Maybe it’s the 9-year-old in me that’s still in love with shows like “Voltron” and “Captain Planet,” but I’m a huge fan of people joining forces to accomplish something greater than they could individually.
Casey PhillipsComic books are rife with so-called supergroups such as The Justice League and The Avengers, but high-profile collaborations are even more common in the musical sphere, whether as special one-off events like Bonnaroo’s SuperJam or as ongoing projects.
Local music veteran T.J. Greever’s TJG & The 423s is nothing if not a Scenic City supergroup, with ties to tons of noteworthy Chattanooga groups, including Milele Roots, Glowing Bordis, Endelouz, Nim Nims and Slim Pickins.
In honor of the band’s first headlliner at Revelry Room on Saturday, Aug. 6, here’s a primer to familiarize you with the supergroup concept:
* Cream – Eric Clapton’s career is a pearl string of noteworthy collaborations, but his short-lived partnership with Jack Bruce (bass/vocals) and Ginger Baker (drummer) is considered by many, including Rolling Stone, to be the first musical supergroup.
* Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – In 1970, folk rock icons David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young released “Deja Vu,” an opus that essentially comprised a greatest-hits compilation the moment it was pressed. Go listen to it, and you’ll understand why they qualify as a supergroup.
* Strength in Numbers – Given that all the pros tend to be top-notch players, bluegrass is rife with supergroups, but Strength in Numbers takes the cake thanks to the virtuosic lineup of Sam Bush (mandolin/fiddle), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Bela Fleck (banjo), Edgar Meyer (bass) and Mark O’Connor (basically everything).
* The Traveling Wilburys – This legendary late ’80s group featured Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison. Enough said, I think.
‘ The Highwaymen – A suitably butch name for a singularly impressive lineup. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson form the bedrock of outlaw country, and hearing them together is borderline magical. The only thing missing was Merle Haggard, who was invited to join but declined.
Those are some supergroups I think constitute essential listening. There are others, obviously – Monsters of Folk and Velvet Revolver come immediately to mind – but your time is short and my space is limited.
Shoot me an email with your favorites and which albums I should check out. By our powers combined, we can broaden my horizons.
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205. Follow him on Twitter at @PhillipsCTFP.