After the break-up of influential alt-country act Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar and Mike Heidorn formed Son Volt in 1994. Their debut record Trace was released in 1995 and featured the radio hit "Drown". After putting out two more albums in the late-'90s, the band faded away somewhat; Farrar worked on solo material for a few years before rejuvenating the Son Volt moniker with new members in 2005. This new look outfit dropped The Search in 2007 on Legacy Records while they also found time to cover The Beatles’ “Hello Goodbye” last July for a commercial on ESPN advertising David Beckham’s addition to the MLS roster. To some Son Volt will always play second fiddle to Wilco, a bit like Spectrum did to Spiritualized, or Kelly Rowland to Beyoncé even. However, Jay Farrar more than holds his own with his work; his lyricism is astute and his John Fogerty-esque vocals are a perfect fit for the band’s classic Americana concoctions.

Bobby Bare, Jr. formerly fronted Bare Jr.; the band (along with Superdrag) was a part of a small but appealing Knoxville, Tennessee music scene that occasionally tinged its power-pop with country strains to conjure up some pleasing ear candy. Bobby Bare, Jr. opens this evening with his brand of eclectic southern rock, assisted as usual by the Young Criminals Starvation League.

[Son Volt MySpace]
[Bobby Bare, Jr. MySpace]