Relative Harmony
BY DEVIN GRANT
Special to The Post and Courier

Click here to go directly to Regina and Frank's section of the article.

When the Black Crowes performed at The Plex on Tuesday, it marked the first time in five years that the popular rock band visited Charleston.

Part of the reason for the time lapse in Charleston gigs has to do with the fact that the band went on hiatus in 2002. This was in part because of the tumultuous relationship between brothers Chris and Rich Robinson. Even with the Black Crowes back together, rumor has it that Chris and Rich only see each other onstage, choosing to stay well separated when not performing.

The pages of modern music history are filled with bands that featured performers who didn't get along with one another.

Some of the more interesting stories seem to come when a band features two or more members who are related, either by blood, or by marriage.

In the '60s, the Kinks helped lay the groundwork for what would eventually become punk-rock music more than a decade later. In the process, Kinks brothers Ray and Dave Davies became famous for their frequent fisticuffs, both on and off the stage.

The career of Don and Phil Everly suffered from similar problems. The brothers actually refused to work with one another for years, until they finally buried the hatchet and reunited for a televised reunion show in the '80s.

More recently, music fans seemed to take great delight in following the exploits of Noel and Liam Gallagher, the co-founders of the British band Oasis. In the late '90s, it seemed that not a week went by without a new tabloid report about the two quarreling with one another.

Married musical couples have just as many problems as those related by blood. Sonny and Cher made beautiful music together a quarter-century ago, at least until things soured and they filed for divorce. Perhaps most infamous was the marriage between Ike and Tina Turner. According to Tina's autobiography, Ike was a control freak who would frequently beat his wife for the slightest infraction. Tina finally left Ike, and the rest of that story is rock-'n'-roll history.
Preview was considering these rock horror stories when it set out to talk to some local men and women who shared two distinct traits: They were related, either by marriage or biologically, and they played together in a band.

Were we able to dig up any dirt about these artists, all of whom must deal with their sibling or spouse both on and offstage?

Not really, but we did come away with some interesting insight into what it is like to share your work with someone you know all too well.

HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER.

When Jump (formerly Jump, Little Children) took to the stage at the Music Farm on Saturday night, the crowd had a chance to see the latest performance by what is arguably Charleston's best-known sibling duo.

It's no surprise that Evan and Matt Bivins chose the performance path in life. The sons of an actress mother and a banjo-enthusiast father, the Bivins brothers were surrounded by artistic ability (one of their grandmothers even played organ). Matt, the older of the pair by two years, got into music first. Today, there really aren't many instruments that Matt hasn't at least tinkered with. During Jump performances, Matt's section of the stage is cluttered with everything from a pink electric mandolin to an accordion, as well as a wide selection of flutes, harmonicas and whistles.

Evan initially chose a different path in the arts world, concentrating on drawing and painting. Then, perhaps upon seeing how much fun Matt was having in the earliest incarnation of Jump, Evan decided he would teach himself to play the drums.

Sitting at a table on the patio of Vickery's downtown last week, Evan talked about his shift in artistic mediums. "I was able to focus and learn pretty quickly," says Evan of his plunge into learning the drums, "I just enjoyed it."

Matt, also present for the interview, describes an event that occurred in 1993, when Jump was still in its early years.

The Bivins brothers had traveled to Charleston with their father, who was assisting in the restoration of St. Michael's Church downtown. The idea was for the brothers to earn enough money to move to Boston, where Jump hoped to find work (the band had a decidedly Irish flavor at the time).

"Evan was new to the band," explains Matt, "and he was serious about being in the band. He had even taught himself a song in Gaelic." The pair would labor all day at the church, then spend their nights playing at the now-defunct Chef & Clef on Market Street until 4 a.m.

During that time, Matt admits that he was being particularly overbearing to his little brother. Eventually, Evan grew tired of Matt's nagging, and he confronted his brother about it.

"I basically told him, 'Thanks for getting me in the band, but from now on we can't be brothers,'" says Evan with a grin.

Thankfully, Matt got the hint and any further strain to the relationship was avoided. While Matt and Evan are close, the two don't fool themselves into thinking that getting along is an effortless task. "We still have the power to push each other's buttons," says Evan, "but our bond is also closer than with the other band members."

Pursuing their own respective projects outside of Jump also allows the Bivins brothers time away from each other.

Evan performs in Biv, a power pop band made up of three Jump members and other local musicians. He also plays in a live karaoke band that brings its own brand of party music to the area a couple of nights a week.

Matt is currently at work on an ambitious project that is part-theater and part-musical performance. "It starts as a rock band and becomes a rock opera," explains Matt, who goes on to explain the project, which is based on Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" and is partly inspired by John Cameron Mitchell's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." It sounds interesting, and Matt has obviously spent considerable time mapping out the storyline.

