Post by Jesse on Mar 31, 2019 9:55:41 GMT -5
I believe I said this on a concert review here some 12 years ago, but I'll say it again: Doug Gray has to step down as singer for Marshall Tucker Band. It brings me no joy to say this. I get no kicks out of trashing the guy. I met him once in 1992 and he's gotta be one of the genuinely nicest guys in the music industry. In his prime during the 1970's and early 1980's, Gray may have been THE best singer in Southern Rock. Also, Gray has managed to put together great musicians to assemble on stage as The Marshall Tucker Band ever since most of the originals left in 1984. However, one can't deny that his voice is shot. A mere shell of what it used to be. Not sure if his hearing is gone too or what, but he can't even sing within the song's cadence anymore often singing behind the beat and dragging one line into the next. It's awful. So, the problem is, Gray is the only original member left in Marshall Tucker Band and owns the rights to the name. And he IS a great frontman for the band. He gets the crowds going and tell stories of the band and the songs in between the music. But he doesn't play an instrument. So, what to do?
Well, my solution is for him to continue to front the band, but not sing. The band he's assembled today features 3 great singers in Marcus Henderson (Flute/Sax/Keyboards). Chris Hicks (Guitar) and Rick Wills (Guitar). The band in 2019 is solid and when someone other than Gray is singing, they are pretty damn good. they are nothing like the high-energy Marshall Tucker Band from 40 years ago who can be heard on the outstanding "Stompin' Room Only" CD, but nobody expects them to be. They are solid, tight and convincing as the Marshall Tucker Band when Henderson, Hicks or Wills sings. When Gray sings...…. they are atrocious! It's embarrassingly terrible. So, I would have the band come out and play their songs with the other guys singing and Gray introducing the band members, the songs, getting the crowd riled up and telling his stories. He's a good guy and a Southern Rock legend, but he needs to step back and let the guys he put in place on that stage take the microphone. He's earned his retirement from singing and The Marshall Tucker Band franchise will be better for it.
Well, my solution is for him to continue to front the band, but not sing. The band he's assembled today features 3 great singers in Marcus Henderson (Flute/Sax/Keyboards). Chris Hicks (Guitar) and Rick Wills (Guitar). The band in 2019 is solid and when someone other than Gray is singing, they are pretty damn good. they are nothing like the high-energy Marshall Tucker Band from 40 years ago who can be heard on the outstanding "Stompin' Room Only" CD, but nobody expects them to be. They are solid, tight and convincing as the Marshall Tucker Band when Henderson, Hicks or Wills sings. When Gray sings...…. they are atrocious! It's embarrassingly terrible. So, I would have the band come out and play their songs with the other guys singing and Gray introducing the band members, the songs, getting the crowd riled up and telling his stories. He's a good guy and a Southern Rock legend, but he needs to step back and let the guys he put in place on that stage take the microphone. He's earned his retirement from singing and The Marshall Tucker Band franchise will be better for it.
