BCS is...Doug Meads (guitar, harmonica, vocals, whiskey), Chris Thacker (lead guitar, vocals, more whiskey), Jeff Bynum (violin, slide guitar, vocals, too much whiskey), Sam Steele (percussion, various noises, vocals, rapper), Adam Kahn (bass, vocals, boom stick), Kevin Rainwater (drums, vocals, PBR)
Influences
The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, The Smiths, Red Hot Chili Peppers, New Grass Revival, Cake, Stephane Grapelli, Outkast, Leftover Salmon, John Prine, Willie Nelson, John McLaughlin, The Beatles, The Police
Sounds Like
Soulful, upbeat blues with a dash of jazz and a hint of bluegrass, layered with well thoughtout lyrics, catchy melodies, extremely dancable rhythms, and tastey solos and voicings that bring the mood to a climax. Can be metaphorically related to making love on a sandy beach while the warm sun rises from the cool ocean, creating a light breeze that tickles your fancy just enough to make you pick up the pace... listen and you'll know what I mean.
In March of 2003 six people with very different backgrounds came together over fried Catfish and Pabst Blue Ribbon to do a little pickin' and grinnin'. Though some were old friends and some were new faces, it didn't take very long to realize that musically and personally they had found a bond. Five hours, three catfish, two cases of beer and forty-seven minutes later....Big City Sunrise was born. Conceived under the idea that a sense of community and a pure, youthful enjoyment of music would create a fulfilling atmosphere for both audience and musician alike. Big City Sunrise still believes these are the key ingredients to great music and a great live show with fun for everyone involved.
In July of 2004 Big City Sunrise released their first studio album entitled "Daybreak." The freshman effort was the bands first opportunity to document the music they had been creating over the course of the last year. "We recorded the album at an old gymnasium that was built in the late thirties in Sautee, GA", said Christopher Thacker. " The gym belongs to the local community and once we were granted permission to use the space, we brought in a mobile studio and took over for a week and a half. It was nice to be at home making a record and the atmosphere allowed the sessions to be more relaxed and helped to give the album a feel of home." The album has been best described as a "veritable melting pot of sounds and styles, boasting some exquisite guitar work, and offering a variety of sophisticated music", by Mike Skidmore, author of On the Verge for Relix Magazine. Daybreak, he says, "Is Highly Recommended!"
Over the next year the band preformed relentlessly, honing their ever popular BIG energy live shows and their unique sound. This comfort zone of the stage spurred the recording of Big City Sunrises second album, "Live at the Georgia Theatre." The record was recorded in March of 2005 before a tremendous crowd in Athens, Georgia at the famous Georgia Theatre. "The feel of the record embraces what we have grown to become", said Sam Steele. "We love playing music & we love the crowd - I think that passion really shows on this record." The live record was released in February of 2006.
In 2006 Big City Sunrise was selected as one of ONLY four bands from thousands of local and regional acts to be involved in the Searcharoo Contest created and sponsored by 92.9 Dave Fm of Atlanta. The BCS recording "Live at the Georgia Theatre" CD was submitted and chosen by the staff of the 92.9 Dave FM station. Upon selection BCS was then voted into the top two finalist by more than 11 thousand participants. "What a great feeling," says Kevin Rainwater. "To have an overwhelming amount of support and encouragement from fans is a blessing; we can't say thank you enough." Unfortunately BCS wasn't selected for Bonnaroo, but their music and the power of their live performance was brought to a larger audience through several weeks of premium radio publicity and air play on one of the southeasts most notable stations.
At the present, BCS has recently released their long awaited 3rd CD "Bring It Back" on their own "Lucky Turtle Records" label. Recorded between Dec. 2006-Dec. 2007 in Athens, Georgia with John Keane, esteemed producer and engineer for legendary bands such as Widespread Panic, R.E.M, B-52's, Cowboy Junkies and Indigo Girls. "We knew exactly who we wanted to produce and record our third album", say Jeff Bynum, "John has an ear for musical detail that is unrivaled, and patience to bring out the best in the musicians he is working with." The new album is for sale at all live shows, itunes and this page. Thanks for all the support....Thanks for listening and taking part in our dreams!!!
Just want you all to know we loved the last show! We are sitting on our patio at 1:30AM jamming to you guys. Love you lots! Oh and I will always cherish MY singed CD!
With regret I missed the last show. You guys are awesome and I listen to your music almost everyday, for real. I am glad to have met all of you and I wish you the best in your future endeavors. ps Are you willing to perform privately for the right $ ?
Are yall going to give any thought to coming back for SNJ reunion. The BCS is embedded in the event. DO it for love, do it for community, but JUST DO IT.
Thank you for all the unfortgetalbe memories over the past 3 years. We will miss you guys being a part of our music world. LOVE YOU. Sorry I missed the last show. I was there in spirit.
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