The Tampa Bay Acoustic Music Festival at the Hard Rock Cafe picked back up with another night of fantastic acoustic music from Andy Pursell, Stumble Fox, Saving Paige, Seven Twenty Seven, and the Josh Carroll Duo. If you're looking for great local acoustic music, there's no better place than the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa in June!
Andy Pursell kicked off the night with a little country for the crowd. Andy was raised in Arcadia, Florida on a solid diet of rock & roll from Mom and 50's & 60's music from Dad but picked up country music from friends along the way. Andy got his first guitar at 18, started taking lessons at 24 and had always "messed around with music" but didn't take it too seriously until he wrote his first song, "The Fan's". He wrote this song "out of nowhere" one night while watching a football game. He just started writing down lyrics and by the end of the game, he had his first song. He ended up recording this song and two others, "Country Boy Legacy" and "Wild Women with Wicked Way" in Nashville last year. Andy played these three songs, along with some covers including "Seminole Wind" by John Anderson and "Family Tradition" by Hank Williams, Jr. Andy is ready to "Get out there and knock the doors down!". After last night's performance, I have no doubt he will. Until he gets to your door, find him here.
Next up was Stumble Fox, a female power duo composed of Jess, lead vocals and percussion, and Susan, guitar and vocals. Stumble Fox has been performing together for 3 years and play shows all over the Tampa Bay area. Jess started singing before she could talk and studied opera until she realized singing better suited her. Susan grew up playing the piano but said goodbye to it as a teenager when her older brother gave her a guitar. She took classes in college and has been playing in bands ever since. Stumble Fox played mostly covers including "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse, "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley and "Otherside" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Stumble Fox is currently working on an album. Until then, catch them around town here.
The Saving Paige trio took the stage next to give us a dose of their unique country, southern rock dance tunes. Saving Paige is composed of two sisters, Ginny and Paige, and Landon, a close friend. Ginny and Paige grew up in church singing gospel with country naturally flowing through their veins. Paige started playing piano at age 6 but transitioned mostly to guitar after she received one for Christmas at 16. The sisters took their musical talent from the church halls to the musical stage to literally "Save Paige". Paige is planning to go to medical school and is playing in the band to "save" her from debt and allow her to go to school. Landon joined the band six months later. He's only going to be a senior in high school but is a jack of all trades playing trumpet, guitar, bass, and drums. Saving Paige played a mix of cover and original tunes including "No Scrubs" by TLC, "Hell on Heels" by Pistol Annie's and "Heart on Fire" and "Don't Say Stay" written by Paige. Saving Paige hopes to release an album next year. Until then, keep up with them here.
Seven Twenty Seven wowed the crowd with their unique sound. Seven Twenty Seven is composed of Edwin on the guitar and vocals, Kris on vocals, and Steve on the cajon. Seven Twenty Seven has only been playing together for six months but you would never know it! Edwin started singing in grade school, picked up the guitar in his 20's, and has been playing in bands ever since. His first love was classical music and he enjoys blending a variety of styles of music together for a truly unique sound. Kris started playing piano when she was 6 and started a rock band as a teenager. She eventually met her husband, Steve, and the rest is history. Seven Twenty Seven played a mix of cover and original songs including crowd favorite "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens, Pearl Jam's "Black" and "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood. Original songs included "Grand One" and "Queen of Leaves". Seven Twenty Seven is currently working on blending their diverse styles into an EP which they expect to release in a few months, followed by an album next spring. Learn more about Seven Twenty Seven here.
The Josh Carroll Duo closed out the night with a big dose of soul! Josh grew up singing gospel in church with his musical parents and 10 younger siblings in Oregon. He eventually migrated to Nashville where he sang for 5 years. Wanting to be a career musician, he came to Tampa with his guitar, a backpack and $2,000 and has been going strong ever since. Along with singing, Josh plays the guitar, drums, bass, piano and saxophone! Josh loves putting his own spin on songs from musical legends including Joe Cocker, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder. Josh was joined by Joe Stagi on the keyboard. They put their own groovy spin on covers including "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith and "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green. Josh and Joe are getting ready to go into the studio to create a new album that "transforms and revives old rock & roll soul". After hearing them last night, I'll be waiting in line to buy this one! "Hitch A Ride" with Josh Carroll here.
The Tampa Bay Acoustic Music Festival continues this Saturday night and throughout the month of June in the Hard Rock Cafe at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Click here for the schedule. Don't miss your chance to see the best local talent in Tampa Bay! Admission is free!
