Original cover.
A year ago, April; the cancer death of the bass player; caused local band Oversoul to be shaken to their foundation. At the funeral; the three remaining members played one of their songs; “Changing Heaven”. Ten years the band had been playing together. The group which had experienced some level of success; all felt they couldn’t continue on anymore.
Songwriter Clark Conner.
Former band manager Dougo Sims, had a plan. He convinced them to put on one more “reunion” concert to benefit the family of base player Josh, who had left behind a grieving widow and two small children.
They would then start another band with the three existing members and a new bass player. The band was to be called A Beautiful End; in tribute to their lost member; and a reminder that beautiful ends are gateways to new beginnings.
New bass player “Monk” with former Oversoul members Jason (drums) Clark (guitar) and lead singer Dreaux.
Rock 105, The Edge, The Cat, The Buzz. — Radio stations in London, in Oregon, and even Brazil began playing their songs. Their music can be heard for free on Spotify, and Reverbnation (the group has 15,917 fans on that site alone), and music downloads can be bought on Itunes, and Amazon.
Lead singer Dreaux is a Louisiana born Cajun. He works three 24 hour shifts a week driving ambulance.
Maybe it was partly because they have the support of their “over soul” base player looking out for the band; or maybe it’s because of advances in the Internet or Social Media; but since the re-branding; the group has begun to get more and more recognition for the quality of their work, and a growing fan base.
When you listen to their music; and you will; peal back the layers of pure sound; the expertise of musical locomotion. This band isn’t just four guys with some drums and guitars, playing around.
Durmmer Jason Simpson.
Songwriter Clark Conner has written some 71 songs for the group; and lead singer; Dreaux is beginning to write songs too. Clark and Dreaux both have music degrees; and are well versed in composition, theory, and musicianship.
Dreaux sings “All that’s left to take.”
The group is gaining universal appeal. It is no wonder why they seem so at home in their tattooed skin. The rock/alternative group wouldn’t be out of place on any stage in the world; and their music would be right at home on Seattle’s trendy alternative station 107.7 THE END.
END MUSIC: LIVE STREAMING WEBSITE
http://www.1077theend.com/Listen/11842397
A Beautiful End has to be one of McAlester’s best kept secrets. The group once performed for a very enthusiastic crowd of over 3,000, but they were the cover band.
Their practice house is a donated shack owned by the local Redi-Mix cement company that base player “Monk” Lambert works for here.
It was donated to the band and moved to Free Road; where it rests on cinder blocks. Free Road is just outside the city limits.
I anticipated the experience to meet with band members Sunday night at the shack. I had seen the video A Beautiful End ; All That’s Left To Take; so I knew they would be good; but In fact, they far exceeded my expectations.
They all seemed bigger than life to me. Intelligent, witty, funny, personable; and extremely musical. Lead singer Dreaux Bryans’ voice alone; worth a ticket. They have everything. They are just not famous.
Below the cracking ceiling of the dilapidated shack they began to play. The walls and floor vibrated with the sound; as the amps and bodies began to heat up the 10×12 unconditioned room. The air began to take on a musky scent of cologne as everyone in the band moved in sync to the great; original music that was played.
Unforgettable; and local? Why am I always so surprised by this unsuspecting Southeast Oklahoma town?
There seems to be a level of comradery in the group that extends to the audience. A Beautiful End puts everything into their music; whether performing, or just practicing. The band has made a little money through performing, and music downloads; yet none of them have ever seen even one paycheck for their efforts and years of work. They also put in an average of 60 hours a week at regular jobs, aside from the long hours they put in with the band. All money made so far goes into new equipment and transportation, meals and accommodations to and from shows.
Dreaux and Clark.
I was saying my goodbyes and shaking everyone’s hands and surprised myself again by blurting out; “You guys are going to be famous someday!” It is something that might be said to any talented group; but this time I meant it.
As I walked out into pitch country darkness; I took one last look at the shack, as their music; and yellow light poured through the open window. I thought of the shack; “What a beautiful end for the old house here too.” As for the band; I have a feeling their beginning has just begun.
Tour the house and hear; All That’s Left To Take:
Visit their official website for upcoming concert dates and locations:
I am also including their page on Reverbnation:
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Great post, Joseph. I didn’t know Josh well, but my husband worked with him several years ago and we would see him around from time to time. He was a nice guy and a talented bass player.
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