Today we’d like to introduce you to Big Little Town Tribute, A Tribute to Little Big Town.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
A group of 4 friends, (who are also musicians,) who have worked together in various capacities over the past ten years, decided to form a band: Big Little Town a tribute to Little Big Town. Deciding on this group because they are one of the hottest country groups on the charts today, the band sings a variety of music with a country and harmony flair and look a little like them. The music has been so well received at their performances and they are looking forward to sharing it with more people.
Covering all of their songs, in perfect harmony, from the current album the Breaker: When Someone Stops Loving You, Beat Up Bible, Better Man, to hits like Day Drinking, Pontoon, Tornado, Sober, Tumble and Fall, Boondocks, and single and song of the year in 2015- Girl Crush; Big Little Town delivers a captivating performance.
The group includes Dallas’ artists: Lisa Underwood, Shayne Green, Dalene Richelle and Jim Sargent.
Lisa Underwood personifies Kimberly Schlapman with her high, angelic tone and physicality in every way.
As a vocal arranger, writer, studio musician and powerful singer; music is a huge part of Lisa’s world. Lisa has worked as a studio musician, providing background vocals on hundreds of songs in Charlie Pride’s studio, the Sound Kitchen and many others in Texas. She has also had the honor of singing with musical greats like Steve Holy, Lloyd Maines, Sonny Burgess, LeAnn Rimes and Garth Brooks/Tricia Yearwood’s bands. She has written several songs which have had radio play, including one she co-wrote; a song that landed her girl band a number 2 hit on the Texas charts. Her performances across the US with her girl band include venues such as Texas’ own Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, American Airlines Center, the Texas Rangers Stadium, as well as a 3-year residency at the State Fair of Texas. She has performed in 6 continents. Lisa’s love for music began at 5, when she started piano lessons. In Junior High she started playing the bassoon and continued her studies on through college. While playing the bassoon she won first chair in the State of Texas, went to college on a full scholarship, played with the Symphony and venues such as Carnegie Hall, Union Station, etc. She continues to be an accomplished Pianist and Bassoonist.
Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town’s stage presence, multi-instrumentalist ability and strong vocals could only be imitated by someone as equally talented: Shayne Green. Songwriter, producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. He spent his formative years as a professional, highly versatile session and working musician. After years of recording/touring and performing locally and abroad, as one of the most sought-after guitar players in the area, he began to focus on his own artist work as a songwriter and composer. Shayne Green continues to release vibrant, engaging music as a recording artist while composing music for Film/Tv. He recently had had song featured on Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel.
Dalene Richelle’s velvet vocals reach the depths of Karen Fairchild’s with that soft mezzo strength in her sound.
She studied classical piano throughout her life through the Royal Conservatory of Music and went on to explore other aspects of music at the University of Alberta and Sun bridge College, NY. This multi-instrumentalist (including Mando bird, ukulele, guitar and upright bass); performed at venues across the US including the Cowboys AT&T Stadium, Houston Astrodome, Louisiana Superdome, State Fair of Texas and Nashville’s Wild horse Saloon with her girl band and has earned accolades including, “Dallas’ Top 10 Concerts” as well as “Top 10 CDs of the Year” by the Dallas Morning News. You can catch her weekly in many piano hot spots in town including the Warwick’s Library Bar on Monday nights and Trulucks in Southlake on Wednesday nights. Her background also includes a stint as the official Anthem Singer and cheerleading captain for the Canadian Pro Football team, The Calgary Stampeders. Dalene has previously released her all original solo album, “Linger”; as well as 2 albums with her band: Unbridled (Texas) and Metamorphosis (Nashville).
Jim Sargent’s tenor tone and lyrical flair, coupled with his charisma and stage charm, gives Jimi Westbrook a run for his money. Jim grew up in Colorado influenced musically by 70s and 80s rock legends. CCR, CSN&Y, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Pink Floyd, John Denver, Elton John, Johnny Cash and many others. Jim began performing back in the mid 80’s in Dallas, Texas at the very beginning of the Acoustic music scene in DFW at some of DFW’s most iconic establishments, Mimi’s Pub, Chelsea Corner, Andrews, Adair’s Saloon, Trees, Club Dada and others. Since that time Jim has entertained people around the world: Buzios, Brazil; Copenhagen, Denmark; St. Thomas, VI; Toronto, CA; Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sydney, Australia and all around the US. Jim has performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (God’s Personal Music Box) in Colorado with a collection of his originals and favorite covers along with some great friends.
Please tell us about your art.
We create an atmosphere for an exciting experience in the present that may bring up memories from the past, and inspiration for the future. Little Big Town’s music is powerful and fun, deep and reflective…. we enjoy bringing it to the audience so they can hear the songs they love or have some new favorites. We would love people who see us to come back for more at our next performance, relate to the music and have some moments of realization about things they may not have known about the band. We have performed as a 4 piece (4 vocalists, 2 with acoustic guitars) or a 7-piece full band, depending on the setting.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
An angel investor who believes in the project enough to contribute what it needs to get things going is every artist’s dream. Not only does this give the group some affirmation but the legs to take their music to where it needs to be.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
We post our upcoming dates on our website at www.blt-tribute.com. There are links there to our Social Media sites and we would love the support of likes, friends and followers!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blt-tribute.com
- Phone: 903-751-5509
- Email: biglittletownmusic@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biglittletown4/
- Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/biglittletowntribute
Image Credit:
Ro Price
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