Frontman Cary Hudson leads Mississippi band in Southern tour
Music fans looking for a high-energy, multi-influenced show should check out Blue Mountain featuring Cary Hudson at Conundrum Music Hall Thursday.
Hudson, whose biggest musical influences include Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Muddy Waters, said the band’s sound is a combination of multiple genres.
“It’s a mix of country and blues with a bit of a punk edge to it,” Hudson said.
Hudson has been performing for about 25 years.
“I started playing guitar when I was 13,” Hudson said.
After graduating from college with a psychology degree, Hudson said he chose to start a band instead of attending graduate school.
Hudson is Blue Mountain’s lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter. He released three solo albums, “The Phoenix,” “Cool Breeze” and “Bittersweet Blues,” during a Blue Mountain hiatus. In 2008, Gibson Magazine placed Hudson on of its list of Top 10 Alt-Country Guitarists of All Time, a list that also included Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Luther Perkins, Johnny Cash’s guitarist.
Blue Mountain was formed in Mississippi in the early ’90s after Hudson’s previous band, The Hilltops, dissolved. Blue Mountain has released eight albums since 1993. In addition to Hudson, the band’s current lineup includes Jed Newell on drums and Laurie Stirratt on bass and harmony vocals. Stirratt’s twin brother, John Stirratt, is the bass player for Wilco.
Hudson and Stirratt were married for 10 years and have been divorced for 10 years, Hudson said, and their relationship has remained amicable despite their separation.
“We’ve had a pretty successful relationship,” Hudson said. “(We) were best friends and we still are, and we love playing music together.”
The band’s most recent albums “Omnibus” and “Midnight in Mississippi” were released in 2008.
“We’re back to work after a hiatus,” Hudson said. “We’re working on a new record.”
Hudson said Blue Mountain aims to release its next album by the end of the year.
South Carolina is one of four stops on Blue Mountain’s current Southern tour. The band will be playing at the Charleston Pour House on Friday night.
Hudson said those who plan on going to tonight’s show won’t be disappointed.
“Expect a good, energetic rock ‘n’ roll show and maybe a joke or two,” Hudson said.
Doors and show time as well as price information has yet to be determined. Check the website for up-to-date details.