Sundy Best Reunites And Returns Home To Prestonsburg For Three Concerts!
It’s been a bit since I’ve written anything about the folks in Sundy Best. I was honored to photograph a show way back in 2014 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville. The guys were ramping up and riding an incredible high at that time, but unfortunately, the band would come to an end back in 2018.
(more…)‘The Wild Frontier’. The Beautiful Result From The Reinvention Of Nicholas Jamerson
I was asked to review the new Nicholas Jamerson album recently. I, of course, said yes. As I found myself listening, I kept thinking about just how different the music that Nicholas is creating now, is from his past successes with Sundy Best. Sure Nicholas has released albums since those days, but in my humble opinion, those albums were the necessary tool that he used to find his true musical identity. That identity is still deeply rooted in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, but from a musical standpoint, Nicholas has evolved into an intricate songwriter. A passionate storyteller. A gifted poet. A true Kentucky treasure.
*Photo courtesy of the lovely and talented Sarah Cahill
Jamerson has grown into an artist that much prefers the listener’s concentration over their affections. Nicholas has always had an incredible knack of melding lyrics and melodies into ear candy, but his voice now has more important things to convey. That’s why grabbing the listeners’ ear is much more crucial on this trip around the sun.
Equipped with the wisdom gained from living life, and the will to make the choice to take a gamble on himself, at least in my humble opinion, has paid off in spades. I was a fan of Nicholas before I was a friend, and his evolution since Capture Kentucky came to be, has been one of my favorite journeys to watch and I feel what Jamerson has found is more genuine and true to himself than any other work so far.
With his new release ‘The Wild Frontier’, out today, April 20th, Jamerson has set his sights on taking his music to the next level. Unfortunately for him and all of us, COVID-19 has become an unwanted hurdle but his determination is still unwavering and his belief in his creation is strong, as it damn well should be. Which is why I’m jumping back into Capture Kentucky for this article. The world needs this album and if my tiny voice can help Nicholas deliver it, I’m all in.
Nicholas Jamerson Announces New Concept Album “The Wild Frontier” Set For Release On April 20
*Photo courtesy of Sarah Cahill
Following in the footsteps of fellow Eastern Kentucky wordsmiths Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers, Nicholas Jamerson has announced the release of his new album The Wild Frontier on April 20, 2020 via The Bingo Shack.
The album was produced at MIMUS Studios in Winder, Georgia, with Levi Lowrey, an area musician and composer best known for his work with the Zac Brown Band.
Joining Jamerson throughout The Wild Frontier are backing band The Morning Jays comprised of Wes Smith (acoustic/electric guitar, keys, mandolin), Aaron Smith (fiddle, mandolin), Jordan Allen (bass), Thomas Albert (pedal steel, electric guitar) and Lawrence Nemenz (percussion). Also included are spot appearances from brother Joby Jamerson, Lowrey, Benji Shanks, Mark Stephens, Matt Meneffee and Emily Davis.
“I think this is my best (more…)
Ashley McBryde Delights Prestonsburg Alongside Nicholas Jamerson At The Mountain Arts Center
Tonight’s near-capacity show at the Mountain Arts Center saw Ashley McBryde bringing her Girl Going Nowhere Tour into East Kentucky along with Prestonsburg’s own Nicholas Jamerson. It is always good to be back at one of my favorite venues in east Kentucky, well for that matter not just Kentucky but just about anywhere. In my opinion, you would be hard-pressed to find a better thousand seat venue than the Mountain Arts Center. Beautiful building, top-notch staff and incredible sound and lights! But enough of that, let’s talk about tonight’s music.
As I said earlier Nicholas Jamerson is from right here in the city of Prestonsburg, he’s covered a lot of miles since he left Prestonsburg all those years ago to be back home and performing on this stage tonight. I’ve had the pleasure to photograph him several times both as a member of the successful duo Sundy Best and as a solo artist. I commented to someone recently that this show was the best I’ve heard him sound in a long time, he (more…)
Cinder & Smoke Fest Promises Great Food, Cold Drinks And The Perfect Soundtrack To Summer
Here at Capture Kentucky, we do our best to shine a light on Kentucky’s greatest asset, her people. That’s the reason we decided to create the Cinder & Smoke Fest. We wanted to create an opportunity to bring people together while allowing folks that are way more talented than us, to have a stage and a crowd.
Mother Nature was unkind to us in July, but thankfully we were able to regroup and focus on a new date.
On Sunday, August 26th, Proud Mary BBQ in Lexington, KY will host our inaugural Cinder & Smoke Fest. We are bringing in some of our favorite Kentucky bands and artists from all across our Commonwealth. So we thought we’d put together a little article to introduce you to this years lineup, which is sponsored in part by West Sixth Brewing and Ale-8-One.
One quick note: chairs are welcome at Proud Mary BBQ, but no coolers please. This is a free show to you, but the artists are being paid fairly. So please support Proud Mary while you’re there! This show would not be possible without them!
Kris Bentley’s Star City Circus Jam At The Mountain Arts Center In Prestonsburg
You are asking yourself, what is a Star City Circus Jam? Glad you asked! Star City Circus Jam is a joint effort between The Revival (Kris Bentley’s (Sundy Best) band) and the Mountain Arts Center. The idea was to bring local and regional musicians and artist together for a day of music and arts. The Mountain Arts Center was the perfect place to host this gathering.
The festivities got underway at 2 pm with musical performances in the lobby by Waylon Ray Nelson, Brandon Campbell and Prototype. Tables were set up near the concession stand for a free community lunch provided by The Lunchroom Project. On the other side of the lobby you found craftsman, painters and woodworkers all with work on display and for sale. It was a great environment setting the tone for what was to come in the MAC’s main auditorium. (more…)
Sundy Best Helps Out The Animal Alliance of East Kentucky At The MAC In Prestonsburg, KY
As I was traveling the 20 or so miles along Highway 80 between Hindman, KY and the Prestonsburg exit of Highway 23. I was thinking about Sundy Best and all the other country acts I’ve photographed this year, Travis Tritt (twice), Charlie Daniels, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers (twice) and Elizabeth Cook. (more…)
These 15 Songs About Kentucky Will Make You Love Our Commonwealth Even More
Music written about our beloved Bluegrass state are obviously near and dear to our hearts here at Capture Kentucky. So much so, that we decided to compile a list of our favorites. We hope you enjoy! (more…)