Churning Burlward by Sol Driven Train

The lineup consists of Russell Clarke on saxophone and vocals; Ward Buckheister on trombone, guitar, and vocals; Joel Timmons on guitar and vocals; Davis Buckheister on bass and tuba; Phill Eason on drums, keys, and vocals; and Philip Antman on percussion. All of the band's members contribute to the songwriting, with Russell, Ward, and Joel sharing the majority of the lead vocals. The constantly shifting lead role along with the band's dynamism, make live shows and exciting, eclectic experience. The joy of childhood friends writing and performing music together is apparent and quite contagious when Sol Driven Train takes the stage.

Some of the band's extensive original repertoire is featured on two studio recordings. The self-titled debut album was released in 2001, followed by Churning Burlward in 2003. A children's album recorded with pianist Debbie Debord at Camp Gwynn Valley in Brevard, NC is due for release in early December. Sol Driven Train has performed at a wide variety of venues, and has a diverse sound which can be tailored to fit the room and event. Some of the band's favorite performances have been at Charleston's Alive After 5 Concert Series, First Night Charleston, Piccolo Spoleto, The Windjammer, Cumberland's Bar and Grill, The Joint (Clemson), The Oceansong Café (acoustic), and at Camp Gwynn Valley for younger boys and girls. The band has cultivated a devoted following in Charleston, Clemson, and Brevard, and is currently seeking to expand their fan base throughout the South East through rigorous touring.

What others have said about Sol Driven Train:

Sol Driven Train is a great local band that features a sound that falls somewhere between Jimmy Buffett and Phish. There is a definite island vibe running throughout its music, but the horn section provided by saxophonist Russell Clarke and trombonist Ward Buckheister packs a ska/funk punch that makes the band something more than just a boat drink combo.

- Grant, Devin. "Live Oak grows on Bowen's Island." Post and Courier 15 Sept 2005. 7F.

One of the best local gigs going these days happens every Sunday night at

Oceansong Café on the IOP with acoustic reggae-roots rockers Sol Driven Train.

- Oliver, Kevin. "The Beat." Charleston's Free Times 18 May - 14 June

2005. p23.

Just as their sound has evolved into the brass heavy and world beat rhythms they

now emit, Sol Driven Train is ready to take their music to the next level of national exposure. If so, they surely deserve all the success but will likely again be missed until their anticipated return (to Charleston, SC).

- Vari, Jeff. "Sol Driven Train chugs along past obstacles." Moultrie News

13 April 2005. 12A.

Members of the local band Sol Driven Train have taken the time tested practice of creating an original homemade backyard game to the next level. While every bored kid in the summertime has come up with their own version of a way to pass the time, these six Wando High graduates ranging in age from 21 to 25, are trying to start a revolution with WOLF (wiffle-golf).

"It's the greatest game ever invented," proclaims Phill Eason, the group's drummer and resident of the big blue house sitting at the end of a dirt pathway off Clement's Ferry Rd. where four of the six guys live and play what they hope will become a craze in the area. A mixture of golf and putt-putt, the game is played with a Wiffle golf ball hit with a pitching wedge. Instead of trying to reach a cup, the goal is simply hit a target, which includes mostly empty beer keg shells, but also an old toilet, an oyster bed, and a satellite dish.

They created the game about a year ago when a couple of the friends were hitting golf balls around in their wildly grown yard and came upon a wiffle golf ball. Initially just aiming for a flag they had hoisted, they decided to expand the scope of the game and have since then explored their roughly five-acre plot to create a full 18-hole course.

- Vari, Jeff. "Backyard game to benefit local charity." Moultrie News 15 Dec 2004. 5B

Average Customer Review: 3