Q + A: All Thread, Virginia Beach band is rock/funk/punk

From The Former alternative grunge band Bitter Pill, a duo called Jimmy Jazz and some social networking, the Virginia Beach band All Thread pulled together two years ago.

Drummer Kevin Moore and guitarist Jimmy George attended Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach; they were in Bitter Pill. George met lead vocalist James Walrod while attending Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and formed Jimmy Jazz.

Moore attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. “During the winter breaks we started jamming together, and that’s when I met James,” Moore said. “We started writing original material, and we just all clicked.”

 They started playing as a trio, hitting as many open-mic nights locally as they could fit in. Realizing their sound was missing a bassist, the guys placed online ads, and in the summer of 2005, Craig Lowell joined the rock/funk/punk band.

In July  the group released its 11-song album, “All Thread,” which can be purchased through Napster, iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon in MP3 or CD formats.

Moore answered our questions this way:

If the band could write its own headline, what would it be?

A funk rock quartet from the 757 makes a delicious melodic pie for your ears – come hear the recipe.

How much original music does the band play?

It’s usually 80 percent original. We always press the originals, letting people know we are an original band. But we also always have to squeeze in a couple of covers here and there to keep the crowds interested and let them know who our influences are.

If you were going to go out and see another local band, who would it be and why?

The one local band that sticks out the most is Seed Is …  This group is so versatile in their sound and performance. They bring the funk, rock, reggae and any genre to the table.

What’s your dream for the band?

Hearing the lyrics to one of our songs sung by thousands of people.

If the band could get up onstage and play with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Stevie Wonder. I’d like to hear what All Thread would sound like with an awesome piano/synth.

Patty Jenkins, (757) 446-2298, patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com