#hobex

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In American music, there are artists whose regional roots run deep, intertwining with the cultural fabric of their home state. Greg Humphreys, the charismatic frontman of Dillon Fence, has spent decades carving out a musical niche that echoes the soulful resonance of North Carolina. His solo endeavors, marked by a fusion of rock, blues, jazz, and Americana, showcase a maturity that comes from a…

Song of the Day: Hobex - Let Me Live. Speaking of cool basslines, I'm in NC for the holidays, so let's listen to an NC band. Led by Greg Humphreys, Dillon Fence was a "college pop/rock" early '90s band in the vein of The Connells and Toad the Wet Sprocket. When they broke up, Greg got this funky outfit together, and this track is off their debut EP. Oh, and in 2007, I was lucky enough to have them play at my wedding. 

Two weeks ago on the Local Beat was a full evening of fantastic interviews featuring some amazing musicians in our area.

Greg Humphreys has been making music locally for over two decades now. His newest and second solo album Realign Your Mind has been available for download for a couple months but only recently has he put the album out on CD. Greg came in and chatted with us about his history in the area and his evolution as a musician. In addition, Greg played several brand new tracks, which you can listen to and download in the music player to the right.  Listen to our interview below: Greg Humphreys on the Local Beat 10/1/10

Songs of Water is a band out of Greensboro, and I am not afraid to say they have taken the top position as my favorite new band with their incredible release of The Sea Has Spoken, which came out earlier this year. Only three of the eight members made the trip down I-40 but that was plenty as they brought so many instruments into the studio, one could hardly walk around. We only had a short time with the group as it took them several minutes to set up but check out the amazing songs they played for us live: Songs of Water on the Local Beat 10/1/10

As someone who has worked more than a dozen on-air fundraisers, practically begging for the telephone to ring, I wholeheartedly agree that the best way to raise money is through a rocking concert. WKNC does it through our annual Double Barrel Benefit and so does Band Together NC, a local non-profit whose mission is "to raise funds and awareness for select charities through events that showcase and support musical talent." Since its formation in 2001, Band Together has raised more than $635,000 for Triangle charities.

Band Together's latest effort took place Saturday, June 6 with Chatham County Line, The Rosebuds and Rusted Root performing on the Lincoln Theatre Street Stage. Band Together alumni HOBEX closed out the evening with a set inside the Lincoln. MyNC.com reports the Band Together committee presented a $108,000 check to the Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood just before Rusted Root took the stage.

Chatham County Line performs at Band Together, June 6, 2009. Photo by Jamie Lynn Gilbert.

Chatham County Line took the stage at 6 p.m. I could hear the beginning notes of "The Carolinian" as I rushed to the blocked off area of Cabarrus Street between Blount and Wilmington in downtown Raleigh. The Lincoln Theatre street stage was against the Wilmington Street side, with the Silent Auction area, requisite Budweiser beer line and Southern Season Catering trailer leading to Blount.

With the banjo, mandolin and guitar players crowded around the microphone and the bassist two steps behind, the mic stand could have just as easily read WSM as Chatham Co Line. The Raleigh-based quartet makes appearances on Americana, Blues and Co. as well as during our daytime format, with their album IV. The set list included newer tunes "Chip of a Star" and "Whipping Boy" and older ones like "Route 23." The crowd was a little thin when the band began, but filled in as the set wore on, prompting one of the band members to compliment the crowd for being much better than the one there 15 minutes prior.

The Rosebuds on stage at Band Together, raising money for the Lucy Daniels Center. Photo by Jamie Lynn Gilbert.

Greg Humphreys - Natural Child