When these two brothers go on stage they have a set-list in mind but rarely stick with it. They create songs on-the-spot that will never be heard again.
The duo, Rooster Blues, originated in Tupelo. Fans say they have a touch of the soul Elvis had in his day. The brothers, Judson and Joel Vance, however, have a sound all their own.
Playing for less than two months, one would imagine these brothers had been playing for a decade. The brothers play acoustic versions of Hendrix-inspired guitar riffs.
Judson treats his guitar like candy-he eats it up. He plays behind his head, barefoot and even strings the guitar with his mouth when he is not letting loose singing the soul stored up inside him.
In just two months these brothers have touched the hearts of music lovers.
Judson, a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, has devoted himself to his music, even though he will graduate in May 2004. Joel quit his job at a restaurant in Hattiesburg to make things happen.
And it’s happening. Now the duo travels from the heart of the South, making stops in college towns such as “Starkvegas,” all the way to Kansas. And no, they are not tapping shiny red shoes to get there. These two college boys are in school and playing night after night in distinct atmospheres.
They do not travel in their new van alone-their dog Trey goes on every journey.
A Reflector reporter caught up with the duo between shows.
Kit: What is your favorite song to play?
Judson: “Roll in my Sweet Baby’s Arms.”
Joel: “Catfish Blues.”
Kit: Favorite musician?
Judson: Jimi Hendrix.
Joel: Bob Marley.
Kit: Favorite place in the entire world?
Judson and Joel: home.
Kit: Will there ever be more members in The Rooster Blues?
Judson and Joel: No, the sound of our music is full enough. We do not need anyone else.
Kit: Favorite show you’ve ever played?
Judson and Joel: Sept. 17 at The Pub in Starkville.
Kit: Favorite music group in the world?
Judson and Joel: Robert Johnson (Father of the Delta Blues).
Kit: Where do you think the greatest place to play a show is?
Judson and Joel: Red Rocks Ampitheatre in Morrison, Colo.
Kit: If you could play with another musician, who would it be?
Judson: Bla Fleck and the Flecktones.
Joel: Neil Young.
Kit: Favorite football team?
Judson and Joel: The Saints.
Kit: Favorite food?
Judson: Mexican.
Joel: any kind of pasta.
Kit: How did you go about getting a name for your band?
Judson and Joel: Our best friend Mac Coleman went to South America and while he was there we kept in touch. The culture in South America brought him down and since his nickname was Rooster we named our band “The Rooster Blues.”
Hear “The Rooster Blues on Sept. 27 at the Courthouse Grill.