If you go
› What: SIMO› Where: Revelry Room, 41 Station St.› When: 9 p.m. Today, April 27; doors open at 8› Admission: $15, must be 18 or older to attend and provide valid photo ID.› Phone: 423-521-2929
At age 10, J.D. Simo was playing guitar with bands in bars that he wasn't even old enough to be in to begin with. At age 15, he dropped out of school and toured with his own band for six years.
"For six years, I just lived in a van and played all over the country and never really had a home," he says in a press release.
When he was 21, he moved to Nashville, making a living as a session guitarist and moonlighting in bar bands for five years.
He met drummer Adam Abrashoff, and they formed SIMO in 2010.
Now joined by Elad Shapiro on bass and backing vocals, the trio will play Revelry Room tonight, April 27, in support of their 2016 album, "Let Love Show the Way," which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Blues chart.
Even though SIMO is notable for having the virtuoso guitarist as its namesake, he says he much prefers the role of bandleader. Being a solo artist has never been his career goal.
"A band is something very unique and special," he says. "You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with. Adam is one of my best friends. He and I have been through the whole scope of the journey so far together. And now, with Elad - who has taken the band to a new level - we truly are a team. We're brothers."
The guys got standing ovations on the two occasions they played the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville opening for Greg Allman and Deep Purple. Simo also participated in the 100th birthday celebration for Les Paul.
Together, they're an adventurous rock 'n' roll trio, a creative partnership completed by Simo's combustible guitar playing and soulful vocals.
5 Shows in 5 Days at Revelry Room
All shows listed are for ages 18 and older. Everyone must provide a valid photo ID to enter the venue.› Today, April 27: SIMO, rock trio from Nashville, 9 p.m., $15. Truett opens.› Friday, April 28: Backup Planet and the Heavy Pets, funk band from Nashville, 9 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 day of show.› Saturday, April 29: Tennessee’s Dead, seven local musicians in Grateful Dead tribute band, 9 p.m., $10.› Sunday, April 30: An Evening With Dawes, Los Angeles folk group, 8 p.m., $27 in advance, $30 at door.› Monday, May 1: Kitchen Dwellers “Ghost In the Bottle” album release tour, Montana bluegrass band, 8 p.m., $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Slim Pickins opens.› For more information: 423-521-2929.