Chattanoogan Campbell Brown met Whitt Algar and Stratton Moore during Moore's annual "Face Funk" birthday party and jam session in Charleston, S.C., six years ago. The musicians hit it off, formed a band and named it Gaslight Street, drawing inspiration from Rolling Stones' lyrics in "Can't You Hear Me Knocking."
Four years later, Gaslight Street was named Charleston's Blues Band of the Year.
The guys could have sat on their laurels and reveled in that quick success, but instead they hit the road on three major cross-country tours, spreading their soulful swamp blues sound to the Rockies and back. And they have relentlessly been touring since. In fact, Brown estimates they have already logged 20,000 miles so far this year.
Gaslight Street rolls into Clyde's on Main for two shows this weekend. On Friday night, Aug. 18, Kelly Swindell will open for them. The Travelin' Kine opens their show Saturday, Aug. 19.
If you go
› What: Gaslight Street› Where: Clyde’s on Main, 122 W. Main St.› When: 10 p.m. Friday- Saturday, Aug. 18-19› Admission: $5› For more information: 423-362-8335
Their Clyde's gigs will feature the music from their latest album, "Two Years Gone," released last year. Brown talked about it in an email interview.
Q: Did you have a particular message you wanted to send with "Two Years Gone?"
A: We had just gotten off the road, and Whitt and I had a number of new songs that seemed to mesh well together because of similar experiences with life. When you record a song, you are accepting an experience and that helps you look at it in a concrete way so you can move on. After recording these seven tunes, it came together as a complete album and we decided to release it as that.
Q: Even though Gaslight Street won Charleston's Blues Band of the Year, I've read you really don't consider yourselves a blues band. How do you describe your sound?
A: We have a style and sound that borrows heavily from blues, but we also have other influences like soul, funk, reggae and other roots-based music. I guess we can call ourselves "soul rock."
Q: Is Gaslight Street working on a new album?
A: We recorded nine new tracks and are in the process of mixing and finishing up some final pieces. Probably looking to release in late 2017 or early 2018.
Q: On Saturday, The Travelin' Kine, also from Charleston, is going to be on the show with you. Do you know them?
A: We do know them - good friends of ours! And Slaton (lead singer) still owes me $20. But seriously, it's going to be a great show. Always have a good time sharing the stage with them.
Q: What would you tell readers about the shows at Clyde's?
A: We have been playing a lot of new material on this tour. And the talented Kelly Swindell is also playing with us on Friday night, so that should be a real treat!
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.