One fall Satellite Soul lucked onto a tour featuring Big Tent Revival, Jennifer Knapp, and us. Fall tours were the best for some reason… better crowds and always interesting places. We got 30 minutes at the beginning of the show (28 minutes to be exact – which road manager Grant Garner would harp on every single night). This time we went up north through New England all the way up to Barr Harbor, Maine in the middle of the fall. The weather was beautiful, the concerts were packed, and we became friends with Jennifer & the guys from Big Tent. They always treated us nicely (which didn’t always happen as an opener), and it was really fun to be a part of such a quality show with people who are genuinely kind.
I’ve watched Big Tent play many times from side stage or the back of the house. What always struck me about their band is that every single member is an outstanding musician in their own right. There is no weak link. Night after night each of them would pull something off something so impressive that would make me want to quite playing music. Wiggins is a natural born front-man. Spence is a human click track. Dave plays a mean b3, Randy Williams is a freak. I’m serious, he’s a freak on guitar. I used to go stand on stage right by his off-stage amps and just listen to what he would. Then I would go cry… Steve D. wasn’t on that tour, but I sat in once w/him in the band at GMA (rocking in the free world) & saw him play enough to know that he’s got some game. They produce really good shows as well – cohesive, and interesting – and I learned a lot about what it means to be a professional musician from them.
It wasn’t long after that tour that they left the road and went their separate ways. I have always been sad about that, because their music is really valid, and they are such good entertainers. So I’m glad they are going to crank it up again, go into the studio, and make another record. I’m guessing it will be great like all of the others. The major difference this time around is that they are trying to raise the money themselves via kickstarter. You can watch the video and be a part of making it happen. They have some very nice rewards for those who are willing to kick in a little extra. If anyone pays $5,000 and gets the free concert, I really want Satellite Soul to open… we’ll do it for free 🙂
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