Chris Scruggs is grounded in the age-old forms, but flourishes in today's hipster scene. Don't know the name? Well you should, it's THAT Scruggs. What's more, he spent his young years touring the country on a Silver Eagle bus, with his mom Gail Davies, who was a country hit maker in the 80's. Then, you might not know that it was his voice out front, as he penned and sang the title track of the BR549 Tangled In The Pines CD during his 3 1/2 year tenure with them. Or, that he has appeared on three Grammy award nominated albums. Chris is a multi-talented instrumentalist, playing steel guitar without the pedals, an all but lost art form that fell out of favor in the 1950's. He aims to keep it alive. Chris honors the older techniques, but is not held fast by them, which allows for exploration and innovation. In fact, on Anthem, his latest CD, you are not hearing a string quartet, it is a canny steel guitar making you think there is!
While I was living in Nashville in the late 90's, this next generation was coming of age. They are the sons and daughters of folks you know. We industry types heard their names whispered as they bonded with each other, forming their first bands to play out in the clubs. It was a time of unspoken promise and excitement for the future. And the future is here now. Chris is steeped in the tradition, yet free to fly. Here is "Old Souls Like You and Me" with Mike Whitty on bass and Matt Arnn on snare from our Threadgill's recording this year.
- Jessie Scott
