Before leaving his teens Kyle Daniel had already amassed an impressive musical resume, representing Kentucky in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis all the way to the finals and drawing audiences to local clubs, sometimes six nights a week. His momentum continued into his early twenties, winning the Buzz’s Best Guitarist award and enjoying accolades with his comrades in The Last Straw.

Kyle was born in Bowling Green to Danny and Rachel Daniel. His father, an owner in Scott, Murphy and Daniel construction, was “a whale of banjo picker” who played with bluegrass group The Original Lonesome Road Travellers, according to Kyle. “But he quit when I was five or six years old. When my mom was carrying me, he would always practice to mom’s belly and I would kick when he’d play.” Kyle laughed. Rachel also played bass, and “picked around on keyboards”.

His brother, Jason Lane, who is thirteen years his senior, belonged to the drum line at school. “I wanted to be like my brother”, said Kyle. So at six old, just old enough to reach the kick pedal, he began to beat around in the garage, getting tips from his brother. He continued on drums until he was sixteen, when playing baseball on last day of school, he broke his leg, halting his practice sessions.

He decided to pick up a guitar. During summer vacation he ran into Dan Robinson, who he had played little league with, and they decided to start a jam band. Through a mutual friend the two met Jason Williams (The Dink, Canago). Williams, who had been creating music since the age of three according to his MySpace page (www.myspace.com/williamsjason) enjoyed playing improvisational jazz, jam band rock, funk and soul on his piano and guitar. But they needed a bassist, so he “picked up a five string Fender American Jazz bass, and never looked back.”

Named The Lonesome Road Travellers, in homage to Kyle’s father, they played Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, Grateful Dead and even the occasional “Freebird” encore. His brother played drums for the band which lasted about a year. Despite their youth, they landed gigs at Spitfire, Ellis Place and Tidballs and built a local following.

Kyle’s interest began to move towards the blues while bandmates Dan and Jason preferred to move towards a more progressive jam band sound. With graduation on the horizon, they decided to call it quits. Dan and Jason would continue their collaborations at University of Kentucky, forming the nine piece funk, jazz, rock band, Vuja De, which quickly gained a following in the Lexington music scene.

Daniel says that he really didn’t learn how to play guitar until several months after forming his first band. To hone his skills he began lessons with Bobby Baldwin. However, his schooling was short lived when he refused to accept Baldwin’s philosophy that learning to read music was an important part of playing. Daniel remains unable to read music to this day. However he would later take the opportunity to learn what he could with a few lessons from Greg Martin (Kentucky Headhunters, Rufus Huff, DJ: The Lowdown Hoedown) and Jack Pearson (Allman Brothers).

Both Martin and Pearson provided endorsements for the young talent: Martin exclaiming, “Watch out for Kyle Daniel! He’s got his head on straight, and he’s into music for the long haul. Many blues guitarists of Kyle’s age are mere SRV clones. Thankfully Kyle knows the importance of SRV, but is constantly digging deeper to find his own voice. I can see great things from Kyle and his band in the future.”; and Pearson agreeing, “Kyle is one of the most promising young guitarist’s I’ve heard in a long time.”

Kyle had long enjoyed advice from local music enthusiasts and veteran players. His father was close friends with Mike Clark. Mike’s group Cootie Brown included Graham Hudspeth. Both artists were supportive of Kyle’s music, offering both advice and opportunities to play as a guest with their band.

Kenny Lee, a Bowling Green staple and founding member of the Kentucky Blues Society also noted Kyle’s passion at a very early age and helped out wherever he could. According to Kyle, “He took me under his wing and helped and pushed me forward and tried to make the best of what we were doing. … I would go speak with and pass information down to him and I would take his outlook – considering who he was. One thing Kenny Lee was adamant about was the whole pick up player thing.”

So following the advice of his mentor, Kyle dubbed his next foray into music the Kyle Daniel Band and would keep that name through several evolutions and reconfigurations of the group.

The earliest trio formed just after the Lonesome Road Travellers disbanded, performing for about five months and featuring Kody Schumm, David Kem and Kyle’s brother Jason Lane. Soon after, Graham Hudspeth (Shadowdancer) joined the band and later Jarrod MaGahan would take over as drummer for a stint. Jarrod, first drawn to drums by listening to John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) and Neal Pert (Rush) was an award winning drum line tenor unfamiliar with the blues. He is quoted on the band’s early website as saying “I heard the Blues for the first time in December of 2003 when I jammed with The Kyle Daniel Band. I like the feeling, I like the Blues and now I am playing it!”

