"...the best kept secret in the music business." Kris Kristofferson
Nuff said. If I had to pick one sentence to best describe Paul Thorn and his band, the above by the legendary Kristofferson would be it. If the man who wrote songs for icons like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Waylon Jennings says Thorn is legit, then he is. Dont just take my word for it.
When Thorn brings his band of country, rock and blues outlaws to the Neighborhood Theatre on Saturday, July 18, its a show one neednt dare miss. Thorn, one of the most rambunctious, funniest and just plain good artists touring today is an action-packed show of songs, jammin, stories and a thick Tupelo Mississippi accent.
The son of a Pentecostal preacher, Thorns shows are the closest thing to a Holy Ghost revival youll hear without actually attending church. With his hilarious songwriting, blistering guitar riffs and church-like keyboards, Thorn paints a picture of small town southern come-to-Jesus in the only way he knows how through a unique show you wont soon forget.
If you are wondering what to expect, just look at some of Thorns song titles for guidance. With hits like: Mission Temple Fireworks Stand, Its a Great Day (For me to Whup Somebodys Ass) featured on the Bob & Tom morning show and Two Dogs in Heat.
There's also Burn Down the Trailer Park which tells the story of a man whos wife is cheating on him and not knowing which trailer in the trailer park shes in, he does what any self respecting southern man would do. He burns the whole park to the ground.
The only thing funnier and more entertaining than Thorns music is his stories. Consider this show a two-for-one special live concert and stand up comedy show.
Thorn, a former professional boxer who once fought 3-time world champ Roberto Hands of Stone Duran or as Paul describes, tasted the champs gloves for six rounds, tells stories youll be laughing about days later (my personal favorite involves a trailer park, a mayonnaise sandwich and gasoline).
As Thorn himself describes his live show Its kind of like going to church with a six-pack. And if the shows Ive seen in the past are any indication, Paul and the boys will be in the rarest of forms at Neighborhood. If they are, the trailer park aint the only thing thats gonna get burned to the ground.