Sons of Sylvia REVELATION

REVELATION CD REVIEW
By Brenda Bellaire
May 4, 2010

Back in 2007, when I first saw The Clark Brothers on The Next Great American Band, it was easy to see that they were extremely talented. I had no idea how talented….until now.
The personal and musical journey they have taken since those days has led up to the release of a “one of a kind”, masterful gem. It is called…REVELATION.
Revelation is a brilliant collection of passionate and soulful music that cleverly straddles the genres between the likes of rock, alternative country, gospel, pop and bluegrass. Sons of Sylvia have defined themselves as original artists and have developed a signature style unlike any other group in the music world today.
There is a deep tenderness rooted behind each track and it’s obvious the guys have poured their heart and soul into each one of them. From the touching lyrics, to Ashley’s passionate vocals, the spot on harmonies, the hauntingly beautiful string solos and wicked instrumental skills... pure and raw talent is evident in each track. Every song sounds completely unlike the next and every effort has been taken to ensure exceptional quality throughout the entire CD.
One thing is certain about Sons of Sylvia... Love, Hope and Faith play an important role in who they are as artists. This CD is a representation of what is in their heart. Their goal is to inspire people with their music and send a message of hope. I believe that they have accomplished both.
In a day and age of violence, diminishing faith and explicit lyrics... their music is a refreshing insight to a simpler time of feel good music, with just enough of an edge to make it current. Revelation is a breath of fresh air and Sons of Sylvia are exactly what the music world needs right now.
From the wicked talent of the Clark trio, together with some of the great master minds in the business, this CD is a successful collaboration of everything that I love about music.
Adam, Ashley and Austin are all shining stars and extraordinary in every way. They have touched my heart and I am grateful and honored to have their music in my life. *****/5
Check it out for yourself... REVELATION is now available everywhere!

Rockford, Illinois... My story

April 10, 2010
By Brenda Bellaire

Since becoming a fan of Sons of Sylvia, I dreamed for the day that I could attend one of their concerts. Well, the time had finally come. Seeing them live and having the opportunity to possibly meet them, would be a complete thrill and a dream come true. Heading to this concert in Rockford, I felt like a teenager again!

After an eight hour drive, and a good night's sleep, the day of the concert had finally arrived! My heart quickly sped up as my three friends and I approached the venue. Long lines of fans moved slowly into the building and out of the drizzling rain. We parked and joined them in line. Once inside the venue, we bought our Sons of Sylvia T-shirts and found our seats, which were near the back of main floor.

We spotted the SOS Backdrop hanging behind the stage and at that moment, I realized my dream was finally coming true. We pulled out the SOS signs we had made and cracked our GREEN glowsticks to light. Just as we finished lighting our last stick, the lights went down. It was starting!!!

My heart was now in my throat as I heard the first few familiar notes of Austin's "Gimme Shelter" intro! He sounded sooo goood! We got to our feet and held up our signs which spelled out: S O S ROX! Everyone around us was looking at us like we were nuts! The spot light was on Austin and his beloved lap steel. He was ripping it up like only he can do and our little group was hooting and hollering through it all!

Ashley and Adam came out then and Ashley yelled into the mic..."HOW YA DOING ROCKFORD!!!!!!!"... The crowd went wild as he started into "There's a storm that's threatenin...." It was amazing seeing them up there! At one point, Ashley introduced his brothers and himself and they continued on with their set (not sure which order) of Revelation, 50 Ways, their Bluegrass number, John Wayne, Say My Name and Love Left to Lose.

They sounded incredible, just like their studio tracks! During 50 Ways, Ashley ran around on stage and showed us his crazy dance moves, which we enjoyed immensely! The Bluegrass number was awesome too, where they huddled up together and jammed. I've always admired their focus and intensity while they play. They give everything they've got to each little note.

Through each song, the four of us waved our glowsticks to the beat and held up our signs. When the guys sang the chorus to SAY MY NAME, we held up the flip side of S O S ROX! and spelled out ADAM ASH AUS TIN! Sometimes, it was only TIN! that was up, but we think the guys got the idea, because after they finished playing the song, Ashley said.. "I see you guys out there in the back!" Ha! We loved that! Thanks for the shout out Ash!