For a short period Graham left to be replaced on bass by Wes Lloyd. Wes Lloyd started playing bass in 1987, but grew up playing trumpet, trombone, guitar and tuba and was greatly influenced by his dad’s interest in bluegrass. His other band affiliations had covered genres such as jazz, rock, blues, R&B and funk.

“Graham left and came back. I don’t know how you could say no to that.” said Kyle. “I really feel privileged to play with such talented musicians and seasoned veterans in and around Bowling Green. And, they all believed in me and thought I could do anything. Graham would give you the shirt off his back. Graham was probably the most influential in my music career. Jason Gregory (Floord, Soul Serenade) also, he was younger and willing to take me under his wings.”

The band garnered much praise from those who saw them. The following comments by DJ Brent Highland of WUHU 107.1 were found from the original Kyle Daniels Band website via the Wayback Machine, “In my eleven years in the radio business, spanning my college years as a DJ, then Nashville’s 102.5 The Party, and presently WUHU 107.1, I’ve seen many bands perform. Every now and then you come across a band that if all they have on stage is their amps, you see them stripped down, playing music the way it’s supposed to be played, from the heart. I walk away asking myself why hasn’t anyone signed these guys? I ask myself that very question every time I leave a show put on by The Kyle Daniel Band. From there powerful original works like “I’ve got Somthin’ to tell Ya” to their dead on rendition of Jonny Lang’s “Red Light”, the Kyle Daniel Band will run you through the strategy of emotions. When you hear them live you’ll know why they say “King Kong ain’t got nothing on them,” and you’ll be hooked for life on The Kyle Daniel Band.”

Endorsements such as that helped land the band coveted area gigs such as the Grand Opening of Harley Davidson of Bowling Green, Concerts in the Park Rock N River Fest, Kentucky Blues Fest and the Owensboro BBQ Festival.

Kyle, Jason Gregory and Kenny Lee also began entertaining at State Street Pub in a show they dubbed Fun Day Sunday. For two years they played acoustic covers and had fun with the gig. His musician friends also gave him the opportunity to share the stage with others including Floord, Lee Harvey, Duck Butter, Greg Martin and Hillbilly Jim.

“That was while I was still in high school. I had to be at school at 7: 15 the next morning. I lived quite the young rock and roller life in high school. When I was a senior we were doing another acoustic gig with Jason at Tidballs on writer’s night. I played six nights a week with Tuesday night off for about two years.” laughed Kyle.

In November of 2003 the Kyle Daniel Band was selected by the membership of the then SKY Blues Society as the best in the state to represent Kentucky in the 2004 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. At 17 Kyle was walking in the footsteps of his idols on Beale Street and his band made it all the way to the finals. They would once again represent for the reorganized Kentucky Blues Society at the 21st Annual International Blues Challenge.

“Kyle Daniel Band is the only blues band from Kentucky to make the finals (the top 10 worldwide) in the International Blues Challenge band competition – In the history of the world! Adding even more significance to that rare achievement…Kyle was only seventeen at the time. Kyle excels in whatever he does. Kyle is a great natural talent, extremely intelligent and creative, and he brings his full energy to each performance…wowing every crowd I have seen him play for. Which includes the members of the Kentucky Blues Society.” remarked Kenny Lee, a founding member of the Kentucky Blues Society.

He continued “Kyle Daniel is a large part of why we have the Kentucky Blues Society…he performed at our start up events…has performed at the Kentucky Blues Festival each year. His participation and support for our efforts has made a huge difference in what we have been able to accomplish as an arts organization.”

Daniel showcased new additions to his band in a “Preview the Memphis Music” show for the Blues society at the Brewing Company, including Jason Gregory on drums, Kenny Lee on keys and Bill Bitner on sax and from that point they would continue as regulars in the lineup. The group also appeared on the House of Blues radio show to promote the international blues competition.

Kyle Daniel graduated from Greenwood High in 2004 and decided to use his time to travel and play music with his new lineup. But, after several months “partying and doing whatever a twenty year old kid does, I thought I needed to get back in school.” said Kyle. He found himself contemplating the future at a Springfield Missouri Blues Crawl with Delbert McClinton. He wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a businessman so he decided to enroll at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and pursue a degree in Recording Industry Management with a concentration on music business. He said, “Essentially artist management is my bag – because I know how feels to be artist and be managed, I recognize now what good management is and what I expect as an artist out of management.”

