Bishop Gunn, a Natchez-based rock ‘n’ roll band, will be bringing back its classic sound to Proud Larry’s at 9 p.m. this Friday.
This high-energy, soulful band has been influenced by various rock ‘n’ roll artists through the decades, such as Otis Redding, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynard and Pearl Jam. These influences are combined with the band’s home roots of Natchez and the surrounding Delta, creating a mixture of soul, blues and classic rock sounds.
“We have played in Oxford three times, this being the fourth – all at Proud Larry’s. We absolutely love visiting and playing Oxford,” drummer Burne Sharp said. “Between the people and the food, what more could you ask?”
Bishop Gunn has been a band for a little more than three years now. It got its name from the historic Natchez Cemetery and is now working on an album that will be released in 2018, with a single to be released within the next month or so, according to the band.
This will be Bishop Gunn’s first full-length release with the help of Grammy-nominated producer Casey Wasner at Muscle Shoals Sound and The Purple House in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.
Sharp said releasing new music is both rewarding and a bit unnerving.
“We put so much into it. As far as touring goes, it’s amazing – always meeting new people, seeing new places, hearing stories from locals about each town,” he said.
The songs themselves reflect the band members’ transition from working men to full-time musicians, and this, in turn, evolves to writing about being on the road. The sacrifices, struggles and pleasures of good times sharing their stories can been heard in the lyrics of their music.
Jesse Bassett, a bartender at Proud Larry’s, described Bishop Gunn as a good mix between Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers Band. Its upcoming show will be his second time hearing the band.
“The last time they were here, Bishop Gunn attracted a crowd of around 80-100 people. It should be a good, loud, rock ‘n’ roll show,” Bassett said.
The doors at Proud Larry’s will open at 8 p.m., and Bishop Gunn will begin its performance at 9 p.m. The event is open to those 18 and older, and tickets are on sale for $8-$10 on the Proud Larry’s website or at the door.
