FUV's New Dig: Trigger Hippy

Trigger Hippy
Trigger Hippy
Rounder Records

Trigger Hippy brings together five music industry veterans boasting impressive individual resumes. I wouldn't hesitate to call them a supergroup.

The band was pulled together by Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman, and includes the vocal team of Joan Osborne and (singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist) Jackie Greene. The lead guitarist is celebrated session musician Tom Bukovac, and the bass is played by Nick Govrik.

Singers Joan Osborne and Jackie Greene create a terrific vocal team, and Greene's talents on the organ, piano, guitar and harmonica give Trigger Hippy a special musical weapon that compliments Tom Bukovac's blazing lead guitar work. The rhythm section of Steve Gorman and Nick Govrik are the solid bedrock that gives this band its foundation.

Their self-titled debut album is an amalgam of musical styles, primarily rootsy American rock. There is no denying the influence of the Black Crowes -- just listen to the vibe on "Dry County."

Trigger Hippy opens with Jackie Greene's shuffling greeting, "Rise Up Singing," which is followed by the riff-heavy rocker "Turpentine." The tempo slows a bit for the sweet southern soul of "Heartache On The Line" and "Pretty Mess," but the pace quickly picks up speed on the driving "Tennessee Mud."

The band dips into the Rolling Stones' Exile On Main St. bag of tricks on "Nothing New," and offers healthy doses of swamp funk on "Cave Hill Cemetery," "Pocahontas" and "Ain't Persuaded Yet." It all comes to a close with the Band-influenced "Adelaide," which gives Nick Govrik an opportunity to take the spotlight.

Simply put, Trigger Hippy are a great rock band, playing no-holds-barred rock and roll, and Trigger Hippy is a bold, proud album from a band that has a lot to offer. Here's hoping they decide to pull the trigger again.

More:

• Trigger Hippy performs live in Studio A - From the FUV Vault, 2014
• Preview songs and/or buy 'em (all purchases benefit WFUV):