Once at MTSU, he found himself overwhelmed. “I really put down guitar for about 8 months. I left Bowling Green a decent size fish in a small pond and came down here and felt like a nobody. It was my first time out of the house and I didn’t know anyone. I kind of resented even playing guitar.” he recalls.

His mother was concerned with his stress and told him “Play and do your thing, don’t throw it away.” They went to a couple of writer’s nights together.

At the very first one, keyboardist Adam Botner jumped up and introduced himself as Kyle was leaving the stage. Through acquaintances and chance meetings, before long Kyle Daniel, Quincey Meeks, Adam Botner, Justin Pickle and John Salaway found themselves assembled in a storage shed preparing to jam. “It was one of those spiritual moments. It was apparent when we first got together as a unit and just jammed that there was definitely some serious chemistry and everybody’s influences, although very different, blended very well.” Kyle remembered.

Though dubbing the group the Kyle Daniel Band was considered, Kyle felt the band should be about each of the talents within. They played their first show in February 2007 at a Kentucky Blues Society jam in Bowling Green as The Remedy, but soon learned of a girl band in Nashville called The Remedy. For three months the members struggled to find a new name. Then one night, their promotions manager, Brad Fletcher got angry with a girl in a bar and exclaimed “That’s the last straw!”. Text messages began to fly and according to Daniel “Within 24 hours ideas were rolling and we were The Last Straw.”

Just as the band members were getting to know each other, the unthinkable happened – Adam Botner’s three year old son, Silas, was drowned in a tragic accident. “We got a lot closer, brought together as group and our bonds got stronger and the music got stronger.” said Kyle. Their new album is dedicated to Adam’s son, Silas. In addition, the band along with John’s music group, Def Kap Music and the Botner family, started a scholarship fund called the Silas Rock Botner Memorial Scholarship. It is available for underpriveleged artists who would like to attend MTSU for a commercial song writing degree.

Kyle describes The Last Straw as being his “spread your wings” band. Their music is primarily original with a few jam band covers tossed in here and there. Their music, he says, is “jam to blues to high energy southern rock.” “A unified balance of rock, blues, funk and soul with a dynamic and powerful presence.” according to unsigned.com. Their myspace page goes on to say “Huge guitar solos and keys sweep over the top of hip-swinging bass lines and thunderous drums and combine with many of the same elements that made bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Black Crowes legendary. Daniel’s (23) soulful lyrics describe vivid stories that cut to the quick of the human experience. The Last Straws commanding delivery, energy and passion on stage consistently thrills audiences show after show.”

The Last Straw performs Find My Way Home

The Last Straw- Find my way home

John Salaway, who previously wrote all the material for his own Acoustic Revolution project and performed with Ben Folds in his Live at Myspace concert, and Kyle Daniel co wrote most of the group’s material which will be showcased on their debut album. The Straw waited nearly two years to begin recording and chose instead to tour and hone their live skills.

“It’s a tough world trying to win fans in a new town. We tried to use radio and television. MySpace has been a huge help to us because we’ve been able to mass promote” said Kyle. Through their page, they are currently searching for street team members to aid in promotional endeavors. Adam, also a visual artist, is their graphic designer and photographer for album artwork, posters, t-shirts,logos and their web prescence.

The band has undergone some changes. Marc Williams replaced Justin Pickle and Jason Peterson took over on drums just before the current drummer, Pearce Harrison signed on. In the absence of Salaway who graduated and has gone on to become a nationally endorsed session musician and producer in Nashville, Kyle has become the primary songwriter though the other members have collaborated on some of the new songs. The void Salaway left was hard to fill. Daniel says “It took two months of solid searching to find Pearce. Pearce stepped in really strong and made himself a part of the group. He has a little different flair because he is a heavier hitting drummer. John was more precise but Pearce is an animal beat drummer. With him the energetic feel in the stage show has increased and it is a more dynamic show.”

The current Last Straw lineup is Kyle Daniel (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Quincey Meeks (Slide Guitar, Lead Guitar, Harp, Backup Vocals), Adam Botner (Organ, Piano, Backup Vocals), Marc Williams (Bass, Backup Vocals) and Pearce Harrison (Drums).

