Flyer InteractiveSound Advice

The Flyer's music writers tell you where you can go.

The back cover of Barnyard Gone Wrong, the latest disc from Atlanta's Blueground Undergrass, who'll be at Newby's this Saturday, advises record store owners to file the disc under "psychedelic, hip-hop, bluegrass," which should tell you something of this group's diversity. Actually, you could probably safely stick this band under rock and jazz while you're at it. They were voted Bluegrass Band of the Year by Creative Loafing, Atlanta's Flyer, though die-hard fans of the genre would balk at bestowing that honor upon a group with drums.

Blueground Undergrass resembles fellow Atlanta band Widespread Panic in one respect. Like the Dead-inspired jammers, Undergrass' songwriting is clumsy, a situation not helped by amateurish singing. But when the boys just kick back and pick, all is forgiven. Fortunately, that's something they do often on Barnyard Gone Wrong and surely will do when they play live.

Opening for Undergrass Saturday will be Christopher Wyant, a.k.a. Hayseed, a fitting name to go with his overalls, walking stick, work hat, and charmingly old-timey country music. Hayseed's current album, Melic, features a guest performance from Lucinda Williams, who happens to be in town that night opening for Tom Petty at The Pyramid. I'm not saying she'll show up at Newby's or anything. I'm just saying .

Theatre Memphis will be the unlikely site for a concert by gospel legends the Blackwood Brothers this Monday at 7 p.m. I know the word "legend" gets bandied about indiscriminately, but in the world of Southern gospel, these fellows, with nine Grammy awards, fit the bill.

Brothers Roy, Doyle, and James, along with their cousin R.W., formed the group in 1934 and slowly built a reputation throughout the South. By the 1950s, they were one of the premier gospel quartets in the country, and a particular favorite of a young singer from Tupelo by way of Memphis, Elvis Presley. In 1954, Presley auditioned for the Songfellows, an offshoot of the Blackwood Brothers headed by Cecil Blackwood. He was turned down.

The group that will be appearing this Monday is made up of second-generationers, Cecil Jr., R.W. Jr., and Mark Blackwood along with Steve Warren, a singer who made his mark with the Stamps. But one original member will be in attendance -- original brother James, who began a phenomenal solo career in the '70s that has garnered him numerous Dove awards for gospel music. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Seating is limited. To order by phone, call 820-0620. -- Mark Jordan


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