Bragg Jam Preview: The Savannah Alday Band
Bragg Jam, one of Macon’s most anticipated events, is TOMORROW! If you’re anything like me, you are already mapping out your schedule for which bands to check out. One of the newest acts this year is The Savannah Alday Band. A local group that has taken off in the past year, they are self described “Rock ~N~ Country Music!” I had the chance to speak with rhythm guitarist, Lee Gillis and get the scoop on what the band is all about.
Louise: How did the Savannah Alday Band originate?
Lee Gillis: The band formed in early 2013. Savannah had been singing as a solo artist in Nashville and around Georgia since 2010. In 2012, she was awarded GA Entertainer of the Year in New Country and finished her first original song. The timing was right and through various mutual contacts, we all found each other and soon after we set May 4th as the release date for “Never Forget” and debut of The Savannah Alday Band.
Louise: What is your role in the band?
Lee Gillis:There are six members in the band. Four of us are original members: Savannah Alday – lead vocals, Ben Alford – Bass guitar, Michael Minshew – drums and sound (and Savannah’s brother-in-law), and Lee Gillis – Rhythm Guitar and backup vocals. Soon after our debut, we added Mason Clark on lead guitar. Savannah had begun working with local producer, Joey Stuckey to complete her EP and Mason was recommended by Joey. He was only 18 when he joined but stepped up for us and has really grown and added so much in just a year. Most recently, Chris Wolfe joined us on electric guitar. Chris is a fantastic guitarist and fills out the sound for us.
Louise: How would you describe your music for those who have never heard it before?
Lee Gillis We are a mix of new country and classic rock. Savannah has a very powerful, bluesy voice that will amaze you. She covers newer artists like Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert then comes at you with classics like Janis Joplin, The Eagles, Journey, Eric Clapton, Prince, and Guns & Roses. We have found that there is a Rock n Roll side to most country fans.
Louise: As a local band, what excites you most about participating in Bragg Jam?
Lee Gillis: This has been an amazing year for us. None of us could have imaged on our debut night at Mellow Mushroom that in less than a year we would be invited to participate in some awesome events such as Weaver’s Weekend, where we got to open for Thomas Wynn and the Believers and Futurebirds. We have also played a Backyard Boogie at the Big House and just last month, made it to the final round in the 2014 Georgia Battle of the Bands at The Crazy Bull. Before forming the band, Savannah was a volunteer at the Big House Museum and believes we should be promoting all things Macon. The musical talent in Macon is some of the best in the country. There are a lot of bands that want to be a part of this event and to be invited to play as part of the biggest night of music in Macon is a real honor and very humbling.
Louise: What can we expect from your live shows?
Lee Gillis: Lots of energy, lots of songs you know, some new originals you will know soon, and some old favorites. We like to start with our newer country and songs you hear playing on the radio now and move you toward a classic rock finish. There will be a couple of “lighters in the air” moments.
Louise: What is your favorite song to perform?
Lee Gillis: Our favorite song to perform would have to be Sweet Child o’ Mine. It has been our finale song from the beginning. As soon as Mason hits those first few notes, everyone knows the song and will rush the stage and start singing with us. That is the best! We love it when everyone is having a great time.
Louise: What is on the horizon for the Savannah Alday Band?
Lee Gillis: In our immediate future, we will be performing monthly in Warner Robins at Yesterdaze through December. Savannah is currently working on some more new originals and hopes to release some new music by the holidays. We have a website at www.savannahalday.com and a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SavannahMAlday where fans can get our latest news and show schedules.
You can catch The Savannah Alday Band at Twang starting at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday.