Their show was the quickest 25 minutes of my life. I could've rocked out to them all night! The people around us were asking us, "Who are these guys? They're amazing!" Well, we didn't hesitate to tell them who they were and where to find them online... http://sonsofsylvia.com

At the end of their set, Ashley announced the location of their Meet and Greet and we immediately ran! We had to get to the other side of the venue, but made it in line with only a few people ahead of us. We waited about 45 minutes before they came out, and spent some time talking to the fans in line...Their Merch table was set up with T-shirts, EP's and SOS wrist bands. Security was buzzing around, checking their watches, so we knew it was getting close...

Finally, we saw the guys coming up the escalator! They were all walking towards us with big smiles on their faces... I heard screaming coming from the girls in line, and I think a few of them came from me! I was definitely in teenager mode! The guys took their position behind the table and started taking pics with fans and giving out hugs. Who does that? They are just the sweetest guys ever!

It was now our turn to reach the table. My tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth and I didn't know how I was going to get any words out! The rest was blur. I remember putting my hand out to each of them, but to my delight..received hugs instead! I managed to blurt out to each of them that it was so nice to finally meet them, and it was! They all signed my T-shirt and Ash wrote on it..."Thanx 4 everything". Those three little words meant the world to me. I'm so thankful to THEM for everything! THEY are the ones who have shared their gift with us. Promoting them on a few fan sites is the least I could do.

Adam said when he saw our signs from the stage during SAY MY NAME...he told us he was so surprised by them, that he was having trouble playing! Ha, glad we could rattle him up! We took a few quick pics and said our good-byes. We hung around while they met the rest of the fans. I just wanted to live that moment for as long as I could. After the line was finished, the guys were kind enough to let us take a few more photos, including a treasured group shot with all seven of us.

We said our good-byes again as we watched them all head down the escalator. Ash turned around at that moment, looked at us and said "I love you guys!" Awe, what a night to remember... I know I'll never forget it. I always hear fans say that when they meet SOS, and now I finally understand what they're talking about.

Special thanks to Adam, Ash and Austin for everything YOU do and for making my dream come true. I love you guys, too!

Always, Brenda.

Sons of Sylvia made switch from farm boys to arena tours

April 8, 2010

These days, the Sons of Sylvia have a supersized life. Opening the Carrie Underwood concerts, they get big arenas, big crowds, a big bus. "It's like a miracle," Austin Clark said. "You get out of a million-dollar bus and you think, 'Wow, I'm in a million-dollar bus.'" They've been in the spotlight before. Back when they were The Clark Brothers, they won the first and only edition of "The Next Great American Band," on Fox.

Still, none of this is their natural habitat. "We worked on the farm during the day," Clark said of his Virginia boyhood. "Then we'd sit around and pick ... We didn't watch TV; we'd swap licks all night." There were lots of people to swap with. The family had 11 kids (nine boys, two girls), forming a band that traveled with their dad when he was an evangelical preacher.

For Austin, child No. 6, this was arbitrary. "My dad said, 'Well, I guess we don't have a dobro.'" Like some arranged marriages, it clicked. "I love the dobro," he said "It's such a lonesome sound." That's a guitar-like instrument with metal cones. He still plays it, along with a resonator guitar, a steel guitar and more. The Clarks do a lot. "They are amazingly talented," Underwood said. "Ashley Clark ... was in my band when I first came off 'Idol.' We'd sing together in our shows, so I knew we sounded good together." At times, Austin also backed her. The brothers might have stayed in the background forever - except for "Great American Band."

Ashley, Austin and Adam formed a trio, got on the show and won a record deal. But this wasn't instant fame in the Carrie Underwood style. The album finally comes out April 27 - two-and-a-half years after their win.
The band changed names (to Sons of Sylvia) and evolved its style, with a rock rhythm under its bluegrass picking. Meanwhile, Underwood co-wrote a duet and asked the brothers to perform it with her on her current album. "We got into the studio and they completely transformed the song," she said. "They are so talented."

