Very rarely these days does one come across a band with a long history. Rock and Roll, itself has a long list of legendary bands that have battled through adversity and misfortune, only to prove their sustaining presence as a group, or musical force. In more recent times, bands come and go; groups split up after just a couple of years. It seems that the ideal of ’sticking to your guns’ is in short supply. Groups write songs about the world around them, rather than relying on actual life experience; songs, and bands alike, lack substance and conviction. This band is an exception to the norm, a testiment to the true nature and original intent of the raw energy of Rock & Roll.
Up With The Joneses was created as the musical brain-child of long-time friends, T.J. Greever (vox, guitar) and Matt Bohannon (guitar) during the spring of 1999 in Chattanooga, TN. The 2 recruited high-school friends T.R. Hill (drums) and Walter Alvarez (bass) and began writing and performing original material around the local area. Drawing on common influences such as Jane’s Addiction, Black Sabbath, The Beatles, and an overall appreciation for Southern Rock, they quickly became one of the highest attended local acts, and began playing around the Southeast region.
After over 2 years as a band, the group released its first full-lenth album, Numbers & Vultures, in 2001. Recorded over an 8-month period in 2000, the album featured 13 original compostitions that leaned heavily on the shoulders of the groups Southern Rock and Funk influences. The release allowed the group to begin playing more frequently, but also enabled them to go further away from home. The Joneses spanned the Southeast region, playing for the first time in many cities. By the end of the year, the group was ready to take a small break to regroup and write some new material.
After a short run of shows in early 2002, band founders, Greever and Bohannon were left with a dilemma when their current drummer and bassist announced that they were leaving the band. Immediately the search went out, hunting for a new rhythm section. They quickly landed Joe Grubbs (bass), but had a stale period in which they could not find a drummer. Luck was on their side, however, and their new bandmate attracted the attention of long-time local drummer, Adam Brown (drums, vox). Brown was known for his work in 2 local bands, one of which had been around for about 5 years on its own. It didn’t take long for the four to gel musically, and was able to pick back up on the regular touring schedule. The group almost immediately began to write new material, as well, this time leaning on their love of Alternative music for inspirado.
The beginning of 2003 was greeted with the release of a self-titled 6 song EP. This was only available for a short time, as the group was entering a period in which touring was a priority. Again, focusing on the Southeastern cities surrounding Chattanooga, the group averaged around 35 - 40 dates a year between in 2003 and 2004.
The group was re-engergized, its creativity was at an all-time high. The group had never been tighter; the songs had never connected to the crowd quite this well before. However, the band would be hit below the belt in late 2004, when frontman T.J. Greever was injured in a car accident. The band was put on hold indefinitely as Greever recovered in a hospital room. After a couple of months, a few surgeries, the band began writing in the Winter of 2004. Although unable to play guitar due to a broken wrist, Greever attended rehearsals and contributed to new material.
January 25, 2005 marked the band’s triumphant return to the stage. Encouraged by fans’ overwhelming show of support, the band, once again, picked up their touring schedule. 2005 would see the group release its 3rd album, a compilation of live songs from the past 3 years of touring. It would see the band play a handful of its heaviest-attended shows, including an appearance at Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival. During an unexpected hiatus, in which drummer, Adam Brown, announced his intent to leave the group, tragedy struck once again.
Joe Grubbs, the bands bassist and close friend, died on an overnight climbing trip with his friends on August 26, 2005. He had only been in the group 3 years, but his enthusiasm, drive, and positive attitude had become an integral part of the band’s persona. The 3 remaining members needed time away from the group, as the dynamic was lost without Grubbs. A memorial fund was established in Joe’s name to raise money for students who were, themselves, unable to raise sufficient funds to put themselves through college. The fund also raised money through periodic concerts in which local bands play. Greever and Bohannon continued to play together at these functions in one form or another, always receiving a familiar response and appreciation from fans. The music, and its energy was transcending the players. Joe’s energy was still in the music he had played with the band.
After enough time had passed, the 3 remaining members began talking about playing together again in late 2006. A decision was made to bring in Dan Pinson (bass), a long-time friend and former bandmate of Brown’s, just to see if a similar band dynamic could be recreated. The group felt that it needed someone that was just as close to the band personally as they were musically, and couldn’t have been more satisfied with the result. After a test run of 3 shows, Up With The Joneses was back, up and running by late December 2006. The rebirth of the band brought with it a new appreciation for life, and a bigger, more positive energy. Because of the musical history between Brown and Pinson, the rhythm section was even tighter now than ever before, allowing the true power of the groups’ live shows to be unleashed.
In 2007, the band would play over 50 shows (including a small, self-booked tour up the east coast to New York City), and release their 4th album, "Melt Your Face Off (Live)!" The group is now eager to get outside of its familiar Southeastern stomping-grounds and spread its influence on all regions of the country, and anyone else interested. Coupled with the experiences and versatility of an almost legendary band history, and the unbridled excitement and raw power of its’ newfound love for live music, Up With The Joneses are now more focused and energized than ever before and ready to rock.
