By Blair Jackson
Editor

Two years ago Nate Hancock left Fayetteville with 1,000 CDs, a guitar and the faith that he would find success in California. Already established as a local musician with the Eoff brothers, and toting an album featuring Grammy Winner Joey Williams (Blind Boys of Alabama), Hancock had strong foundations in place before the move.
But in California he had no gigs and few contacts. “Moving out of a community with hometown support, going somewhere else, everyone starts out at zero. I realized I had to start somewhere,” Hancock says.
On his first day in California he shouldered his guitar, grabbed a handful of CDs and walked down the street. Fifty feet away from his new front door, Hancock chose his first venue: a street corner by an outdoor café. “I played for tips on the corner. It went so well that after a couple of hours, I made a hundred bucks. I was shocked at how easy it was.”
After a few performances, Hancock arrived at the corner to find people waiting for him. “People had already identified me,” Hancock said, “and it was nice to have the support.” When venue owners asked where they could see him play, Hancock told them, “You can catch me on the street.” And they did.
Hancock continued performing on the streets even after he started booking shows and traveling to New York City to pitch venues. “Being a street performer has been the most influential experience in my life as an artist because it’s so pure. It was humbling to be in New York and come back to play on the street.”
It was on a trip to New York City that Joey Williams introduced Hancock to drummer Jamel Hopkins and bassist Randy Stallings — 15 minutes before a show they were scheduled to play together. “Having never practiced or rehearsed, we all knew it was something special,” recounts Hancock.
The improvisational merger produced an epic jam session; all three musicians clicked into a sync of R&B that exceeded all expectations.
“It was fate,” says Hancock. “Out of all the billions of people on this earth, I run into these two guys, and we just happen to click. The way I describe it is, you walk in the room with two strangers, and everyone in the room is applauding for you.”
That first night in NYC was just over a year ago. Since then, Nate Hancock and The Declaration has performed more than 20 shows coast to coast; and they are determined to take the group to the next level at the national scene.
“There’s definitely way more risk involved, so much more on the table when you are out there nationally. The things people ask and require of you are professional. They don’t care that you’re a newcomer or from a small town. They don’t have time to care.”
With the same air of confident determination that made their first show in NYC a success, Hancock says the band plans to “step up to the challenge” of reaching the next level of professionalism. He has matured into a musician who has learned the importance of making well-calculated decisions, but who still draws creative inspiration from a journey that began with his two most basic resources: faith and music.
Hancock says the band’s upcoming album, Blind Faith, will pay tribute to his journey as an artist and as an individual. “It started out leaving Fayetteville as a locally known artist, then taking a leap of faith and venturing out.”  Hancock continues, “Without God in my life, none of this would be possible. I am blessed to be able to come back after taking on the world alone.”
Nate Hancock and the Declaration kick off 25 days in NWA at George’s Majestic Lounge on Friday, Sept. 9, an event that also marks the end of the band’s national tour and serves as a milestone for Hancock. “I left Arkansas with a guitar and a bunch of CDs. I’m coming back with an RV with my name on it, a band, and a full itinerary.”
Editor’s Note: If you haven’t gotten a chance to listen to Hancock’s new album, check it out at www.myspace.com/natehancock.

MBotW: Aug. 18

Star, songwriter to host annual benefit concert

By Susan Porter

Country music star and songwriter Royal Wade Kimes

Country music star and songwriter Royal Wade Kimes comes back every year to his hometown of Chester, just south of Fayetteville, to present an outdoor concert and lead a trail ride to raise money for the Backpacks for Kids program. The event helped feed 2,500 kids last year.

This year, the trail ride is Sept. 9 and the concert is Sept. 10. Gates for the concert open at 6 p.m. Chuckwagon dinners will be available. Tickets are $14 at the gate and $12 in advance. Advance tickets are will-call by calling 615-351-3167 or locally at Basham Grocery in Mountainburg or Chester Cafe in Chester.

For information on the trail ride go to www.royalwadekimes.com.

TFW interviewed Kimes to find out more about his career and the event.

TFW: When did you first begin playing music, and how did you break into Nashville?

Royal: Bought my first guitar at 15 years old after working cattle and a sawmill for a summer. I knew I wanted play music when I was 4 years old. I was drawn to guitars and melodies that early.

My first big break came when I met the late Eddy Arnold. He and I became friends by chance, which is testimony that you need help from God to make headway in the music business.

With his help, I began writing, and he happened to be friends with Bob Doyle who had just signed a new kid by the name of Garth Brooks. He hooked the two of us up and we wrote “Bury The Hatchet,” which came out on “Ropin’ The Wind” and sold 17 million copies. I quit my day job after that! Then I went on to write several other gold records and hits for other artists until I signed with Asylum Records a few years later. I had two big hits there, “Leave My Mama Out Of This” and “Another Man’s Sky,” which had a hit video, too.

