I used to hang out in Atlanta from time to time, starting back in 1975. I fondly remember fried chicken and mint juleps served in pewter at Pittypat’s Porch. In the 90’s I found myself at Music Midtown every year (several in a row) attending that wonderful inner city music festival, in a virtual canyon created by the surrounding skyscrapers. It is back after a five year hiatus as a one-day festival on Saturday, September 24th. There is always that wonderful sense of discovery, taking stock of the nooks and cranny’s that make a city unique. From Five Points, to the rich history of Underground Atlanta, to Buckhead, to the tony suburbs; the South does indeed rise again in Atlanta. Writing about it makes me want to visit soon. Abbey from Luckenbach and I have made a pact to start traveling to far flung cities for long weekends. Eating the food, seeing the sights, exploring the culture, and hearing the music of course. Reports will follow, I promise.
Reluctant Saints are an Atlanta-based band keeping the Southern Rock tradition alive. Their debut CD Long Drive, came out in July. The band is anchored by two brothers, Mark and Brian Cameron (Wilson). Each was a well-known Atlanta musician, but they hadn’t played in the same band for several years. Brian was injured in 2007 in a near fatal motorcycle accident, he recovered and was learning to walk again, when the brothers decided to begin making music together once again. It took three years more to put the band together - they emerged in 2010. I am loving the resurgence of the Southern Rock movement, long may it wave. Here are Reluctant Saints with “Song To Remember,” joyous and exuberant, a new band with an old sound.
-Jessie Scott
