Matt Butcher, of Orlando, performing Sat., June 14, New World Brewery, Ybor City. Photos by Alfie.
Tampa singer/songwriter Will Quinlan and his ace, twang backup unit the Diviners packed New World Brewery in Ybor City on Saturday for the CD release party of the band's strikingly poignant new CD Navasota. Quinlan went on shortly after midnight and turned in a moving set of songs inspired by the life and death of his mother. He also debuted new numbers that were equally impressive. Navasota co-producer/guitar bad ass/Nationals band member/singer-songwriter Steve Connelly sat in on lap steel.
Never-let-you-down Bradenton alt-country ensemble Have Gun, Will Travel elated the audience with a first-rate serving of folk-rock, as did opener Matt Butcher, who, in addition to entertaining with a clutch of solid originals, wowed attendees with a gorgeous, fresh rendition of the Bob Dylan standard "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."
A slew of local talent showed up for the show: Ronny Elliott, his buddy/Nationals band mate/singer-songwriter Walt Bucklin; Car Bomb Driver frontman Dave Reeder; Daylight District bassist Tim Heller; Nessie leader Scott Harrell and his buddy/bassist Joey Neill; Poetry 'n Lotion guitarist Matt E. Lee and Sean "Crash" Mitchell were all present, and probably more, which I simply failed to spot/recognize.
New Granada chief/Zillionaire drummer Keith Ulrey, who assembled Saturday's impressive show, was also in attendance. He told he's excited about Win Win Winter's debut album, which is scheduled to drop in October. Look for a Creative Loafing feature on the local indie rockers to coincide with the disc's release.
OK, that's all for now in regards to the homegrown talent. What's your band up to? Shoot me an email.
Matt Burke, of Have Gun, Will Travel.
Will Quinlan at closing time.
Cross-posted from Tampa Calling.
This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2008.