Metro Pulse/Music/Acoustic Syndicate

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What:
Acoustic Syndicate

When:
Friday, Sept. 19, 9 p.m.

Where:
Blue Cats

Cost:
$10 advance, $12 at the door

Forget labels—Acoustic Syndicate is a musical chameleon

by Clint Casey

The appeal of Acoustic Syndicate lies in their ability to be all things to all people. Although firmly rooted in bluegrass, their highly energetic music incorporates a variety of musical styles. Improvisation allows the band to include genres ranging from reggae to funk to rock. The quartet has been stretching the boundaries of acoustic music by exploring and experimenting with its unique sound since its inception over a decade ago.

The seeds for Acoustic Syndicate were planted on a family molasses farm in 1992 in Western North Carolina with brothers Byron (banjo) and Fitz McMurray (drums), cousin Steve McMurray (mandolin) and Jay Sanders (bass). The McMurrays grew up with the improbable pairing of traditional hymns sung around the piano and the sounds of Jamaican music from migrant workers in the fields. These influences, combined with the effect of the inescapable New Wave movement from the brothers' formative years, result in an odd, but wholly unique sound.

After three independent CDs, the band released its major label debut, Terra Firma, on Sugar Hill records in April 2003. The CD has generated critical buzz and helped the band solidify their ever-growing grassroots following. The prominent theme throughout the heavily polished Terra Firma—the importance of hope in difficult times—gives the album a conceptual direction. The depth of lyrics emphasizes the importance of solid songwriting and highlights the growth and maturity of the quartet. The disc's 12 tracks showcase both the musical ability of each member and the strength of Acoustic Syndicate as a band.

As with most bands cut from similar cloth, Acoustic Syndicate has a faithful, if not obsessive following. Ask a fan about the band and you would likely be greeted with, "Dude, they are the best band on the planet live," or "They play music like no other." Their official website boasts a message board used to exchange setlists, speculate on rumors and establish which corner of the bar to meet at an upcoming show.

In contrast to the crisp, shiny sound of Terra Firma, their loose live performances justify the band's following. And by cultivating a devoted base of fans, Acoustic Syndicate has the freedom to dictate each night's setlist. Drummer Fitz McMurray explains, "We feed off the audience. In most cases, it's night by night. We play what feels right. Usually what we'll do is start out low key and build the intensity of the show from the very beginning all the way to the very end in a gradual progression with tempos. It seems to be what happens naturally. It really varies. Next week, it might be completely different. If we feel the energy is there, and the fans are feeding off of it, we'll go with it."

Because the band is at its core bluegrass (which lends itself to improvisation), Acoustic Syndicate has been pigeonholed into the widely over-labeled "jam band" category.

"We used to worry about what we were called," Fitz admits, "but nowadays, it really doesn't matter. I don't really even know what we are. We play so many different types of venues, and there's such a cross section of people that come to see us." He continues, "One night it might be a jam band type of audience, and I can recognize the type of people. Another night it might be an older, more adult crowd. When we play live, we take extended jams, because we came from an old bluegrass background. Bluegrass is just that."

Acoustic Syndicate is a staple on the festival circuit, their circuit covering local to national including Merlefest, Farm Aid and Bonnaroo. "I like the energy of festival shows. They seem to be some of our best shows," Fitz says. "Our time spots are usually late in the day when the audience is ready to go. We seem more at ease. I don't know that I like them better than clubs, but overall they seem easier for us." In the coming months, the band will be appearing at the Flat Rock Festival, Rhythm & Roots Festival, and the Harmonic Convergence Festival.

Look forward to a two-set bluegrass melting pot Friday night at Blue Cats in the Old City. Unofficial fifth member Jeremy Saunders (saxophone) will be on hand to compliment the boundless energy of a regional favorite.