TFW: How do you describe your music?

Royal: My music is “cowboy country.” It is love songs mixed with cowboy feeling tunes that are hard-driving to gunfighting ballads. I guess it would remind you of Marty Robbins. He sang “El Paso,” a gunfighting song, and “White Sports Coat,” a song about a prom, all at the same time.

My style turned out to be what Johnny Cash said — who by the way had all my records — “If they like rock or country either one, they’ll dig you.” He was right, and I am amazed that my audience runs from 15 to 70.

TFW: Who are some of the artists you have enjoyed working with?

Royal: People I have toured with and just hang out with over the years include Garth Brooks, DeAnna Carter, Trace Adkins, Bellamy Brothers, Mel Tillis and lots more.

TFW: What are you working on now?

Royal: I’m writing, cutting records and touring around the world, fall tour and a big tour for 2012. “Crossing The Roads” is my latest record and my 10th. The record is called “Crossing The Roads” because it crosses all things in music. It has a little blues, a little country, a little western, a little rockabilly, gospel and even one song of what I would call “easy listening,” but then it also has a couple of patriotic-type songs on it as well.

For the first time, it has two cover songs. I cut the Bobby Bare tune “500 Miles Away From Home.” Bare called me after he heard the song and said “You did a fine job on my song.”
I also did a video. The video play chart has it red hot in Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee, and it is also heating up in other states.

I also cut “Mr. Songman” by Donnie Sumner, JD Sumner’s son.

The CD is being downloaded like nothing I’ve ever experienced since cutting records. Find it at www.cdbaby.com, www.bestbuy.com and www.royalwadekimes.com. I have a new video out that can be seen at YouTube.com or on GAC and at www.royalwadekimes.com.

I’m also cutting a project unlike anything Nashville has seen. I’m more than excited about it.

TFW: What’s next?

Royal: As a songwriter, we wait and we hope that we write that one song that you know in your heart is “the” song. I have done that. I can say from my heart, from what I think I know about this biz, that I have now written that song.

It will be a full year before we release it, but I feel it will depict who Royal Wade Kimes is. I told my wife, “It’s OK now. If I should meet God tomorrow, it’s OK. This song will be here, and it will be released to the people … and they need it.”

Someone like me that creates, not just gets up on a stage and sings, but creates, lives and hopes he can leave something behind that will be remembered for many years to come, if not forever. I think this song is one the people will say, “He left me something that touched my heart, something special.”

TFW: Tell us more about the concert in Chester.

Royal: When we do the Chester show we try to bring the people who actually make the music happen in Nashville.

This year, I will have Laurie Canaan, who has played Broadway and Nashville both. She is a fiddle player with style and a piano player unmatched with her ability to make a song come alive. Larry and Ryan Crowley, a father-son pair that light up a stage with their guitars will also be there.

It is one thing to go see a concert where it’s “drive it to the wall,” but it’s quite another to watch the ones who not only play it, but composed and make it.

That’s what separates them from the gang, the pack of would-be’s. They are the true Nashville pickers.

The opening band will be a local bluegrass band, Yesterday’s Wine, headed up by Vander Atwell from Red Buff, Calif., who co-wrote “Jacob’s Well” with me on my “Strikin’ Matches” CD.

The concert opens with the local band … then there’s a silence … then there’s a hint of music, then the show suddenly takes off like it’s on jet fuel. It’s a show for everyone, the whole family, from 9 to 90.

There is something very special that happens at this concert.

We recognize and give away a handmade statue to a cowboy or cowgirl. It is an award called “The Cowboy Rides,” which is in honor and now memory of TJ Brown, a local, but famous, bronc rider.

Winners are chosen from three main criteria points: living the life of a cowboy, promoting the life and personality. It is somewhat emotional for me to watch the humbleness of the winners. TJ received the first one before he passed. Mark LaRue of Cedarville was given the second. Last year’s winner was Linda Johnmyer of Missouri.

TFW: Tell us more about the trail ride.

Royal: This is the sixth year for the ride. It leaves Chester and takes the 1800s wagon route out and crosses the mountains. It took me several years of planning and working to get the road open. It is only open one time a year and that is for the ride.

The riders will see an old wagon thimble where a wagon broke down and a rock where wagon wheels ran through it cutting a groove.

There’s a campfire show that night for the trail riders and chuck wagon steaks.

My favorite is the homemade cobbler. The man ought to be hung for causing the riders to have to wait until the next year for more.

I also give away Montana Smith Belt Buckles for the five-year riders. Last year, over 20 got them, and about that many this year will receive them.

TFW: What do you like about Northwest Arkansas, and why do you do the events here?

Royal: My folks live there, and I love them but what draws me, what I love, not just like, is “my mountains.”

They speak to me. I tear up as I think about them.

When I was a kid, it was my job to look after the cattle across those mountains.

