FAMILY TREE had to go through some dark times before it released its latest recording, the 2006 EP "Silver Lining."
The Norfolk outfit formed in spring 1998 when brothers Derek (vocals/guitar) and Andy Smith (drums) and guitarist Kevin Turner left Roundtree and formed an eight-piece rock/jam band.
In 2003, Family Tree released its self-titled album, but the CD party was spoiled. With 200-plus fans ready to celebrate, the band was approached about letting an up-and-coming national band, The Slip, perform as the headliners. They agreed.
"We're all about helping other people out." Derek Smith said.
It wasn't that easy. A fire at the original venue meant the show had to be moved. Family Tree opened but, before its set was finished, was asked to leave the stage to accommodate The Slip. Actually, "Their manager... told us to get off the stage," Smith said. He doesn't think The Slip knew what transpired that night.
Darker days were ahead. In 2004, Andy Smith died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. He was 22. The self-titled CD was his last contribution to the band.
Anthony Lomonaco replaced him on drums, joining Smith, Turner, Zach Klecka on electric violin, Brian Baldwin on percussion and Smith's cousin Kevin Johnson on bass.
Meanwhile, Family Tree has found some silver linings, opening for 311, The Roots, The Temptations, Steel Pulse and Toots and the Maytals.
"They told us we were the coolest band they played with on the East Coast," said Smith, who answered our questions with his band.
What's one thing people should know about the band?
We strongly believe in what we do. We play music not only because we enjoy it immensely but because we have to at this point - it is in our blood. If you see Family Tree perform live, you will know that we love what we are doing.
If the band was signed to a record deal, how would it spend the advance?
Maybe a band vacation... to chill out and gather inspiration. Every "family" needs a little time to themselves.
If the band could write its own headline, what would it be?
Hard work and dedication finally pays off for local band!
Patty Jenkins, (757) 446-2298, patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com
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