Wild Cypress: Ct’s Hottest New Band

One of my favorite bands in the state was Branded. Emphasis on “was”. It’s not that they have fallen from grace, just that there comes a time for the members to pursue new projects. It’s not the first time, and definately not the last time. Branded will go on with part of it’s original lineup, and some new members joining them. Guiarist and vocalist Jerry Prejean and bassist Dave Longanecker have started a new band “Wild Cypress“. They are joined by Peter Beers on keys/vocals, lead guitarist/vocals Bret Neubauer, and Michael Beebeon percusssion. Although Wild Cypress was formed over the summer, this lineup has been together for about two months.

As many of you know, I tend to spend a marority of my weekends wandering the state just checking out, well pretty much anything I can. Last Saturday night was no exception. I started at a benefit for Bring Our Music Back with Ann Nyberg as honorary chairperson, and then caught Exit 6 at Niantic’s legendary home of music, Burke’s Tavern, but more on all of these later. I ended up, as planned at one of Eastern Connecticut’s premier rock houses, Legend’s. Legend’s is one of those places that you can grab a bite to eat, get a draft or three, and catch some of the best bands in the state. Seriously, this place just oozes with music. Trust me when I tell you this, if you want serious music, legend’s is on of the best places in the state to find it.

Having seen Jerry and Dave perform numerous times, I knew that the foundation that they had was great, but, it’s still a new band. I walked in right in the middle of their second set, and I was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I was blown away. Literally. You see, both Legend’s and Wild Cypress are not for the faint of heart. It’s all about the music, and having your hearbeat change due to the bass just kicking your ass. Gotta love it. Anyways, I very quickly discovered that the boys were back in the saddle and I was very impressed with the new band. I kidded with Bret that he can play a “little”. I kind of realized that Bret was not used to my sense of humor, so I revised the statement that he can play a lot. matter of fact, probably the best “new” guitarist I have seen this year. the “kid” is that good. Going down the line, I was as equally impressed with Peter beers on keys and vocals and Michael Beebe on percussion. Peter does some pretty amazing things with his keys, ans Michael lays down a strong beat.

Most of you are now wondering as to what kind of music does Wild Cypress play? Well, believe it or not, Country. But not the way you may think. This is not your redneck friends twangy country. As with their previous incarnation, this stuff rocks. Think Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown” or anything Dwight Yoakam. Now add adrenaline and steroids, and you have “Wild Cypress. Serious hard rocking country that makes it impossible for you to just sit there and tap your toes. These guys get you out of your chairs and onto the dance floor. It’s not nust country that rocks, it’s country that is going to blow you away.