the Nite Times
Dread Clampitt
April, 2004 by Shirley Courson
Dread Clampitt is making waves in Grayton Beach. The 'hipbilly" band has a unique sound all its own. "It's sort of bluegrass," explains guitarist Kyle Ogle. "But it rocks a little bit more and swings a little bit more than bluegrass. It kind of has a funk and R&B feel."
In other words, you have to hear it to understand. The four-piece group plays at The Red Bar twice on Sundays and in the evenings on Monday.
"The Sunday brunches are just incredible," Ogle says. "The place is completely full of music listeners and they just love it. The crowd really gets involved."
The band also plays at The Funky Blues Shack in Destin on Wednesdays and Fridays. The mid-week gig brings the band on stage with the electric band Clueless. "Together we are the Dreadless Cluepits," Ogle says with a laugh. "It's like Texas swing meets gypsy jazz roots, blues, funk. It's something out of this world."
The group has been playing together for less than two years, but they work quickly. Within three months of forming, they released a recording featuring both original and cover tunes. A second release called Wrack & Ruin, recorded live at the Funky Blues Shack, is due out in a few weeks. The plan is to make another studio recording with all original songs at the end of the summer.
"We're all like best friends," Ogle explains. "We write songs all the time. We've all got ideas and we feed off each other. We just have a lot of fun and cook a lot and laugh together. I'm looking at a deep fryer right in front of me. There's a smoker right behind that. And there are four dead cars in the front yard. It gives us something to write about."
Mandolin player Balder Suanders is lovin' life.
"The Red Bar has been a gem for us," he says. "We've written mosst of our songs right here in Grayton Beach. We enjoy the weather, the scenery, the culture. People are really accepting and artistic here." Saunders attrubutes the band's distinct style to the varied backgrounds of the members.
"Everybody bring something to the table," he explains. "In doing our own thing we embrace each other's style and feeling and that makes it all come together."
Saunders brings a little jazz to the mix. He played the trumpet for the Marine Corps. While stationed in New Orleans, he played in a brass band.
Duke Bardwell brings a little "funk and swamp" sound to the group having grown up with rock and roll, doo-wop and Bew Orleans R&B. He also brings a lot of experience - and good stories - to the mix, having played bass with Jose Feliciano and Elvis Presley. "He's our hero and our mentor," adds Ogle.
Justin Lewis Price-Rees is a three-time Australian National Bluegrass Fiddle Champioin. The band doesn't have any high hopes of fame and fortune. They are just happy to make a living playing music.
"We do this to make people smile," Ogle says.