Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010

Treehouse stockpiling original tunes

Jeremy Anderson began writing songs about three years ago while a student at the College of Charleston. In those early school days the philosophy major waxed philosophical about a range of subjects common to many 20-year-olds. He committed his musings to song, and while some of his tunes are relationship-oriented, many more are not, and all of his music features plain old-fashioned reggae-influenced jamming at its heart. "Jack Johnson, Bob Marley, Sublime, Slightly Stoopid - they were big influences," said Anderson. We spoke by phone last week from Anderson's home in North Myrtle Beach.

A life-long resident of the north end of the Strand, Anderson shares his musical pedigree with a semi-famous older sibling, also originally a North Myrtle Beach native. "My sister, Kelley Anderson, is in a band from Tennessee, Those Darlin's," he said. The elder Darlin' sister's cow-punk girl band has been making a name for itself lately - it's been featured in the New York Times, and is slated to perform at Bonnaroo in 2011. Those Darlin's performed at The Island Bar & Grill in Surfside Beach a few weeks ago. Younger by four years, brother Jeremy Anderson found his voice after his sister had moved from the area.

After college Anderson began playing covers around town with a few pals, billed as "Jeremy Anderson & Friends" at places such as Pirate's Cove, Drink! The Island Bar & Grill, wherever he could find gigs, but Anderson's own tunes demanded a voice of their own. "We started calling ourselves Treehouse," he said. "We're recording this winter and want to establish ourselves as an originals act, but we'll still do cover shows, too."

Treehouse performs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays in November (and possibly beyond) at Pirate's Cove on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Additionally, the band has two upcoming Friday evenings booked at Pirate's Cove: Nov. 19 and Nov. 26.

The three-piece act includes Matt Link (bass), and Trey Moody (drummer/percussionist), with Anderson covering guitar and lead vocals. Samples of Treehouse's older material are available at myspace.com/jeremyandersonharmonics. Glimpses of an exceptional talent may be heard with Anderson's voice showing both strength and vulnerability, as well as clarity, accuracy, and range - a young voice that explores the nuances of interesting songs with original melodies.

Songs such as "My Own Creation," "Journey to Burn," and "Today's Forecast," showcase Anderson's mature writing style - developed beyond his youth and short time penning tunes. "[The writing] ties into my whole life philosophy - I'm definitely a philosopher. We're all a part of one big infinite energy that's tied in together. My plan is to be a rock star first, and then pursue [a real job] on down the road. Maybe I'll get my doctorate, or become a lawyer."

Rush hour

And speaking of singer-songwriters...

Two singer/songwriters, one band, one show.

With a 15-date tour underway, Joal Rush and Nick Norman, occasional visitors to the Grand Strand, will bring their original tunes to Droopy's in Myrtle Beach on Wednesday evening. Rush is touring in support of a new CD "Wares," and Norman in support of "Hey Cheater," released earlier this year. Both men see the grueling road-dog life in an overcrowded van as part of the promotional effort to get their names and music to the masses. "We're starting in Key West," said Rush, a Charlestonian (originally from Camden) who will share band members with Norman, originally from the Columbia area, "...then up the coast to Georgia, and the Carolinas. I think it's 15 shows in three weeks or something..."

With very different styles - Rush's pop/rock, and Norman's country/rock - audiences can experience two sides of the Carolina sound in one show. The two artists have found that sharing a band on the road is a smart economic move. "Nick uses like five guys total, and for me it's four-piece," said Rush. The shows are co-billed with no specific headliner or opener, the acts taking turns as the show's closer.

Rush named his album "Wares" in a tribute to his support musicians. "It's kind of a double-meaning. First we're showcasing our wares, and also I've been doing shows as Joal Rush and the Wares, so it's kind of for those guys."

"Wares" was recorded at the University of South Carolina's School of Music recording studio utilizing student talent at the helm, and the project was three years in the making. "We were going after a Ryan Adams 'Heartbreaker,' stripped-down vibe on the new record," said Rush. Norman, meanwhile, will share additional dates through winter with new Curb Records country crooner and Sumter native, Lee Brice.

Droopy's is at 5201 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. A $3 cover charged for the 21-and-older show.

Have a thought, comment or newsworthy item for Weekly Surge Music Notes? Send an e-mail to pgrimshaw@sc.rr.com.