I wasn't too thrilled to hear a band from Ft. Myers was playing at the Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant. It was taking work from our own crew of super musicians. Then I went to hear them, and guess what! I know why they're here so often. Their sound is unlike anybody in town, and they are great. They're called the Oysters, and they play acoustic guitars and percussion. Two sing lead, and the third sings harmony. The sound here is darn near spectacular (is in spots). John Housley plays lead, and when he picks up his slide he rocks. Bryce Barnes plays fine percussion and is a fantastic lead singer as is Frank Thomson, the other guitarist.
Three part harmony on America's "Horse With No Name" sparkled, reminding me of RST with a harder edge. The Oysters slid right into Cat Stevens' "Wild World" followed by "Tequila Sunrise". My favorite Doobie Brothers tune "Black Water" was divine. Skunk Baxter would really dig John's slide work. John catches that low bass harmony too.
Every now and then the Oysters break into a hot intro to "Tequila" (a song that made a friend of mine rich enough to start his own record label). The crowd, at the appropriate moment would shout out, "Tequila". The Oysters are three good looking guys who are fun to listen to. "Knocking On Heaven's Door" shows off their lush vocals. I couldn't choose between the lead singers if you put a gun to my head. They are both exceptional. Harry Chapin's "Cat's In the Cradle" brought up a guy who knew Harry. This was a crowd pleaser.
My favorite song of the evening was Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See". Bryce's vocal was killer, and the guitar work was genius. This isn't a song you'd think of for an acoustic band, but it worked wonderfully. The dynamics on it were superb. Rock classics rolled out, "Dust In the Wind" featured Bryce's fabulous falsetto and had a tad of "Stairway To Heaven" snuck in at the end. I know, English scholars, sneak, snack, snuck, allright allready! So I'm a hillbilly, so what?
There was a steady stream of girls coming up to the stage to make requests or whatever. These are three good looking guys, as I said. Several men in the audience were giving serious consideration to changing careers and becoming musicians! But do the Oysters write, you ask? They sure do. I heard some good songs. One was "I'm Falling For You". A really funky original "Ain't Nothing Gonna Hurt Me Now" had almost an Allman Brothers feel. The Oysters go into the studio in a couiple of weeks to record a CD. I am definitely planning to get a copy. Hats off to the Conch Farm for bringing us a new and different act that belongs in our exhalted ranks. These folks could go the distance. Talent like this is always welcome, anywhere. Stay cool.