Local Music Scene | South Carolina

This showcase has taken over two years to complete and I must give special recognition to Drew Blanton and Willie Bryant without whom it would not have happened. D.B. Bryant’s career spanned over 4 decades and involved hundreds of other artists and friends from South Carolina to California and back again. Because D.B. was a proper “Southern Son” his legacy naturally contains the love and admiration of a lot of people, simply put, if he called you “friend”, you were family.

There will never be another D.B. Bryant but I’m sure young up and coming musicians will look to him as the best example of a fine showman and world class guitarist.

Biography:

John David “D.B.” Bryant was born on September 18, 1960 in Winnsboro, SC to parents Billy ray and Elma Bryant. Second son after his older brother Bill “Willie” Derrick Bryant who would go on to be his lifelong partner in music. After being exposed to guitars through their cousin and neighbors both boys were given matching Decca guitars with small amplifiers, D.B. was 8 years old and Willie was 12 years old. The dye was cast and from that moment neither would be separated from their instrument, for D.B. it would be the guitar and after breaking a string on his Decca Willie would switch to bass guitar.

Their first ventures into the spotlight started with a self-sponsored dance they hosted in their hometown followed by a battle of the bands competition, where they performed under the name “Sunset” and which they won. From that point on they began to consistently book working gigs becoming tighter and better as time moved forward.

Monark (1975-1977)

Marking the start of professional presentation D.B. required members to dress and perform accordingly for a proper rock and roll band. Bell-bottoms, puff sleeved shirts, brightly colored neck scarves and silver glitter platform boots, everything a young teenage boy could gleam from the popular artists of the 1970’s. Although they were predominately a cover band D.B. was already experimenting with song writing and Monark would produce his first pressed original song, “Devils Flight” backed with “Hard Road Comin’”. Recorded at Reflection Sound Studios in Charlotte, NC and released on Sugarbush records these 45 single pressings were sold at shows for a dollar.

Band Members:

David "Flash" Bryant - Vocals, Guitar

Bill "Duck" Bryant – Bass, Keyboards

Phil "The Hawk" Hawsey – Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

Jeff Pearson - Bass

Larry "The Snapper" Perry - Drums

Dickie Weldon - Drums

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Bill "The Gray Ghost" Bryant – Manager

Elma "Ma Duck" Bryant – Asst. Manager/Secretary

Bruce McDonald

Gary McDonald - Roadie

Drew 'Musky' Blanton

Jimmy "Shaft" Foster

Drew 'Musky' Blanton

Jimmy "Shaft" Foster

David Catoe

William Pullian

Jim Campbell

HI-O-Silver (1978-1983)

Their first “full time” band, Hi-O-Silver had the same personnel lineup as Monark with the exception of several different drummers and now incorporating different lead singers so that D.B. could concentrate on playing guitar and singing back-up vocals. Hi-O-Silver booked shows across North and South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. This band played about 75% cover songs best described as Top 40 rock and AOR, saving their last set for original songs. No official releases but a 9-song demo tape was recorded in 1978 at Reflection Sound Studios, Charlotte, NC. At some point in the early 1980’s the band decided to relocate to Houston, TX where they made their home for several years, continuing to play all over the South as a 5-piece band, D.B. on lead guitar, Willie on bass, but with a new lead singer, (Steve Weldon), his brother Dickie Weldon on drums and adding an additional guitarist, Andy George.

Band Members:

D.B. Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Willie Bryant – Bass, Vocals

Andy George - Guitar

Steve Weldon – Vocals

Drew 'Musky' Blanton - Vocals

Phil "The Hawk" Hawsey – Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

Dennis Morgan – Drums

Barry "The Rocket" Shealy – Drums

Dickie Weldon - Drums

Vinnie "The Wapp" - Drums

Scott - Drums

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Bill "The Gray Ghost" Bryant – Manager

Elma "Ma Duck" Bryant – Asst. Manager/Secretary

Drew 'Musky' Blanton

Jimmy "Shaft" Foster

Joe Lassiter

Boo Boo Perry

John Weldon

David Catoe

Armada (1983-1986)

After some personnel changes the band decided to rename themselves and continue on as a 4-piece unit, still playing mostly cover songs as well as a few originals. This band toured extensively all over the Southeastern U.S. and beyond while still based in Houston. In December 1986 the remaining band members that would continue on moved back to S.C. and would form a new band. No recordings by this band have ever surfaced, sans for one video titled “Rock Until You Bleed”

Band Members:

D.B. Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Willie Bryant – Bass, Vocals

Joel Vinson - Vocals

Rich Blair - Drums

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Bill Weldon – Manager

Joe Lassiter – Road Crew

Joe Glen “Pudden “ Rutherford – Lights

Mike (Texas City) - Sound

db (1986-1989)

