By Kathy Olivarez
Want to hear authentic music that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion? Then look for Nu-Blu, a popular nationally touring acoustic roots band making its third tour of the Rio Grande Valley.
Nu-Blu celebrated the start of their 20th year entertaining with their first show of the tour season on January 7 at Seven Oaks RV Park in Mission, and it was a show not to be missed.
Much of the roots and Americana music that originated in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and a host of other eastern states is based on the music brought over from Europe but has found a home in a distinctly American way. It’s this originality that Nu-Blu brings to the stage and weaves through every song in their set list.
Band founders, Daniel and Carolyn Routh of Siler City, North Carolina, are the heart of the band. Carolyn plays bass and sings with such passion and emotion that you don’t just hear them in music, you feel it. Pair this with amazing harmonies from husband and guitar player Daniel and it’s magical. Justin Harrison on mandolin brings a clarity and energy to the instrument that rarely is heard. Entertaining with talented fingers that easily play instrumentals, he also adds to the show with some humorous tales of life on the road. Austin Hefflefinger, while being the youngest of the group, doesn’t fail to impress on the banjo and brings speed, power, and dynamics to the whole band.
The band takes you on that carnival ride that’s rare in many shows these days. Fast to slow, twists and turns. The lamenting tales of lost love in “Without A Kiss” and “Tiny Broken Heart,” their #1 single “640 Battlefield Drive” that pays a thank you to our veterans and their families, and their acoustic covers of classic rock songs like Pat Benatar’s “Shadows of the Night.”
The performance also included their tribute to country legend George Jones, the very popular, “Jesus and Jones,” a Nu-Blu original song that they collaborated on with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Sam Moore.
The combination of Nu-Blu’s original songs, which many bands today lack, and classic songs such as Willie and Waylon’s “Good-Hearted Woman,” gave the audience plenty to clap and shout about.
In addition to a full touring schedule, Nu-Blu also hosts Bluegrass Ridge, tv’s premier bluegrass music series, and the largest tv show for bluegrass music in the world. Each week the syndicated show features music videos, interviews, and behind the scenes looks at many of your favorite bluegrass artists. Check bluegrassridgetv.com to find where to watch.
They’ll also be back in Texas performing in February, starting on February 7th at Texas Trails RV Resort in Pharr. Don’t forget to also catch them at this year’s Valley Star Awards on February 15. You can find their full schedule at nu-blu.com.
