A new breed of musicians carries torch

A growing group of young musicians has demonstrated that the Shoals music scene is thriving again.

There are numerous musicians playing a variety of music, touring outside the area, recording albums, releasing albums, writing songs and continuing a tradition started many years ago.

A lot has transpired since I volunteered to write the weekly 'Music Spotlight' stories two years ago.

Many bands have come and gone, others moved forward.

One person who has had a very active 2007 is guitarist Jason Isbell.

He left the popular Drive-By Truckers earlier this year, only to release the critically acclaimed 'Sirens of the Ditch,' which was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals.

He gathered a group of local musicians, guitarist Browan Lollar, bassist Jimbo Hart and drummer Ryan Tillery, and hit the road for a cross-country tour that will continue into 2008.

Sons of Roswell released its debut album in March. The band spent most of this year building a fan base locally and across the region.

Sons of Roswell likely benefitted from opening several shows for Isbell, who also is expected to produce the band's next album. The band has an extensive tour that begins in January, opening for the Macon, Ga., rock band, Hank Vegas.

The three-piece rock band Lauderdale released its debut album in July and also has begun to branch out from the Shoals. Lauderdale was the first band featured on the new radio program, 'The Sessions at Muscle Shoals Sound,' which showcases bands and songs with a Shoals connection.

The program is part of 92.3 FM 'The Sounds,' all Muscle Shoals music format.

In the not too distant past, Boombox fans could expect to see the electronic-techno-jam duo of Russ Randolph and Zion Godchaux, maybe once every couple of months. After signing with a booking company, they've been on the road, playing venues across the country.

More evidence of Shoals artists spreading the music across the country is Godchaux's mother, Donna Jean Godchaux MacKay. She's been busy performing with jam rockers, The Zen Tricksters.

Her husband, bassist David MacKay, is likewise busy with the Fiddleworms, which tour primarily outside the Shoals in between recording the band's next album.

Florence High School senior Dillon Hodges picked up an endorsement from Gibson Guitars six years ago and this year, at age 17, he released his debut album. He's continued building his fame by receiving numerous awards for flat-picking guitar and is recognized as the nation's flat-picking guitar champion.

This is just a fraction of the musical activity in the Shoals. With so much going on, there's a strong likelihood there will be enough material to provide 'Music Spotlights' throughout 2008.