The Red and Black

Issue date: 7/17/08 Section: Variety

Media Credit: COURTESY STILL SMALL VOICE AND THE JOYFUL NOISE Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise, (from left to right): Jef Whatley, Chip McKenzie, Trish Scurry and Neil Golden. [Click to enlarge]

To the University student body the name "Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise" may not ring too many bells, but this Athens band is a well-established and active local act. It has taken the stage at almost every Athens venue and has participated in AthFest multiple times. This Friday the band will take the stage at the 40 Watt.

Formed by singer and guitarist Chip McKenzie and bassist Trish Scurry in 2004, the lineup of Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise has often shifted, but is "more consistent than not," said Scurry.

Drawing from influences such as Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, The Band, Big Star, Radiohead and Brian Eno, the group comprises McKenzie, Scurry, guitarist Jef Whatley, keyboardist Neil Golden and drummer Mikey Dwyer.

"Our name is taken from a couple Biblical verses about the relationship between God and man, and it presents a pretty optimistic view of that relationship," McKenzie said of the group's unusual name, adding that the "still, small voice" symbolizes God, and man is supposed to make a "joyful noise."

But the group is quick to point out the meaning behind their name applies more to music than to religion.

"It touches on the sacred, transcendental nature of music in general," McKenzie said. "To us, it's an affirmation of that positive aspect of music."

Originating in Greenwood, S.C., Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise settled in the Classic City because of its "nurturing music community," Whatley said.

"The scene is constantly flowing," Scurry said. "You can't help but be inspired by it because it's around you all the time."

McKenzie said the local community gives him fresh ways to look at life and music.

Continued...

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