Desciples- Still Got Dah’ Riddum’ Mon’

by Charlie Sullivan

Main stays on the local music scene, dread rockers the Desciples (Bob Marley meets Pink Floyd) have gone through some major changes in 2013.  In June the bassist and the drummer walked, leaving founding members Stephen Hashbarger (guitar, vocals) and Chilli Moreno (congas) without a rhythm section.

“We had a show scheduled at the Marquis Theatre and Chilli gets a text message that Terry and TJ are not going to do the show”, relays Hashbarger, “It pretty much sucked, what the hell were we going to do.”

But small miracles are known to happen, local artists Apex Vibe also went through a major shake-up and low and behold Dubs (drums), Derek Smith (bass), and Sam Caudill (keyboards) magically appeared and Hashbarger’s prayers were answered.

“We hooked up with Steve, figured out was going on, and jumped on board,” say Caudill and Smith, “He taught us four of their songs and we pretty much winged it from there.”

Recently Moreno decided it was time to hang up the congas and Hashbarger found himself with the three newest members.

“I really lucked out when these three guys came knocking,” states Hashbarger, “Things are lot less stressful than they were a few years ago, we were in a retrogressive groove, and things were stagnating with the old line-up.”

“Dubs, Sam, and Derek are talented professionals,” adds Hashbarger, “On stage it’s loose, instinctual, we can just let the show take over, be part of the live experience, and have some fun”

The new line-up comes with some added perks.  Caudill’s keyboards are welcome addition to the band, helping to add body to the music offering counter melodies to Hashbarger’s guitar.  Also Caudill’s backing vocals are a pleasant surprise.

“It’s nice to have someone to harmonize with,” says Hashbarger, “It’s helping us expand our boundaries as a band.”

“It’s nice to play with someone who has some substance behind his music,” adds Smith.

Six months, a dozen shows, and coming off of last summer’s Roots Down, a stunning two CD release with a great mix of electric and acoustic pieces, the band rolls into 2014 with high expectations.  The band can immerse you in melodic grooves without overwhelming you like so many reggae/ska bands manage to do.  Hashbarger is still focused on writing new material and getting the new crew into the studio.

The band rehearses regularly, “We run through the songs, covers and originals,” states Dubs, “It’s regimented and when Steve shows up we have to have only green M&M’s and six and a half bottles of water for him.”

The act has been landing some private shows to help bolster their resume and actively seek dates at live venues in town. When asked what direction they want to take the band, besides weddings, Hashbarger responded, “We want to be the band in town that opens for national acts.  We want bands to say we want the Desciples to open for us.”

You can find more info on the band at www.DesciplesMusic.com and www.Desciples.Bandcamp.com.

“One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain.”  Bob Marley

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Tags: bob marley, Hermans Hideaway, charlie sullivan, Desciples, Bob Marley's Birthday Bash, Dubs, Derek Smith, Sam Caudill, Stephen Hashbarger, Chilli Moreno

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