As is the norm when band members left, the remaining members (DB & Willie) decided to forge on under a new moniker. This band would be a 3-piece and continue playing “hair band” type music, in the vein of Whitesnake, Guns ‘n Roses, Dokken, Rush etc…. basically bands that were all over MTV in the late 1980’s during the ‘Hair Band’ era. db released a 6-song cassette tape (5 original tunes and a cover song) which were sold at shows:

Band Members:

David “Flash” Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Willie D. Bryant – Bass, Vocals

Mike Myers - Guitar

Rich Blair - Drums

Thomas Grimoskas – Drums, Vocals

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Weldon Agency – Booking Agent

John Titac - Booking Agent

Chuck Melton – Road/Stage Manager

Joe Lassiter – Road Crew

Michael Goldsmith – Sound

Joe Glen “Pudden “ Rutherford – Lights

Glenn Tanner – Lights

Great Southern Railroad Band (1989-1992)

Great Southern Railroad was a band formed by Butch Stone (past manager of Black Oak Arkansas and Krokus). Butch Stones’ stepson, Dennis Stone, was the guitarist for this band but they needed an additional “hot” new player and singer to fill out the sound. DB, (David Bryant), was brought to their attention and after close examination and consideration he was invited to move out to Arkansas and become a member of this new Southern/Hard Rock band. Not passing on this opportunity DB relocated and spent the next two years plus trying to make this newly formed project work and hopefully “hit the big time.” The band’s style of music was Southern Rock, which marked a distinct change from what DB had previously been playing and this would have a lasting influence on his future musical journey. Prior to DB’s arrival the band they had written and recorded some original songs putting together a demo tape that was shopped to major record labels but no takers were found. Great Southern Railroad eventually folded and DB came back home to Winnsboro, SC.

Band Members:

Troy Farnam - Vocals

D.B. Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Dennis Stone – Guitar

David Rasico – Keyboards

Darren Ray – Bass

Dave Allan – Drums

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Glen Tanner

Chuck Melton

Brett Rheem

Dale Blair

D.B. Bryant & Probable Cause (1993-1994)

After returning home, to SC, following the Great Southern Railroad disbandment, David and Willie Bryant decided to form a new Southern Rock band called “DB Bryant & Probable Cause.” With his style of writing music now shifted more towards “Hard Southern Rock”, the best way to describe their sound would be Lynyrd Skynyrd or Blackfoot but with a harder rocking edge. DB Bryant & Probable Cause had no official material released but a VHS videotape, (with studio quality sound), was put together as a promotional tool to book paying gigs. Most of the songs from this effort can be found on YouTube.

Band Members:

D.B. Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Willie Bryant – Bass, Vocals

Chris Cash (ex Nantucket) – Guitar, Vocals

Thomas Grimoskas – Drums, Vocals

Darren “Tank” Williams – Drums

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Doc James Ledbetter – Road Manager

Steve Roseman

Drivin' Blind (1995-1996)

A project that resulted when D.B. Bryant was invited to be the lead vocalist and second guitarist in the band “Copperhead”. This lineup recorded a 6-song cassette tape of original tunes and was confirmed to have played several gigs under the Drivin’ Blind moniker. It is not known why they weren’t called Copperhead, assumptions are some legalities were involved.

All the members listed below, (except D.B. Bryant), played on the only Copperhead studio album ever released, entitled “Copperhead” (released in 1992 and produced by famed producer Tom Dowd). Neil Carswell was the lead singer and guitarist on that LP.

Band Members:

David Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Jon Byrd - Guitar, Vocals

Tony Hawkins – Bass, Vocals

Brad Durden – Keyboards, Vocals

Eric Suttlemyre – Drums, Percussion

Elijah Prophet (1997-2002)

Elijah Prophet was formed with the intention of developing a high energy straight-on three-piece rock and roll band with DB on guitar and vocals, Willie Bryant on bass and vocals, and Eric Suttlemyre, (Copperhead), on drums. They signed with J&L Management and began playing some high-profile opening slots for well-known headlining bands along with their own headliner shows. With Elijah Prophet their sound was still southern rock but they began to incorporate blues/rock into the mix, a pattern that would continue on throughout DB’s musical career.

