Take equal parts Train, O.A.R. and Carbon Leaf; shake vigorously. Add a heavy splash of originality, a quick dash of 311 and garnish with a touch of Kenny Chesney. You’ve got yourself a Fernando.
With lyrics that actually mean something and music that runs the gambit from reggae funk to rock to melancholy folk, Michael Fernando’s debut album “Doublespeak” is sure to please.
Fernando’s official CD release concert event was held Saturday night with a packed house at the Acoustic Coffeehouse’s Next Door venue.
“It went really well,” Fernando said Saturday in a post-concert interview. “It exceeded my expectations. The crowd was really responsive.”
The band took the stage around 8 p.m. and played for a solid hour and a half. With Cameron Tate on bass, David Nipper on lead guitar, Zach Ross on drums and keys and Fernando on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, “Doublespeak” serves just as well as a live show as it does a recorded album.
Dancing, singing and plenty of applause welcomed each number. Fernando even performed some solo songs, proving he’s just as good on his own as he is with backup. He’s still a little rough around the edges as an entertainer, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the entire night was at the door. A $3 cover isn’t asking much, but Fernando pocketed none of the money. All the proceeds went to Good Samaritan Ministries which operates a soup kitchen, shelter and second-hand store in addition to offering other services to people in the Johnson City area who, as Fernando put it, “Don’t even have $3 to come to a concert.”
“I’m a philanthropist,” Fernando said when asked why he decided to bill his debut show as a benefit concert. “I really like being able to help people, and I feel like I was really blessed to be able to do this album.” And, to be fair, it was really good advertising.
Overall, Fernando delivers a fun show with original music, meaningful lyrics and great energy. If you missed the “Doublespeak” debut concert, fear not. Fernando is performing a free concert this weekend, Feb. 19 at the Mellow Mushroom in Johnson City.
Also, you can tune in to KnoxIvi (at www.knoxivi.com) for 11 O’CLOCK ROCK! on March 8 to get a taste.
“Doublespeak” can be purchased at Back Door Records or www.cdbaby.com/michaelfernando1, and was produced with Dan Fehr at 423Studios in Bristol.
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