It is a rare occasion when perfect storms generate something productive that can be traced back to their origins. Three events over the past few months changed the landscape of three mainstay bands in the Northwest Arkansas region.
Big Bad Bubba has been known over the past fifteen years as the quintessential classic/southern rock band. Front man, Darren Ray is unanimously known as the region's foremost lead vocalist evidenced by his unrivaled awards which include NAMA and OMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Hall of Fame inductions. Darren is as busy as they come performing nearly 300 shows each year as a solo, duo, or full band act. When his longtime partner and guitarist, James Biggs, decided to retire quietly from Big Bad Bubba, Darren looked for a guitarist that could fill this void of familiarity. Someone that could pick up the slack quickly.
Nearly at that exact moment, TJ Scarlett, a "gunslinger" guitarist, singer, and songwriter who fronts a self-titled band that has been in tact in Northwest Arkansas for over a decade, had his drummer Frank Majsterski return to his homeland in Minnesota. With both Big Bad Bubba and the TJ Scarlett Band missing critical pieces and needing a fresh start, a regional player with common ties offered up a suggestion.
Drummer, Stephen Boudreaux, has been performing with regional multi-success Oreo Blue for 12 of the band's 20 years on the Northwest Arkansas scene. Since the retirement of Oreo Blue founder and saxophonist, BrianCrowne, Boudreaux has been working diligently to keep the band viable as it has toured the region as a trio. Despite having been re-invented and establishing new viability, the 20 year long run has found the band in its twilight. Boudreaux, coincidentally, had been "filling in" for Big Bad Bubba for the past two years as drummer and backing vocalist. Over the past 10 years or so, he has also filled the drum chair for the TJ Scarlett Band when Frank was unavailable. After a few trials and discussions, it made natural sense to bring Darren Ray, TJ Scarlett, and Stephen Boudreaux together with a goal to deliver veteran-level, well-rehearsed quality live music to Northwest Arkansas.
In order to bring their visions to reality, another critical element was required. Keyboardist, Carl Thomas, another veteran of the Northwest Arkansas regional music scene who has performed with Darren Ray in his band, Bigun's, and with TJ Scarlett, gives the ensemble the element of "unlimited possibilities." Carl Thomas has a vast knowledge of all-things-keyboard and can deliver organ, piano, electric piano, synthesizer, and the like each in an authentic voice.
Settling on the moniker, the Uncrowned Kings, the band has each and every right to boast of individual accomplishments having garnered numerous awards in all instrument, vocal, and ensemble categories. However, there is a common humility with this group that propels the goal to deliver excellent live music well above each individual need. Braggadocio has no place here. The satisfaction of performing at the highest level possible and generating a valid emotional response from the audience is all that is required. If the band works hard and listens well, it can rule its domain and be satisfied. No flashy crown required.
You can find the Uncrowned Kings on Facebook and through www.northwestarkansas.com.
