From the Vanishing Point
Written by Jimmy Cummings
In today’s highly competitive music world it takes
more than a catchy tune for a band to stay on top. For a band to endure for
over a decade they must continually deliver in the studio as well as on the
road; and that’s what Red Wanting Blue (November’s Artist of the Month) has
been doing since 1996. Let me introduce you to the band, Red Wanting Blue is: Scott
Terry (Vocals, Tenor Guitar, Baritone Ukulele), Mark McCullough Bass, Vocals),
Greg Rahm (Keys, Guitars, Organ, Vocals), Eric Hall Jr. (Guitars, Lap Steel,
Mandolin, Banjo, Vocals), Dean Anshutz (Drums, Percussion, Vocals). The band was
formed in Athens, OH back in “96” and while the band has seen changes over the
years, the band is hotter than ever. Recently signed to Fanatic Records, Red
Wanting Blue is burning up the roads promoting their upcoming release “From the
Vanishing Point” to be released in January of 2012. Buckeye Music
Magazine was honored to be invited to the legendary Newport Music Hall in Columbus,
OH where the band was to play “From the Vanishing Point” in its entirety for
the first time ever. Not only was the band playing two sets that night they
were also shooting the official video for the first single from the album called
“Audition.”
From Left to Right: Scott Terry, Eric Hall Jr., Dean Anshutz, Mark
McCullough, Greg Rahm. Photo Credit: Stephen Albanese.
The Newport Music Hall is the perfect setting for
the band who now calls Columbus home. The venue is full of rock history and Red
Wanting Blue was making a little of their own at one of Ohio’s best concert
halls. The place was buzzing and there was so much going on behind the scenes
it was almost like watching the production of a movie. Multiple cameras, one on
a boom that would float across the crowd and photographers everywhere, it was pretty
cool and the show hadn’t even started yet. The stage was decorated with the
bands backdrop, lights stringing down from the ceiling, and multiple props
lending to the excitement and anticipation of what was shaping up to be a very
memorable evening. When the house lights faded The Newport erupted as fans
finally got what they were waiting for. When Red Wanting Blue took the stage
everyone was one their feet; guys were screaming and the girls in the audience
were going crazy as the band began their set of new tunes.
Red Wanting Blue has been making fans scream for
over 15 years now. The band has nine CD’s to their credit including “From the
Vanishing Point” due to drop January 10, 2012. As the band performed songs from
their new album I couldn’t help but notice that everyone was singing right
along to the new tunes like they were old favorites. The band offered fans the
opportunity to pre-order a digital copy of “From the Vanishing Point” and
apparently the entire crowd took advantage because they knew every word. You
don’t get fans like that without pumping out some seriously good music on a consistent
basis. One big reason for the bands success is due to the fact that every song
seems to tell a poetic story of life’s lessons. Front man, songwriter, and
storyteller Scott Terry sings of love and life on the road; and Terry knows a
little bit about that since that’s where he and the band have spent the
majority of the last 15 years.
Some of the highlights from the first set included
the first song on the CD called “Stay on the Bright Side,” a great ballad I can
see being the next single from the album. The song “Playlist” is another great
tune that begs you to sing along as does the song “Cocaine” that compares a
lover to that intoxicating white stuff. It’s an awesome freakin tune, especially
to anyone who has been addicted to either. But my favorite song from the new CD
is called “Dinosaur,” a powerful song that features Scott Terry’s strong baritone
voice along with Hall’s intense riffs on Guitar; this song ROCKS. The song “Hope
on a Rope” is the song that I feel shows off the storytelling talent of Terry
and the bands ability to blend the perfect melody for such prolific lyrics. You
can’t help but get lost as Terry takes you on a trip down life’s roads. The greatest
moment of the set was when the band performed the hit single “Audition” where
the band encouraged fans to get out there cameras and video the moment as it
happened. I was hanging out in the pit when the song began and when I looked
back everyone had their cameras out recording the song from every angle. It was
cool watching as the boom hovered over the crowd to get those close ups from
almost anywhere; I kind of got caught up and had to remind myself to take
pictures. That almost never happens!
The first set was so intense I didn’t think the guys
could keep up such a high level of intensity; but was I wrong. If anything the
audience seemed even more energized than before as did the band. The guys came
out animated and pumped to play some crowd favorites many of which come from
the CD called “These Magnificent Miles” like “You’re My Las Vegas” and the song
“Finger in the Air.” It was quite a site seeing 1500 people flipping the bird
as they sang along. You couldn’t really tell what song was the crowd’s favorite
because the reaction was the same to each tune. This night at The Newport with
Red Wanting Blue was one of the most memorable and fun nights I have ever
experienced. If you would like to see for yourself what the buzz is all about
you’re in luck. Red Wanting Blue is currently tour all over the Midwest and
coming to a town near you. So be sure to check out the bands Website and social
media links for more info on their tour as well as their CD’s. Our thanks go
out to everyone at The Newport and of course Red Wanting Blue for allowing
Buckeye Music Magazine to be a part of this spectacular night.
http://www.fanaticrecords.com/
Ekoostik Hookah - May Artist of the Month 
