Face the Music
The Early Evening
Formed six years ago by brothers George and Dave Daeger, a pair of Hoosier lads who relocated to Nashville in 2000 to attend Belmont, The Early Evening recently did what any group of slack-off underachieving musicians eventually does: released a 34-song double CD of breezy guitar pop, folk-rock ballads and even piano instrumentals. That album, And We Can Feel Happy, showcases the five members' interplay and instrumental prowess, a highlight of their live shows. (More information can be found at www.theearlyevening.com.) With keyboardist Patrick Riddle and bassist Matt Sutphin away for the day, we fired our usual barrage of probing questions at the Daeger brothers and drummer Jon Surratt.
What's the best description you've ever heard of your music?
George Daeger: Someone once referred to our songs as people we haven't met yet...you have to embrace them and appreciate the beauty of their differences.
Dave Daeger: Craighead Rock??
In the time-honored tradition of other brother bands, do you guys ever just throw down your instruments and fist-fight on stage?
Dave: No, I'd whip his ass Seabass.
George: Dave is such a nice guy...we actually are best friends and he could snap me in two.
What song would you never want to hear again, and why?
Jon Surratt: "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves" by the magnificently brilliant artist Cher. I was raised by Gypsies...it hit a little too close to home. And it's just a goofy song.
Dave: "YMCA " by the Village People. I don't know whether to raise my hands or not. It just annoys the hell out of me.
George: No one specific song. I have always hated Meatloaf with a passion though...but I love his performance in Black Dog alongside a taut Patrick Swayze.
What's the worst gig you ever had?
George: The show at Jackson's when we played following the Dog Show. All the people and their dogs left us out there in the cold.
Dave: Dog show!! The dog dressed like a witch scared me.
Jon: The doggie show wasn't the worst. One time we had to play for a large community of disinterested koala bears at their retirement home in Sydney.
What record do you wish you'd made?
Dave: Pet Sounds by Brian Wilson and the good ol' Beach Boys!!
Jon: Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder.
George: Revolver by ze Beatles.
Did you watch the Friends final episode?
Jon: No, I was at the Prince show.
George: No, I thought that show was over in '99 when Joey got a duck stuck up his arse.
Dave: No, I was watching McGee and Me and eating Swee-Tarts.
If you could be someone else for 24 hours, who would you be?
George: Living person: George Bush, so I could buy a huge forest and cut it down just for the hell of it. Dead: Jimi Hendrix.
Dave: I'd be Gary Busey, especially circa the Point Break / Breaking Point era.
Jon: Danny Ainge from the Boston Celtics.
Say you have friends visiting from out of town. Where would you send them?
George: I'd send them to get me some fruit punch, then maybe suggest going to see the Ryman.
Dave: Opryland Hotel, just to walk around and look at flowers.
Jon: Percy Warner Park.
When and where will you be seen/heard next?
George: Actually, we're getting ready to go out to Denver this summer...lots of gigs on the way and back. However, I don't know when we'll be playing next in Nashville. You should definitely consider picking up our latest album at Grimey's. If you like genuine feel-good music that is interesting and challenging and thought-provoking at the same time, check us out. Or come see me at Fido.
—Jim Ridley
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