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Band strikes chord with charity
Published March 6, 2009
LOGANVILLE — This week members of local country/Southern rock band Fishing With Dynamite crossed an important milestone for the five-member group. They signed and sent off the first check for $200 to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta — a commitment they made and one they say they intend to keep.
The commitment was to donate $2 to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for every CD sold and they have now sold their first 100.
“This band’s goal is to help those in need and touch people with their music in the process,” said Jimmy Hughes, one of the original band members.
The band recorded its first CD, “Let it Go,” with the title song done mostly in Good Hope under the direction of producer David Huff, with the fiddle and steel guitar over-dubbed in Nashville. The CD was launched at a live performance at the American Tavern in Loganville Feb. 7 with 36 of the CDs sold that first night.
All the songs are originals and written by Hughes himself.
Hughes said he has previously had songs demoed by other singers and even circulated throughout Nashville. But after coming close a few times but not yet attaining that breakout hit by a big-time artist, he decided to try and make it happen himself.
Hughes, Kelley Mayhue and James Quill “Smitty” Smith were the original members of the band until the summer of 2007 when Smith suffered a stroke.
“Smitty has been a phenomenal lead guitar player for decades and has toured with Three Dog Night, John Mayall, Dr. John, Dobie Gray, Roger McGuinn and many others,” Hughes said. “He is loved and missed by the band and fans alike. We all pray for the progress that he is continuing to make.”
Jim Watson stepped in to replace Smith, bringing with him a love for classic and Southern rock and both old and new county, according to Hughes. Watson, who is described as a versatile singer and musician, primarily plays bass but also plays acoustic and lead guitar. The other original member, Kelley Mayhue, is a musician and singer “with a love for traditional country, gospel, southern rock.” He plays acoustic, lead guitar and also mandolin on occasion.
The two newer members of the group are Jay Hefner, who Hughes said plays many styles of lead guitar and different instruments, and drummer Elden Kasmier, who brings 25 years of experience and a background in rock to the band.
Hughes, who grew up in Gwinnett County, said he’s been writing music for years and owes childhood friend Mayhue for getting him interested.
“It’s a God given blessing to write and on top of that, it’s therapy,” Hughes said.
In addition to singing, Hughes said he enjoys playing rhythm guitar and the harmonica
“The thing that sets this group apart from other bands is that at any performance they can split singing duties up three ways and give the audience a variety instead of just the same old thing,” Hughes said, adding they are a local band with dreams of getting their music heard by locals as well as all over the United States.
“We’ve already sold CDs here in Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and El Salvador of all places,” Hughes said. “Our goal is to reach as many people as possible and help the children and their families. We are on a mission to help and the more people that purchase the CD, the more Children’s Healthcare will be able to treat hurting kids.”
Hughes said where that takes the band or whether a recording contract is its future is out of his hands.
“We will go wherever the good Lord takes us,” Hughes said.
There are 10 cuts on the CD with a range of country, Southern rock with some gospel mixed in. But for Hughes’ father, Ronnie Hughes, there is one special favorite.
“Number 10,” he said. “You just have to listen to number 10.”
The band will be playing again live at the American Tavern March 28.
For more information about Fishing With Dynamite or the CD can get the information off the Web at www.fishingwithdynamite.org.
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