The Greenville News from Greenville, South Carolina • Page 50

Accelerators how defunct, but final project showcases talent according to both Duncan and tion that the many younger guitarists he's influenced have received. But he has it all in perspective. Odds and ends from a music columnist's notebook: Ever wonder what happened to The Accelerators? Based in Raleigh, N.C., the "The young kids want to see young kids," he said without bit-t "They don't want to see some old guy because he LYNNE lucasLJlj The majori Mack ty want to see Johns, that ail the band members will play together again even to support the new release they have left behind some fine recorded work of which they should be proud. Jackyl, an Atlanta-based rock band whose core was formed in Seneca, signed a record contract with Geffen Records one of the industry's bigwigs earlier this month. Original members Jeff Wor-ley, Chris Worley and Jimmy Stiff started the band in Seneca, which by 1985 had taken the name Jackyl.

Tom Bettini joined the group in 1988, and vocalist Jesse James crystallized the group's chemistry when he joined in 1990. A few months later, the band showcased for the record industry, said band promoter Cliff Witherspoon. Interest and more showcases quickly followed. A Geffen representative was impressed enough with a recent Jackyl performance to secure the band a deal for the group's first record. Lonnie Mack, guitarist extraordinaire, is returning June 28-29 to Al's Pump House to plav his exciting brand of bluesy rock.

Actually, the rock roll pioneer and his band have been in town most of the week, relaxing and fishing, said Mack. 'We had a cancellation in the schedule," said the respected rock 'n roll veteran by phone this week. "And we like the folks over here and decided to just hang out here." Mack, 49, whose latest album is the live "Attack of the Killer has never gotten the atten- The Accelerators before its disbanding promising band with Upstate roots played a peppery brand of rocking pop for most of the '80s before it dissolved. iBefore the group disbanded over artistic and personal differences as well as apparent indifference from its record label The Accelerators put out a solid new album called "Dream Train" on Profile Records. It arrived in stores this month.

The recording was completed well over a year ago, said group founder Gerald Duncan, who is currently home in Taylors visiting his family. But Profile, said band producermanager Dick Hodgin, dragged its feet in releasing the 12-song collection, because the label is now devoting its money, energy and promotion to the more lucrative rap market. Hodgin, tired of waiting for help from the record company, said he finally took it upon himself last week to get the new release distributed to radio stations. That delay is a shame. Because "Dream Train" shows how driving rock and melodic pop can mesh together into one accessible, cohesive unit.

some good-looking guy with tight jeans on, or some girl with tight jeans." Last fall, Mack suffered the loss of one of his best-known disciples, Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was in Australia touring at the time when he got the devastating news about his close friend's death. "It's hard to lose anyone that close to you," said Mack. "He was a giver not a taker." The Holmes Brothers were nothing short of stunning last week when they performed to a disappointly sparse crowd at Al's Pump House. But the band sung and hung its soul out to dry for the appreciative folks who did show up.

Not only were the vocals wonderfully supple and moving, but the band was remarkably tight and lively. It was impossible to listen without grinning or swaying or bouncing to the beat. If the Holmes Brothers ever come around again, don't miss the chance to see a true musical treasure. Greenville-based band Moon Pie, has dissolved, the members are involved in various other music projects. Johns has joined with Spartanburg songwriter Matthew Knight to front an Upstate band named Fluffy.

Drummer Jon Wurster, who replaced Accelerator Doug Whel-chel, is playing with a number of North Carolina Triangle area groups, and Rice is busy with North Carolina rock band Finger. Duncan has played a few sporadic solo and duo gigs, showcasing his musical strength his songs. While there is little chance, Duncan contributed seven songs, including "Boy and Girl," which is already receiving good airplay in the Raleigh area. He writes both danceable rockers and ballads; the latter resonate with his angst-filled voice. Bassist Mike Johns, whose growing skill as a songwriter is obvious on this album, adds self-affirming melodic pop that is infectious, sometimes even gleeful.

Lead guitarist Brad Rice lends a lick-filled instrumental. Now that The Accelerators, which grew out of Duncan's See iviiai Suni'ny has in There is a definite difference between lunch and Sunday brunch. Lunch another meal at noon. Sunday brunch at Marriott, on the other hand, is a true dining experience. Over the years, we have earned the reputation, rightfully so, of taking the Sunday brunch to an art form.

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Karen SvhuU AUSTIN'S All this and more Sunday in PARADE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG YWHntt i AIRPORTPmUU. I Pflhjm ftoad and l-5. Crwiville-Spartanburn, South Carolina 2S615 (l)i M7-O3O0 I (Che Greenville News TEheNeius PAGE 2 THE GREENVILLE NEWS FRIDAY. JUNg 26. 1991'.