Less really can be more

There are some pretty doggone good bands around here specializing in Americana music. I’ve heard several of them, and I like them. Some play  mostly covers, while others are going for original stuff. It’s all good, and I think there’s a decent market for it around here.

But I have noticed one problem with some of them. The guitarists sound like they are playing in a different band. This style of music suffers from overly processed guitar tones. It’s not the 80s anymore, and it ain’t the 90s, either. Think 50s and 60s, if you have to think at all. Better yet, don’t think. Just plug in and get your tone from your fingers, guitar and amp.

To sum up, here is my note to the Roanoke Valley’s Americana bands. If your guitarist is playing through a bunch of effects, hide those effects from him, tout de suite. It would be a lot cooler if you did.