From Justin...

Sons of Sylvia- Revelation & John Wayne

April 7, 2010

This is a group made up of three brothers; Adam, Ashley and Austin Clark. First of all, I really like the name; if I had a band I would totally name it after my mom too! Now, I know this is country music again, but to me this group doesn’t sound very country at all. It’s more rock in my opinion. If I had to choose I would probably say I like “Revelation” better, but the chorus and the way the singer hits those notes in John Wayne is really striking. Great group, check them out.

Sons of Sylvia Showcase Dobro Skills on New Album

Sons of Sylvia Showcase Dobro Skills on New Album

Elianne Halbersberg

April 7, 2010

When Adam, Ashley and Austin Clark — better known as Sons of Sylvia — refer to themselves as blessed, the term isn’t taken lightly. As three of the 11 children of an evangelical preacher and musician who taught all his children to play virtually every stringed instrument, blessings and music are both taken seriously.

Sons of Sylvia were originally known as The Clark Brothers, the name under which they entered and won Fox television’s The Next Great American Band in 2007. Based in Nashville, they are now on tour with Carrie Underwood and will release their debut album, Revelation, on April 27. They co-wrote all of the material, perform on the album and, between the three of them, play guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro, lap steel, pedal steel, banjo, cello, bass and keyboard.

Austin Clark is most often recognized for his skills on the resonator guitar and Dobro. “What works for me is anything with a slide,” he says.

“I’ve known early on that this [ability to play music] is a gift from God, and to be able to present it to the world is another gift in itself. I’m thankful to have been given it. My first instrument was the Dobro, which I play on our record, along with lap steel and Melobar.” Clark swears by Gibson Dobros, noting, “I’ve had Gibsons my entire live. I absolutely love them. I’ve tried a lot of Dobros, but right off the factory line, Gibsons are the ones with the most consistent tone.”

Sons of Sylvia still do a lot of jamming. “It’s crucial for us, creatively,” says Clark. “We rely on it when we’re working on a song. The three of us get together, work it up, and it takes us in a direction — sometimes a unique direction — as we let the song drive itself and find its own way. If it moves us with, we go with it.” This, coupled with their bluegrass background, is what laid the foundation for Revelation. “Our dad taught us to play bluegrass, and that genre helped us grow as a band,” he says. “We combined all those influences, thoughts and passions into one record.”

That passion is what keeps music from becoming a job or routine for Sons of Sylvia. “It’s the sheer joy of just playing,” he says. “I open my case, take out my instrument and the excitement is always there. That’s very important. It’s different as an adult because I’m able to express it in my own way, which is also very important and in itself is the reason why we do this: to make the instrument speak the way we would speak. It’s an extension of us, as a band, and the fact that we get to do it every night is really living our dream. We’re very thankful that we’re able to have that.”

To learn more about Sons of Sylvia, visit www.sonsofsylvia.com.

Rochester NY March 31, 2010

Sons of Sylvia - they looked and sounded amazing - Ashley pounded out some songs, some of which I could understand the words and some I couldn't make out, his vocals are pretty great, he's quite the performer and commands attention -(They should really have an album out - looking forward to hearing it hope it comes out soon) - people went wild for the instrumental bluegrass number they hammered out, as Austin said " this is going to hurt" and they play so fast it must be deadly on the fingers - I wish they had done a softer number with fiddle and mandolin , dobro and some great harmonies but most pieces were hard driving and very rock - they make handsome figures on the big screen I must say, - the people behind me were talking up a storm about them- guess they became instant fans

Sons of Sylvia morph from their musical roots

March 29, 2010
By: ED CONDRAN
Burlington County Times

If Sons of Sylvia look and sound familiar + well, there's a good reason.

The country act of three brothers - vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ashley and guitarists Adam and Austin - each possess the Clark surname.

The siblings performed as The Clark Brothers during the 2007 Fox talent competition "The Next Great American Band," winning the top prize.

However, the group changed its name to the Sons of Sylvia in 2009.