Evan sits quietly listening to his brother talk, but soon makes a crack about Matt's hair after misinterpreting a reference Matt makes to the television show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." "You're going to do your hair like Sarah Michelle Gellar?" laughs Evan.

"No," corrects Matt, with mock annoyance in his voice, "like Spike (Buffy's vampire boyfriend on the show)."

Like Evan said, the pair can still push each other's buttons.

Evan and Matt seem happy to have one another's company, although they don't make a big deal about that fact.

"We've been through so much, I can't imagine not having him around," says Evan, but then he adds, "I know he's my brother, but I really don't think about it."

As for Matt's advice on playing in a band with your sibling, he says, "Do it. It is so worth it. But you have to set your boundaries."

Matt and Evan perform tonight, along with the rest of Jump, in Nashville, Tenn. Evan can be found pounding the skins during "Metal Monday Karaoke" at Cumberland's every Monday night.

TRAIN OF BROTHERS

For brothers Ward and Davis Buckheister, performing in the local band Sol Driven Train is only the latest project that finds the siblings working together in a music setting.

According to Ward, the older of the brothers by two years, he and Davis began playing together in the Laing Middle School band. Ward and Davis eventually moved up to the Wando High School marching band, playing trombone and tuba, respectively.

Sol Driven Train was formed five years ago, and the Buckheister brothers combined their brass skills with Ward's guitar playing and Davis' talents on bass. Today, the band (which also features drummer Phill Eason, percussionist Phillip Antman, guitarist Joel Timmons and saxophonist Russell Clarke) enjoys a good local following

When asked about the pros and cons of working in a band with his brother, Ward is pretty direct with his answer.

"I can't think of any cons really," explains Ward from the home he shares with his brother and some other members of the band.
"We've always been really tight. Competition has always motivated us, but it's not like it has ever pitted us against one another."

Unlike those unruly Gallagher brothers of Oasis fame, Ward says that the biggest problem he and his brother face is calling home from the road to explain why they wouldn't be home for yet another holiday.

"There have been some sheepish calls home to our mom about why we're not there again on Easter," laughs Ward.

While any set of family members will eventually have their differences, Ward reveals that there are definite perks to having a sibling in the same band. "I love it because we get along," says Ward, "We always have. It's good, when you've written a new song or something like that, to have someone whose opinion you can trust. We keep each other straight."

Those interested in seeing this display of sibling harmony can catch Sol Driven Train every Sunday night in May at the Oceansong Cafe on the Isle of Palms.

'I GOT FLOWERS IN THE SPRING, I GOT YOU TO WEAR MY RING'

While it appears that a little sibling rivalry can be overcome within local bands, one has to wonder if the dynamics of an inter-band relationship change when you replace the sibling scenario with that of a husband and wife.

In addition to making beautiful music together for quite sometime as husband and wife, Frank and Regina Ruopoli have been performing together in Vintage Velvet, a five-piece jazz combo that performs covers of classic songs from the '30s, '40s and '50s, for just over a year.

Vintage Velvet consists of Regina (vocals), Frank (bass), Jeff Castle (keyboards), Steve Coe (guitar) and Phill Eason (drums).

Like Evan Bivins, Frank's first love was reserved for visual arts, having graduated from Savannah College of Art & Design. Regina was the music veteran of the couple, having spent a good part of the '90s singing in the local band, Sunday Punch.

A few years ago Frank picked up a bass guitar and began noodling around on it. Encouraged by Regina, he began to play with friends just for fun. The earliest version of what would become Vintage Velvet was soon playing at friends' parties as more of a laugh than anything else.

Sitting in a booth at Avondale Station in West Ashley one evening last week (what is it with musicians and Cuban food?), Regina reveals that when Frank suggested the band get a bit more serious and try and book some paying gigs, she was at first apprehensive.

"I didn't want to mix business with romance," says Regina, "I'm a perfectionist, and I was worried about being too hard on Frank."

Despite her initial hesitations, Regina agreed to try playing out at a few local bars and restaurants.

"While I was apprehensive at first about the musical work carrying over into our personal lives in a negative way," explains Regina, "I'm actually very surprised at how rarely that happens. Making music together is a very intimate thing."

Frank agrees, adding, "Music is powerful. It gets you out of your daily routine."

One possible scenario that could interfere with the harmony between married couples in a band is the presence of a flirtatious groupie. While jazz combos don't have to fight off the admirers nearly as often as a rock band might, the Ruopolis don't worry at all about either having a wandering eye.

"The jealousy factor can exist in bands, but we are pretty secure with one another," says Frank. According to Regina, the best thing about playing in a band with your spouse is the sense of togetherness. "Making music is creating art together," she explains, "It bonds you, it brings you closer."

