IF YOU GOWhat: Nightfall Concert Series featuring Ollabelle.When: 8 tonight. The Dismembered Tennesseans open at 7 p.m.Where: Miller Plaza, corner of M.L. King Boulevard, Cherry and Market streets.Admission: Free.Phone: 265-0771.THE OPENERThe Dismembered Tennesseans have been performing as a group in Chattanooga for more than six decades. Led by Fletcher Bright, the group also features George Bright, Ed “Doc” Cullis, Laura Walker, Bobby Martin, Don Cassell and Brian Blaylock.
The players in Ollabelle are all active musicians, playing with other touring acts when they are not touring or recording together. Tony Leone and Amy Helm, for example, are part of her father Levon Helm’s backing band, and Glenn Patscha has been playing keyboards for Sheryl Crow on her current tour.
All five will be at Nightfall at Miller Plaza tonight, however, performing some old Ollabelle songs and some off their brand new CD, “Neon Blue Bird.” It’s their first new record in five years, and Patscha said the band went into the studio with a specific goal in mind.
“The first two we produced with dear friends of ours and really enjoyed the experiences, but with this one, we really wanted to get on record what happens when we are in a room together and just hanging out – when it is just us.”
He said this is the first Ollabelle album for which he has “not one stitch of regret. I really love this record, and it continues to grow on me.”
Always known as a vocal band with strong harmonies, Patscha said they’ve continued that focus but added a good deal of texture to the musical landscape. He said that is what fans will notice during the live show tonight.
“The thing about this record is we finally did on our own record what we do on other people’s records,” he said. “I’m kind of known for quirky keyboard stuff, and Byron [Isaacs] has sung differently with Ollabelle than he has with everybody else, and he has found this incredible voice. Everyone has.”
He said the first two Ollabelle records at times felt like a compilation of what everyone had been working on individually as opposed to a focused, group effort. “Neon Blue Bird,” while it still showcases a wide range of influences, is a singular Ollabelle project.
“Every time we come back together, we are always informed by what we have been doing,” he said.
He added that the five members enjoy sharing what they’ve learned performing with others.
“There is a comfort level,” he said.