Kyle emphasizes the importance his supportive family has had on his success. “They’ve been super supportive. My grandmother Mary Jo Daniel is in her 80’s and still comes to shows and closes the bar. I would venture to say until I moved I could count on one hand the number of shows my parents missed and even since I’ve been here they have traveled to Memphis, Nashville and Pensacola beach. It makes you feel really good when you have that stamp of approval.”

And it’s not just family and friends that have given their stamp of approval. Last Straw members Quincey and Kyle both took “Best Guitarists” awards and Adam earned “Best Auxilary Instrumentalist” in the Nashville Buzz rock awards hosted by 102.9 “The Buzz” FM.

The Last Straw has also recieved accolades in several Nashville area publications and by area DJs. One performance at 3rd and Lindsey was broadcast live on Lightning 100.1 FM and streamed over the internet.

They have played with the Music Mafia (featuring Willie Nelson’s daughter) and appeared at Red Gorilla, a concert alongside SXSW. Regular entertainment at Exit/In and Third and Lindsey in Nashville, the group has also showcased their music on tour in Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and Florida.

Brandon Fulton, a graduate of MTSU, is acting as their tour manager. Fulton is associated with Vector Management who works with artists like Kid Rock, 38 Special and Marshall Tucker. The Last Straw had been slated to open for Lynryd Skynrd and 38 Special in Nashville but the show was cancelled. “We didn’t get that gig but I’m thinking that some big things are about to come with Brandon helping out and trying to push us forward.” said Kyle.

Their debut album, Brought To Life, comes out this month. To capture their live feel, the songs were tracked in just five days in a live setting. Michael Bridges of Germantown engineered it and the band produced it. Daniel Scobey from ITC studios mixed and mastered it. “We were originally bringing in horns and Latin percussion to do a superstar Murfreesboro album and decided to concentrate on the band” said Kyle. Two guests are included – Jason “Kidd” Peterson on percussion, and Michael Sharp on piano.

As for the songs, according to Kyle Daniel, “Substance in music is absolutely key… I’d much rather have a positive influence. If we were promoting drug use and bad boy rock & roll we may not have the type of fans that we do – it has opened doors to wider demographic. It inspires the young and keeps the older folks from being offended.” Their myspace page echos that sentiment stating, “In these troubling times in the world today The Last Straw promises to be a ray of light.”

Lyrically, the songs on Brought To Life are based around love Daniels says, “whether it’s loving yourself or someone else or learning to love yourself or not loving somebody.” And musically the songs reflect influences from hardder rock, R&B and reggae. While some demos of Kyle’s music were recorded previously (Kyle Daniel Band cover song demos and The Last Straw’s Demo in Marc Owens High Street Studio), Brought To Life is the first time Daniel’s music has been released. Kyle has also appeared on albums for friends including: pop/soul artist Kyle Cruz of MTSU who he met on myspace before arriving at the school; some of Cruz’s school projects; and tracks from Mike Anderson’s new release.

As for their future, “Now that this album’s done I see myself moving to soulful, current Johnny Lang – sexy soul type music.” He has already written eleven new songs. “The first couple are a different direction, more intimate, personal songs.” he says. Kyle expects to introduce nine of their new songs at their album release shows in Bowling Green, March 5 at Tidballs and March 7 at Wha Bahs. They will also be bringing friend Mike Anderson (www.myspace.com/mikeandersonsound )for his CD release celebration. “He’s very awkward to describe” Kyle Daniel says of his friend, “Ryan Adams, Bob Dylan and almost like Michael Jacksonish live together – an acoustic, folk thing. He’s really good and just turned 21. He is phenomenal. He’s gonna bust through here within the next couple of month and we’ll see some big things from them.” .

The Last Straw has 21 dates booked in February and March, with a goal of 150 dates this year. “This year’s biggest goal is to spread out – do different things, explore different musical avenues such as soul and be versatile as a band. Also to work on the dynamics in live show. We are a live band.” He explained that in keeping with the jam band tradition, while songs may be four or five minutes on the album, the same selections may be eight minutes live. “A jam band flavor, but not taking it over the top where it is repetitive and boring. We like to take people on a little bit of a roller coaster ride.”

According to Daniel, the band also has “leads on opening for Grace Potter and Govt Mule that could be pretty cool stuff if we play our cards right this summer.”

Visit Kyle Daniel in our artist directory for links to his various web presences.

Kim Mason is the Content Manager of the Amplifier which was founded by her in 1995. She serves as Executive Director for the BG International Festival and designs websites. www.kimmason.ky.net