heir
show's as unpredictable as Indiana weather. One moment it's
the thunder and lightning of one of their trademark,
dramatic story songs; the next, it's the summer breeze of a
sweet and gentle love song. Whatever the genre the Wright
Brothers are visiting at the moment, it's bound to be marked
by this versatile group's signature sounds: rich,
intertwining harmonies backed by virtuoso instrumentals.
____The
Wright Brothers' quarter century of making music together is
testimony to their ability to bring a smile to every member
of their audience. And often it's as much a smile of
surprise as of pleasure; the boys move seamlessly from a
1940's pop standard to a reworking of a Beatles classic.
What is most interesting is that this incredibly versatile
group can change gears like no other group as they play a
40's big band song then switch to a 50's - 90's rock 'n roll
for an entire evening of dancing, then turn around and
perform a George Jones country classic or a bluegrass number
from Oh Brother Where Art Thou? And what's best is
the different styles sound the way they are supposed to -
genuine. The glue that holds it all together is that
unmistakable Wright Brothers sound; those heavenly harmonies
that make you hold your breath, and the instruments that
sizzle or soothe.
____
The
Wright Brothers put on a show. But you never know where the
show's coming from: It might be Tom Wright, a true master of
ceremonies, entertaining the crowd with his sly humor and
impeccable timing, then crooning a solo with that velvety
baritone.
The
Wright Brothers' resume is impressive: They did the
soundtrack for and appeared in the MGM movie Overboard,
starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Nine singles have hit
Billboard's charts. They've recorded albums for
Mercury/Polygram ("Easy Street") and Warner Bros. ("Made in
the USA"). Three songs from "The American Way", their latest
recording, for the American Entertainment Network and KRB
Music have been included on a patriotic compilation C.D.
with Lee Greenwood which has sold over 300,000 copies to
date. The band has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and on
"Hee Haw," "The Today Show," and "Nashville Now." Over the
years, they've appeared with a breathtaking number of major
stars in every venue imaginable: fairs, festivals,
conventions, concert halls, and the campuses of countless
colleges and universities.
____
It's
impossible to put a defining label on the Wright Brothers
musically, but one label that fits is that of a family band,
both literally and figuratively. Their show is one that's
been deemed appropriate for everyone from the Vice President
of the United States to the kid by the gazebo in the town
square. Recognizing the group's role as ambassadors for the
state of Indiana, the governor conferred on rhe Wright
Brothers the state's highest honor, naming them Sagamores of
the Wabash
____
It's
a total package: tight harmonies, flawless instrumentation,
and humor in a well-paced, polished, and wide-ranging show
that's sure to please audiences of any age or musical taste.
You'll soon see why Wright Brothers audiences end every show
on the same note: "More!"
It
might be Tim Wright-his voice as nimble as his fingers;
he'll move from singing in a Garth Brooks twang to a James
Taylor song that when you close your eyes, you'd swear you
were at a J.T. concert, all the while picking a seemingly
endless succession of stringed instruments: banjo, acoustic
guitar, electric guitar, and pedal steel. John McDowell's
bass guitar is the perfect counterpoint to his clear,
soaring tenor, and Frank Bradford's soulful, expressive
voice complements his keyboard and lead guitar wizardry. Bryan Chrisman contributes a broad range of
percussion skills that drive the Wright Brothers band.The
icing on the cake is provided by Tim's two daughters, Emily
and Lauren, who have been singing with the group full time
since 2001. Put them all together and you have one of the
tightest, most talented bands you've ever heard.
____
The
litany of the band's accomplishments is testimony to their
ability and staying power. Celebrating 25 years as
"Indiana's Band" in 1997, the group has performed throughout
the United States and Canada.