part harmonies and the tightness of the arrangements.

For Adrian Johnston Band photos, click here

Next up, 121 North, who performed many of the songs from their current CD, and accented that with a Jason Aldean cover song, “”My Kinda Party.” This band consists of Wade Kilgore and Justin Till alternating and leads and complementing each other on vocals, Max O’Neil and Johnny Pope way back there on drums.

Big Gus liked the voices, harmonies, and rhythm section. “It was great, there were no problems.”

Burleson opened his portion of the critique by telling Till, “You got soul, cowboy.”

Cody, who for years was KHYI’s program director, told 121 North “You are definitely a Range band, and I think that is what this whole thing (contest) is about.”  Cody did mention that the guitars were, at times, not in tune, but then ended on the upnote, “You are a really tight band, with good presentation and vocals.”

For 121 North photos, click here

This Thursday night is an bye-week, giving, especially, the KHYI production crew a break. It begins again with Round 2 on Sept. 27, the place and contestants being announced.

Category: Earlier Posts, Other venues