New Artist Spotlight: One Flew South

5/7/2008 Bob Doerschuk Each member in Nashville-based One Flew South has shaped his voice into a clarion instrument, capable of seamless blends and show-stopping solos. Royal Reed nurtured his in Los Angeles, gigging six nights a week with Country bands and singing session dates by day. Meanwhile, Chris Roberts pursued twin paths in New York, as a singer/ songwriter and in Broadway shows. They met as cast members of the Broadway musical, "The Civil War," after which they got to know Eddie Bush, whose solo career was already underway. With this background, it's no surprise that Last of the Good Guys merits high marks. The title track, written by album producer Marcus Hummon, combines velvety but sturdy vocal pads reminiscent of the Eagles, then adds a quick lick in octaves that conjures R&B. Members of the band penned seven of the albums' 12 tracks with Hummon, J D Souther and other estimable writers whose involvement testifies to the respect One Flew South has already earned. Instrumentally, Last of the Good Guys on Decca Records sprinkles tasty bits of banjo, mandolin and other flavorings into a base of shimmering or soaring electric guitars, pop/rock rhythm and on "Let the Day Carry You" and "Too Old to Die Young," a rustle of bowed strings. The result is a sonic feast whose appeal transcends demographic lines. From the chorus that swirls through "Junkie" to the bare backup and luscious, perfectly intoned singing of "It Is Good," with a sound that carries the listener from a loose back-porch jam to the heat of an arena spotlight, Last of the Good Guys is, one hopes, the first of a great catalog from this talented trio. IN THEIR OWN WORDS BAND'S MUSICAL HERO "The Beatles." SONG WISH TO COVER "'Wichita Lineman.'" DREAM DUET PARTNER "Alison Krauss." ACTOR TO PORTRAY YOU IN BIOPIC CHRIS: "Jude Law." EDDIE: "Viggo Mortensen." ROYAL: "Johnny Depp, without hair." MOMENT IN LIFE TO RELIVE "The first time we ever sang together as a group. It was magical." LUCKY CHARM "Marcus Hummon - every time he hangs with us, something great happens." On the Web: www.oneflewsouth.com Also check out CountryHound's New York City blogger Maureen Wiley's review of One Flew South's recent show at Joe's Pub in NYC.   © 2008 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.