How do you think I knew where and how to cut that trail out to have the grandest trail ride in Arkansas?

New SoNA Choral Group

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas is looking for a few good singers. From their news release:

Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) announces the formation of the SoNA Singers, an auditioned group of the region’s best choral singers. The ensemble is led by Director Terry Hicks, one of Arkansas’ most respected choral conductors. This group will perform choral works, both a cappella and with orchestral accompaniment. It will also serve as the anchor of the larger 200-person SoNA Chorale, which performs choral masterworks with the Symphony, conducted by SoNA Music Director Paul Haas. Repertoire to include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”) and other works, to be announced in the first rehearsal. Rehearsals will be held weekly on Sundays, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Auditions will be held on September 10 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Bentonville High School Choir Room (1801 SE “J” Street, Bentonville, AR) and September 17 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Walton Arts Center’s McBride Studio (495 W. Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR.) Auditionees are to contact Barrett Johnson at barrett@sonamusic.org (email is preferred) or (479) 521-4166 to set up an audition time or for more information.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

-One solo (oratorio aria or art song preferred)

-Pitch memory exercises

-Intervals

-Scales (major and minor)

(Accompanist provided)

Rehearsal Schedule:

Sundays 2:00-4:00 p.m.

October 16, 23, 30

November 6, 13, 20, 27

December 4

Additional Rehearsals:

December 8, 7:00-9:30 p.m.

December 9, 7:00-9:30 p.m.

December 10, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Concert:

December 10, 7:30 p.m.

Rehearsal Schedule for April 14, 2011 Concert: To Be Announced.

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) is the new name for the North Arkansas Symphony (NASO), which was founded in 1954 and has provided more than 50 years of musical performances and educational opportunities. SoNA is a not-for-profit organization currently engaged in a new partnership with Walton Arts Center. Under the musical direction of Paul Haas, SoNA presents classical and pops performances for symphonic music lovers in Northwest Arkansas. To learn more about SoNA and Paul Haas, visit www.sonamusic.org.

CD release at George’s Majestic

By Clay Payne

TFW Contributing Writer

(Photo: Jason Hudson) Earl & Them

Real music appreciators don’t flip the channel to MTV (do they even play music anymore?) or turn the radio knob to nationally syndicated pop radio stations to get their musical kicks. And regarding local talented musicians, the folks of Fayetteville have it pretty darn good whether they know it or not.

We all know that many things in life improve with age: wine, scotch and some cheeses. Well, so do face-melting legendary lead guitars players like Earl Cate. At age 69, the Arkansas native is still kicking out the jams. Cate will be accompanied by a host of seasoned musicians with Earl & Them for the CD release party of “Special Blend” at George’s Majestic Lounge on Dickson Street on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun to get all the guys together,” Cate said. “We don’t get together that often. It’s gonna be hot down there.”

Need to hear Cate’s credentials? In the infamous words of HBO’s Tony Soprano, “Forget about it.” In addition to being listed on Steve Cropper’s list of top 10 guitar players of all time, Cate has played and toured with the likes of The Band, Bo Diddley, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Little Feat, Van Morrison and Neil Young to name a few. The members of Earl & Them combine for an impressive 200-plus years of experience pleasing fans.

The “guys” Cate is referring to include a core of four (who can be seen playing locally from time to time): Terry Cagle (drums, vocals), Cate (lead guitar), Jason Davis (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Mike Murray thumping away on the bass. Joining the core four will be special guests RJ Mischo (harmonica), Dave Renko (saxophone) and master blues guitar man Jimmy Thackery.

“It takes it to another level when you add these guys,” said Mark Risk of Swingin’ Door Records, the executive producer for “Special Blend.” “Earl is one of the most underappreciated, greatest guitar players of all time. Add Jimmy in the mix, and you got something really special.”

Davis said the album’s title has a double meaning. Not only does “Special Blend” refer to the mix of the artists on the recording but also to the band’s style of rock, blues, funk and little dash of country.

“We never aim to play a song the same way,” Davis said. “It’s something you’re only going here to hear that night. The core four is used to our repertoire, but adding the others changes the dynamic to a true free-for-all and adds to the unpredictable.”

When asked why Earl & Them decided on George’s for the band’s CD release performance, Cate said, “It’s a place I’ve played for years on end, and it’s one of the few music staples left in Fayetteville with one of the best stages and best sound in town.”

Risk said Cate fans can expect the same “smooth to rip-roarin’ in-your-face style of roots-bluesy rock,” but that Thackery adds an energy level similar to “revving up a hot-rod.” Cate said “Special Blend” is reminiscent of the Cate Brothers band but is more guitar-oriented and with no keyboards.

At George’s on Friday evening, Earl & Them will play a mix of originals and covers including The Band’s “Ophelia” and “The Shape I’m In.” The CD can be purchased at earlandthem.com and www.cdbaby.com and selected retail outlets.