Frank also points out that Vintage Velvet would not be at the level it currently was without the support and talent of the other band members, several of whom have studied music in an academic setting. "Those guys have encouraged me and taught me, and helped Regina and I grow as a couple," says Frank. "Those guys are almost like our brothers."

So what is the worst thing about playing in a band together? For Frank, it has to do with Regina's self-professed perfectionist streak.

"I like to experiment sometimes in rehearsal," says Frank while smiling at his wife, "and I will do something different in the middle of a song, and she will think that I missed a bass note, and she'll shoot me a look."

If that is all there is wrong with this musical marriage, then it appears that the Ruopolis have very little to worry about. Vintage Velvet performs most Wednesdays and Saturdays at Zinc Bistro & Bar in Mount Pleasant, and also will be taking part in a benefit for the Gibbes Museum of Art held at McCrady's on East Bay Street on the evening of May 11.

A SYMPHONY OF LOVE

For another view on spouses who perform together we decided to think a little bigger. If you look at it from a certain perspective, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra is really the biggest band in Charleston (I can hear a few classical music purists fainting dead away at our description of an orchestra as a "band," but once conductor David Stahl has been given some smelling salts, all should be well.)

We decided to contact the CSO to see if there were any married couples who performed together in the orchestra. To our surprise, we were told that there were actually several husband-and-wife teams that fit the bill.

One of those spousal units, Megan and James Holland, were nice enough to speak with Preview on the phone from their home.

James, CSO's principal cellist, has been with the symphony for nine seasons. Megan, the CSO's principal second violin, has enjoyed four years in Charleston. James and Megan have been married for just over a year and acknowledge the abundance of married couples in the orchestra.

"As far as couples who are both musicians, I can think of at least three besides us," explains James. "There are quite a few. It's an interesting phenomenon. When I joined (the CSO) back in 1996, it was primarily just a young singles outfit. Everyone was kind of on their own, coming in from various places." When asked how they met, Megan explains, "Part of our job (outside of the CSO) was playing in a string quartet, and so we spent a lot of time together outside of work. Obviously we worked together every day, but the quartet took up some time outside of work, and we were spending lots and lots of time together. We started dating soon after I got the job four years ago, and we've been together ever since."

So, was James in any way influential in getting Megan her gig with the CSO? "There's a story I always like to tell everyone," says James. "When we hire new musicians and we have auditions, we have an audition committee made up of various players and the conductor. When it's dealing with the string section, the principal cellist, which is me, is involved on the committee. I was supposed to be on the committee when we hired Megan, but I had to leave town all of a sudden, so I wasn't on the committee that ended up hiring her. So no one can accuse me of having rigged the audition (just) because I thought that one of the contestants was cute. She won the job fair and square."

When asked about the good and bad things about playing in an orchestra with your significant other, Megan states, "I can't come up with a really strong con, because we don't really talk all the time in the orchestra. We're just kind of across the stage (from one another), so we show up to work, and if something funny happens, we'll make eye contact. But I really can't think of anything bad about working with my spouse in the orchestra. There are lost of good things. I always have someone to go to lunch with."

James adds, "Sometimes I think the pros and cons are one and the same. One of the really nice things is the fact that what we do is not your everyday occupation. Being married to someone who understands what you're doing and why you're doing it, because they're doing it themselves, kind of creates a nice rapport. Of course, every job has its joys and its frustrations. We both have our pet peeves about things, but we can share them and get them off our chests. At the same time, we're both experiencing them as well." Having apparently given the matter a bit more thought, Megan explains one slight drawback to the situation.

"I have to say the only downside to having a husband in the orchestra is that maybe I have lost my individuality a little bit," explains Megan, "We've become 'The Hollands,' and I've kind of become 'James' Wife.' That's something that I might like to see change. But we're good otherwise."

The Hollands, along with the rest of the CSO, will be participating in an interesting experiment that combines symphonic music with the skills of local filmmakers. On Tuesday, the CSO will present a free preview night for its inaugural Symphonic Film Contest.

Local filmmakers have the option of choosing from five different classical works, which will serve as the inspiration for his or her film.

Contestants will submit their final works in September, then in October the winners will have their films shown during a performance of the classical pieces by the CSO.

Tuesday's preview event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. at the Gaillard Auditorium.

GOT DIRT?

OK, so we found no evidence of severe alienation, lack of matrimonial bliss, or rampant abuse of older sibling privilege.

Are we disappointed that we couldn't dig up any dirt? A little, but at the same time we have to admit that it is good to see these acts, as well as local bands both past (Children's Choir, The Creations, The Futch Brothers) and present (The Falls Lost, Hot Sauce, Nu Myth, Blue Fedora), existing in relative harmony.

The Gallagher brothers from Oasis might do well to stop and take a few notes, but chances are, they're engaged in a drunken brawl somewhere.

Devin Grant plays a mean QWERTY keyboard. He can be contacted at Chucktowncritic@yahoo.com