Elijah Prophet recorded and released a self-titled full-length CD in 1997 followed by a five song EP titled “Jesus is…Just Alright” in 1998

Band Members:

D.B. Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Willie Bryant – Bass, Vocals

Eric Suttlemyre – Drums

Darron “Tank” Williams – Drums

Brian Williams – Percussion

Stevie Powell - Percussion

Camarie Brantley – Vocals

Ken McMurray – Vocals

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Ron Reese

Steve Roseman

Muddy Quarters Band (1999-2001)

Muddy Quarters was created by DB and Willie Bryant when Elijah Prophet drummer, Eric Suttlemyer, insisted he would play only higher profile shows leaving both brothers with no option for satisfying their need to play a basic blues format show. With the additions of A.B. (Burt) Solon on drums and Moon Pie, (Ken McMurray), on lead vocals and keyboard the “side project” was cast and they proceeded to perform live whenever and wherever they could.

A CD was released containing five songs:

1) I just Wanna’ Make Love To You, 2) Blind Man, 3) Wasted Love, 4) I Know, 5) Hoochie Coochie Man

And a single release titled “Down With Mud”

Band Members:

DB Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Ken McMurray – Lead Vocals, Guitar

Willie Bryant – Bass Guitar, Vocals

Burt Salon – Drums

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Ron Reese

PineTop Lightning (2013-2016)

PineTop Lightning was basically a side project that DB & Willie decided to form around 2013 while the D.B. Bryant Band was also active. There were different/additional members and they performed different versions of D.B. Bryant Band songs, as well as some original songs that only PineTop Lightning performed. This gave them some versatility in the songs and live gigs they played… the hope being greater opportunities might present themselves, however, as with many things in life that didn’t work out as well as was hoped and expected for.
PineTop Lightning had two releases, a self-titled EP in 2014 with 4 songs: Fairy Tale, Gun Control, Jericho, Livin’ Like The King. Then they released a full length CD in 2015 entitled “Roll” will the following songs: Livin’ Like The King, Roll, Carolina Moon, Rosewood, You Can Be The Rain, Gun Control, 64 Miles, Fairy Tale, Jericho, Red Diesel, Stealin’ Time. The band performed headline shows across the Eastern U.S. as well as being support acts for many well-known bands such as .38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnnie Van Zant and Molly Hatchet.

Live Band Members:

D.B. Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Willie Bryant – Bass, Vocals

Ken McMurray – Keyboards, Vocals

Greg “Big Love” Marvin – Tambourine, Percussion
Josh “The Mailman” Ramsden – Drums, Percussion
Blair Shots – Percussion

Studio Band Members:

Vince McKinley – Acoustic, Mandolin, Vocals
Blair Shotts - Drums, Percussion
Steve Holley - Drums, Percussion
Joe Picarillo - Drums, Percussion
Joe Taylor – Guitar on “Stealin’ Time”
Joe Taylor – Wrote song “Red Diesel”
Joe Taylor - Producer

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Ron Reese – Road Manager

D.B. Bryant Band (2001-2022)

Performing as a 3-piece band pretty exclusively, with D.B. Bryant and Willie Bryant being the only constant throughout. During the period of this band 4 different drummers were used -- the one that was there from the beginning was Burt Salon, but he left before The ‘Bud’ Album was recorded, replaced by Jay Preston (who did play on The ‘Bud’ Album). Jay was only in the band a short time and was replaced by the one that stayed around the longest -- they called him “Paul” but his real name was Chris Higginson. At some point after “Paul” departed Joe Picarillo took over.

The D.B. Bryant Band would be the longest tenured band of his career. They toured heavily across the Eastern and Midwest portions of the USA – very popular at biker rallies. In total, nine albums were released… all of them are now out of print and you would be very lucky to find one now but definitely worth buying if you can.

Band Members:

D.B. Bryant – Vocals, Guitar

Willie Bryant – Bass, Vocals

Burt Salon – Drums

Jay Preston - Drums

Chris "Paul" Higginson - Drums

Joe Picarillo - Drums

Managers, Staff and Road Crew:

