Most of the time the event was held at a private home which made it unique. The house was one of those modern homes where half of an exterior wall would slide away, creating a indoor/outdoor space that kept relatively cool during the summer months. JD would set up the PA and his keyboard and we’d all sit on the patio drinking beer, watching the dogs wreak havoc, and enjoying each other’s music.
Sweet Guthrie at the Garage on Beck. L to R: Chad Russell, Sonya Castillo, Lynn Guthrie, Jay Barnhurst and JD White.
Lead Singer Sonya Castillo showed up one night with an old, beat up, hand-painted guitar. It seemed she felt a bit out of place but she sure could sing. JD obviously noticed becasue the next time I made it to the event, Sonya and JD had paired up on some tunes and the genesis of a band was born.
Over the span of a few months I dropped by JD’s house a few times to jam in his basement. During that period, I recall several musicians dropping in and out but bassist Chad Russell, flautist Marie Midboe and Drummer Lynn Guthrie were always around and, in retrospect, the band was basically formed.
The beauty of music is that we all hear something different based on our life experiences.”
There were a lot of good times jamming in JD’ basement. They all became friends, which is important and translated to a bond between the group. Lead guitarist Chris Decaria and guitarist Jay Barnhurst joined up soon after and finalized the band’s lineup.
The Music
When I caught up with Sweet Guthrie recently, they were playing at the Garage on Beck. I’d been trying to catch them live for months and I was surprised at what I heard. The band didn’t really sound anything like I remembered. Nor did they play a single song I recall from the basement songwriting jam sessions. They were obviously growing as a band and I was all smiles as I sat and watched them play.
The Sweet Guthrie website claims their music is a blend of rock, latin, soul, jazz, funk, indie, folk, metal and punk influences. I heard something a bit different. Their sound definitely got more progressive and psychedelic. JD’s trumpet comes in now and again adding a haunting element to the sound. Decaria’s guitar style seemed to add some country/rockabilly tones. During the the set, the members were constantly moving around and trading instruments, which makes their sound a bit of a moving target.
The beauty of music is that we all hear something different based on our life experiences.
I see a potential for Sweet Guthrie and plan to keep an eye on them as the continue to grow. My guess is that they will continually surprise fans as time goes on.
Check out Sweet Guthrie at sweetguthriemusic.com, or hit up their facebook page.
Editor’s note: Profile stories are intended to introduce bands/artists and describe what genre/style of music they write and perform. Profiles are not critiques of music or performances. If you like stories about local music artists, shows and events, consider contributing to the Salt Lake Bard patreon account. Salt Lake Bard content will always be free. We intend to shine a light on all promising music talent we discover in Utah, and all the regions connected to the greater Salt Lake scene.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.