"The music changed over that period and we wanted our name to reflect that change," Ashley Clark says while calling from Worcester, Mass. "We're not the same band as we were then."

Sons of Sylvia's debut disc is scheduled for an April release.

"Our material is a little bit country and a little bit rock 'n roll," Clark says. "It all comes right from our hearts. Good country and good rock 'n' roll comes from honesty. You'll have to hear the new songs to get it. I'm just so glad that so many people are going to be able to hear it."

That's so because the Sons of Sylvia have a friend who is helping expose their music.

Country-pop superstar Carrie Underwood tabbed the trio to open shows for her tour, which stops tonight at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton.

Underwood also has a deep connection with Sons of Sylvia. She also won a talent competition when she took the "American Idol" crown in 2005.

"Carrie understands how surreal that whole experience is," says Clark. "There's nothing else like it."

Advertisement Sons of Sylvia played on "What Can I Say," a catchy cut from Underwood's "Play On" disc.

"It was awesome to be part of that song," Clark says.

Clark started playing fiddle for Underwood back in 2005.

"I didn't know much about 'American Idol' at the time, but all of a sudden, we were out playing Jay Leno and David Letterman. It was awesome."

But Clark is even happier with his latest run with Underwood: He and his brothers are on a big tour previewing songs from their album.

"I told Carrie that this is so great that I'm going to have to take her to Shoney's," Clark cracks. "I told her she can eat whatever she wants. Just have as much fun as you can with that menu. We haven't gotten to Shoney's yet but when we go, watch out because Carrie is going to have a great time."

Everyone in the Clark family is pleased with the band's path to success except perhaps their father.

"You can't please everybody," Clark says. "My mother is proud that we chose to be called Sons of Sylvia. My dad's feelings are a little bruised that we didn't call our band 'the Sons of Frederick.' His ego will be all right. He'll be happy as long as things continue to go well for us."

Worcester MA March 21

Great show. Craig Morgan was a nice surprise and the instumentals by 'Sons of Sylvia' were amazing. Overall a solid performance by all the performers.

Mashantucket, CT March 20

Mashantucket, Conn. — A tearful Carrie Underwood dedicated “Temporary Home” to one of her truck drivers who died in a wreck before the performer’s Saturday night concert at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Midway through the show, Underwood informed the sold-out crowd of the accident, dedicating the song to the driver and his family. Remaining poised throughout most of the song, Underwood became shaky and tearful toward the end, receiving vocal support and a standing ovation from the thousands in attendance. She finished and the show continued without a hitch.

This is, after all, Underwood’s “Play On” tour.

The Season 4 “American Idol” winner brought along Sons of Sylvia and Craig Morgan as opening acts, proving her show is a true blend of rock and country. Sons of Sylvia also came out toward the end of the performance to join Underwood on stage for the duet “What Can I Say.”

Atlantic City NJ March 19

Sons of Sylvia, who used to be known as The Clark Brothers, opened the evening with their energetic mix of bluegrass, rock and country. They performed a blazingly fast and short bluegrass jam with Austin Clark on dobro, Adam Clark on mandolin and Ashley Clark on fiddle.

Albany, NY March 12

The crew was over two hours late arriving, and the crowd was locked out of the Times Union Centre until the elaborate stage was completely set up. Still, the show opened just 45 minutes late, with Sons of Sylvia delivering a burning bluegrass/psychedelic version of the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter, clear evidence that country music ain’t pure country anymore. The band’s three brothers looked like they stepped out of the Twilight movies, which pleased the teenage segment of the largely female crowd.
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Sons of Sylvia opened the show, with the spotlight on a searing lap steel, which brought on a U2-ish take on the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” The band of brothers could certainly sing and play, but got a luke-warm reception, despite a burning bluegrass instrumental and the expansive “50 Ways.”
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I never watched Great American Band till the finale, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the amazing Clark brothers. I knew I would like them as I loved Ashley when he toured with Carrie, but I honestly had no idea what type of music they would play last night. Lol However, from the opening notes it is clear they are a blend of Alt Rock meets bluegrass meets Christian rock. The overall effect was outstanding, and I think the crowd was in awe of them. Despite what the newspaper said, the crowd seemed very impressed with them and clapped loudly. They were just sitting quietly taking it in because no one knew who they were, but when they did the bluegrass number, especially, the crowd was very loud in support. I think everyone, including me, was glued to their seats because we were all so surprised and impressed by them. Maybe the newspaper critic was in a different section then me, or didn’t get that the crowd was actually mesmerized by them…. Overall, they were brilliant and I can see big things for them in their future. I really loved Ashley’s song “Revelation”. That was my favorite of their set.
Note: Poor Ashley seemed very tired after his performance, and I wondered if he was sick? Maybe he just needs to work out. Lol But he was brilliant. Great vocals last night.