Ron Reese – Road Manager

Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.	Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.
Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.	Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.
Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.	Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.
Childhood and Family The Bryant Family L-R front: Elma Bryant, Billy Ray Bryant. L-R back: John David "D.B." Bryant, and Bill “Willie” Derrick Bryant.	Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.
Childhood and Family John David "D.B." Bryant.	Monark (1975-1977) Monark photo collage.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant and Willie Bryant.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.
Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live.	Monark (1975-1977) Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant and Willie Bryant.
Monark Promo Materials Monark business card.	Monark Promo Materials Monark promo photo. L-R: Willie Bryant, Larry Perry, and D.B. Bryant.
Monark Promo Materials Monark promo photo. L-R: Larry Perry, Willie Bryant, and D.B. Bryant.	Monark Promo Materials Monark promo photo. L-R: Willie Bryant, Larry Perry, and D.B. Bryant.
Monark Promo Materials Monark promo photo. L-R: Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant, and Larry Perry.	Monark Flyers-Posters-Calendars Monark show poster. Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant, and Larry Perry.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant, and Dickie W.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: D.B. Bryant, Phil Hawsey.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) D.B. Bryant	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Willie Bryant, Dickie W., D.B. Bryant, Phil Hawsey.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Dickie W., D.B. Bryant, Phil Hawsey.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Willie Bryant, Dickie W., D.B. Bryant.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Dickie W., D.B. Bryant, Willie Bryant, Phil Hawsey.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Willie Bryant, Dickie W., D.B. Bryant.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: D.B. Bryant, Dickie W., Willie Bryant.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) D.B. Bryant.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) D.B. Bryant.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) D.B. Bryant.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) D.B. Bryant.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) D.B. Bryant.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) D.B. Bryant.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: D.B. Bryant, Dickie W., Drew Blanton.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant, Unknown.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Unknown, D.B. Bryant, Unknown.
HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant.	HI-O-Silver (1978-1984) L-R: D.B. Bryant, Willie Bryant, Unknown.
Hi-O-Silver Promo Materials L-R Top: Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant. L-R Bottom: Drew Blanton, Phil Hawsey.	Hi-O-Silver Promo Materials 1978 L-R: Willie Bryant, Unknown, Barry Shealy (sitting), D.B. Bryant.
Hi-O-Silver Promo Materials L-R: Dennis Morgan, Phil Hawsey, D.B. Bryant, Drew Blanton, Willie Bryant.	Hi-O-Silver Promo Materials L-R: Unknown, Willie Bryant, Unknown, D.B. Bryant, Unknown.
Hi-O-Silver Promo Materials L-R: Unknown, Willie Bryant, Unknown, D.B. Bryant, Unknown.	Hi-O-Silver Flyers-Posters-Calendars 1981 Hoods Park.
Armada (1985-1986) Armada performing live.	Armada (1985-1986) Armada performing live.
Armada (1985-1986) Armada performing live.	Armada (1985-1986) Armada performing live.
Armada (1985-1986) Armada performing live.	Armada Promo Materials 1985 promo sheet.
Armada Promo Materials 1985 promo sheet.	db (1988) db performing live.
db (1988) db performing live. L-R: D.B. Bryant, and Willie Bryant.	db (1988) db performing live with D.B. Bryant.
db (1988) db performing live. L-R: D.B. Bryant, and Willie Bryant.	db (1988) db performing live with D.B. Bryant.
db (1988) db band promo shoot proof sheet.	db Promo Materials 1988 promo sheet.
db Flyers-Posters-Calendars db band collage.	Great Southern Railroad Band (1989-1992)
Great Southern Railroad Band (1989-1992) L-R: Dave Allen, Darren Ray, Unknown, DB Bryant, Dennis Pelchat Stone.	D.B. Bryant & Probable Cause (1993-1994)
DB Bryant & Probable Cause Promo Materials Promo shoot.	D.B. Bryant & Probable Cause Flyers-Posters-Calendars Show advertisement.
D.B. Bryant & Probable Cause Flyers-Posters-Calendars Show poster.	D.B. Bryant & Probable Cause Flyers-Posters-Calendars Show poster.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Childhood and Family

The Bryant Family L-R front: Elma Bryant, Billy Ray Bryant. L-R back: John David "D.B." Bryant, and Bill “Willie” Derrick Bryant.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Childhood and Family

John David "D.B." Bryant.

Monark (1975-1977)

Monark photo collage.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant and Willie Bryant.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live.

Monark (1975-1977)

Early photo of Monark performing live with D.B. Bryant and Willie Bryant.

Monark Promo Materials

Monark business card.

Monark Promo Materials

Monark promo photo. L-R: Willie Bryant, Larry Perry, and D.B. Bryant.

Monark Promo Materials

Monark promo photo. L-R: Larry Perry, Willie Bryant, and D.B. Bryant.

Monark Promo Materials

Monark promo photo. L-R: Willie Bryant, Larry Perry, and D.B. Bryant.

Monark Promo Materials

Monark promo photo. L-R: Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant, and Larry Perry.

Monark Flyers-Posters-Calendars

Monark show poster. Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant, and Larry Perry.

HI-O-Silver (1978-1984)

L-R: Willie Bryant, D.B. Bryant, and Dickie W.

HI-O-Silver (1978-1984)

L-R: D.B. Bryant, Phil Hawsey.

HI-O-Silver (1978-1984)

D.B. Bryant

HI-O-Silver (1978-1984)

L-R: Willie Bryant, Dickie W., D.B. Bryant, Phil Hawsey.

HI-O-Silver (1978-1984)

L-R: Dickie W., D.B. Bryant, Phil Hawsey.

HI-O-Silver (1978-1984)

L-R: Willie Bryant, Dickie W., D.B. Bryant.