A classic-sounding Southern rock band out on Knoxville, Tennessee, the Dirty Guv’nahs (frontman James Trimble, Hammond organist Chris Doody, pianist Michael Jenkins, guitarists Michael Jenkins and Cozmo Holloway, and brothers Justin and Aaron Hoskins on bass and drums, respectively) create an energized musical blend that recalls the Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Allman Brothers Band, with a dose of Americana and the Band tossed in for seasoning. The band formed when the members were attending university in Knoxville, and what was initially supposed to be just a couple of occasional gigs really took off, and the band quickly developed a loyal local following. The Dirty Guv’nahs’ energetic and inspired live shows earned them opening spots for acts like the Zac Brown Band, Wilco, and the Levon Helm Band, among others, and a performance slot at Bonnaroo — a show that led to a recording session in 2009 at Levon Helm Studios. Two independent releases followed, 2009’s The Dirty Guv’nahs and 2010’s Youth Is in Our Blood. The band continued to evolve its sound on its third album, Somewhere Beneath These Southern Skies, which was produced by Ross Copperman, engineered by Richie Biggs, and released in 2012 through a distribution deal with Dualtone Music. ~ Steve Leggett