Bob Payne
photo by The 4th Grade Picture Taking Dude
I have found some wonderful acts on any given Sunday at the Chattanooga Market, and this past weekend was no exception. I like going to the market, as I can hunt for that perfect tomato or some sweet corn on the cob. I can also see a couple of musical acts in relative peace, without a lot of bar patrons yelling Freebird or spilling beer on me. Often times, I can get a front row seat, as I was able to do this weekend.
My venture this past Sunday brought me front and center with the acoustic version of Scarlet Love Conspiracy. Comprised of Heather Kilgore, Katie Kilgore, and Travis Kilgore, one might wonder why it wasn’t named the Kilgore Family Band. But alas, Scarlet Love Conspiracy does not always appear as an acoustic trio. Sometimes there is more – much more. And not all of the participants in the expanded version are named Kilgore, so that may be why it isn’t named the Kilgore Family Band. Or, maybe it is because they like Scarlet Love Conspiracy better. I don’t know.
In this configuration, Katie plays a Melodica, and Travis and Heather play guitar. I must admit that it was the first Melodica I had seen being played. I had heard of them, but always thought the name was Pianica. In any event, picture a small keyboard with an air tube running to the player’s mouth. Kind of like a pianomonica with an air tube. Whatever it is, Katie plays it well, and knows just when to let it rip. (Let it rip is a highly technical term used by Melodica players)
This 3-piece version of the band played mainly Folk music and Americana type music, at least while I was there. They played a few originals and a couple of covers. They have really, really good vocal harmonies. Just right. Travis, a seasoned journeyman musician can sing really well, which I didn’t know until Sunday. Heather and Katie also sing well, but when the three harmonize together, it’s especially good.
Check them out at www.facebook.com/TheScarletLoveConspiracy.
One other cool part of this match-up is the fact that Heather & Travis have only been married a short while. It’s kind of a real life love story, too. Actually, I believe their second anniversary was this week. Plus, Travis is of Scottish decent, as am I. My Grandparents (MacPherson) were born in Dundee, Scotland. My mother and her siblings were the first to be born in the USA.
Should Travis read this, I made this section just for him – If your smart you will go see Scarlett Love Conspiracy whenever possible, as there really good. If their at the Chattanooga Market again, be sure and see them their, too. (Travis knows his grammar and will correct me for the mistakes, so I don’t need anyone else to join in) They’re, there, their.
Bob Payne grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Baylor School. He is the Entertainment Editor for the Chattanoogan.com and assistant talent buyer for Friends Of The Festival.
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000.