Nightflying: The Entertainment Guide

After Eden Shines

---Sondra Goode
    I recently got a chance to catch a show with local Arkansas phenomenon “After Eden”.
    Based out of Hot Springs, these guys just blew me away with their charisma and sound. The standing room only crowd at Lucky’s Bar and Grill was buzzing with screams, waving cell phones, and singing along with every lyric. I personally haven’t seen or experienced a show filled with energy and magic like this for years! Their set list is filled with all time classics and standards, and even do the occasional request and originals too.
        On vocals and fronting the group is Ben Thompson, who can sing virtually any song you would ever ask him to. With over a 5 octave range, this Casanova of wine, women, and song is truly a vocal powerhouse, with precise mimicking of the 80’s, 90’s & classic rock covers they perform. Hailing from Little Rock, Thompson has been performing since he was very young. In church his Mother and Pastor took note of his gift, and pushed him to pursue his abilities. Now 25 years later he has amassed a rather large following of fans, with many band and studio credits to his name.
       The Guitarist and leader of these Electric Wizards is none other than nationally known Shredder, Tommy Roeck (pronounced Rock). Roeck started forming the group after he had toured and performed abroad in Detroit, Hollywood, Las Vegas, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, and Phoenix etc. and returned home to the natural state to be with his family. Among his musical partners in crime, fellow partiers, and performers are: Sebastian Bach of “Skid Row”, Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan of “Guns & Roses”, Blackie Lawless and Chris Holmes of “Wasp”, Vivian Campbell of “Def Leppard”, Joe Perry of “Aerosmith”, Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Mick Sweda and Mark Torein of “The Bullet Boys” to name a few. With much experience, a fan base that spans the country, and a vision, he has spent the last 15 years assembling this incarnation of a local super group.
        On Bass, Chuck Smith is a native of Hot Springs, who has been performing and searching his entire career for the right situation and band members to be able to realize his own aspirations. He is truly a veteran performer with all the chops, style, finesse, and integrity, to play with the best of them. His endeavors have led him to play with many of the regions top performers, and has literally been a “hired gun” both live and in the studio for over 30 years, until now. And he is totally committed to this group alone.
    Now can you say John Bonham? That’s who the drummer of this line-up reminds me of. J.D. Beasley is an animal, he hits harder than anyone I have heard lately. With groove, excellent meter, great tone, and precise rudiments. He can rock the house alone, but he especially loves playing with his best friends, in this band. Beasley has played in many groups over the last 35 years. Performing from California to Maine, but none have been more of an incentive to try harder and go beyond the mark, than the alliance of brothers in “After Eden”.
       This quartet has several original songs, and are currently working on their new self - titled compact disc. Their song “Say Goodbye” which is a lilting melody about life and loss, is currently holding the number # 1 spot on Reverb Nation dot com local rock charts, and has for more than 16 weeks. They are a featured artist on Arkansas Internet Radio, and everywhere they go they get return engagements. This band is definitely headed for bigger and better things on the horizon. They
will be performing at Lucky’s, and Capone’s in Hot Springs this month, and in April look for them to headline a few select benefits, along with Reno’s Argenta’ Café, & Club Counterpoint in North Little Rock, and then it’s back to the Spa City at Capone’s & Lucky’s Bars in May. Please visit www.afteredengroup.com or www.reverbnation.com/aftereden for more info. and show dates.
        The vision behind the band and the music is an entire team effort of all four members. With all responsibilities, credits, goals, and liabilities held equally. Individually all are indeed gifted players, but together they are an unstoppable force of musical magic, and energy that only time will tell how far they can go. If you get a chance to catch a show, this reporter says it’s a big thumbs way up! And don’t dare miss it! Go see these guys before they blow up, and are only viewable in a large arenas and stadiums, I sincerely believe they are truly destined for greatness. If interested in booking “After Eden” please contact Mary Holt with Little Rock Entertainment at (501) 909-9430.

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