Boots on the Ground - Last night at the Smyth County Jam, we were treated to a new(er) band called; "Boots on the Ground". They have been playing as a band about two and a half years.
Beecher Powers, who is in charge, of the band, comes from Kingsport, Tennessee. Beecher plays guitar. He is a full time employee of the National Guard. He says when his son began playing he learned a lot from him, and soon his son surpassed him in music! All told, Beecher has been playing about three years. His favorite musicians are Tony Rice and J.D. Crowe, among others. A favorite tune is "Lonesome Road Blues."
Colton Powers is Beecher Power's son. Colton plays banjo, electric guitar, acuostic guitar and is presently learning to play the dobro. He is enrolled in East Tennessee State University's bluegrass program presently; this is his second year there. Colton says his favorite band is Flatt and Scruggs. and a favorite tune is "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."
Amber Henard is in the seventh grade and comes from Rogersville, Tennessee. Amber has been playing about four years. She has one brother. She says she has no favorites, as far as musicians/music are concerned.
David Henard is Amber's dad. He has been playing bass for about two years. David is employed as a plumber. He says he enjoys the music of Flatt and Scruggs. "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" is his favorite piece of music also. Ryan Henard is Amber's brother and David's son. He plays bass, guitar and sings quite well. Ryan says Audie Ratliff taught him to play. Ryan is a freshman in high school in Rogersville. He says he has been to the jam before a few times. It is a long way to come. "The Lonesome River Band' is his favorite band, but has no favorite song/tune. In the future, he is considering a career as a teacher or a mechanic, but says he has not decided anything so far.
Hunter Patterson comes from Church Hill, Tennessee. He has been playing about seven years. Hunter plays guitar, banjo and bass. He is in the tenth grade at Volunteer High School. Tony Rice is a favorite musician of his. Hunter has no favorite song/tune. He is mostly self-taught musically speaking, although Gary Pearsey helped him some.
We hope this very good band will return to the Smyth County Jam as soon as possible.