Reading, PA March 11

Openers Sons of Sylvia, who won the "Next Great American Band" reality show in 2007 as The Clark Brothers, started off with a snippet of "Gimme Shelter," and most of their short set continued in a rocking vein.
While Adam Clark plinked a mandolin, Austin Clark squealed on a Dobro and slide guitar and Ashley Clark stuck mostly to an acoustic guitar, and the highlight came when the three brothers took to center stage for a bona fide bluegrass breakdown (Ashley Clark on fiddle), most of the songwriting owed at least as much to Bon Jovi ("Revelation") and U2 ("Fifty Ways") as to country music. That said, it was catchy and energetic.
They came back on stage to accompany Underwood on the sleek ballad "What Can I Say," as they did on the record.
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'What Can I Say': (with Sons of Sylvia) This is a soooo amazing live. Ashley and Carrie rocked the house with their performance; it went a little longer with Ashley doing his own little solo at the end; that was just superb. She had on a gold sparkly top and the boys looked super handsome to. Carrie and Ashley’s vocals are amazing together they have such chemistry on stage but I guess that’s what happens when you’ve worked with someone before. Ashley had a solo part at the end of the song that blew me away it was fantastic! 'Change': Sons of Sylvia stuck around to help with the 'Change' intro which was super pretty.
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Opening the show was Sons of Sylvia, a trio of brothers whose style of music was more alternative rock than country. The group, whose brief set went over quite well with the ladies, also joined Underwood during her new song "What Can I Say."
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Sons Of Sylvia were so amazing! I wish I could remember their set list but lemme say that I cannot wait for their CD. I had my What Can I Say I Luv SOS sign with me and held it up for a few. I noticed that Austin looked at it, smiled shook his head and smiled again. There live vocals are fantastic and they did an amazing bluegrass song in the middle of the set. I really would love to see them do a headlining tour in the future it would be so amazing.

After they were over I went out with Lynsi, Alyson, Jill and my friends Sarah and Nicki as well as a few other FC Members and fans to go and wait in line to meet the guys. I had brought my sign and photo with Ashley from 2007 to get them to sign. I got up to Ashley and put the photo of us from 2007 in front of him and he had a great reaction to it “No way, would you look at that?” he said after we talked for a second I asked him for a photo and he said “Yeah Sure” we got out photo and he asked me to Tweet him the photo later on. I put my sign down in front of Austin who smiled and said “I still can’t believe you did this, I love this!’ and signed it we chatted for a second and I got my photo with him to I moved to Adam and got him to sign it as well and I dunno if he was being rushed but he said something like ‘If I could write my name faster’ it was pretty cute and we got our photo. There such sweet guys I was so pleased to get to meet them!
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The Clark Brothers, Sons Of Sylvia - whatever they want to call themselves this year (maybe even Pioneers Of The Next Decade) - did not disappoint! The problem is they're a band without a genre home...they're part bluegrass, part country, part alternative rock, part however else you want to label them. There's really no home for that type of music so hopefully they're turn into Pioneers Of The Next Decade.

Poor Ashley did seem like he was a nervous reck. He seemed quite nervous while singing and even more nervous while talking. After overextending himself a lil' too much on one performance, Jeff & I could've sworn he whispered "God help me" or something to that effect before his next song But damn, these guys can play instruments like nobody else can -- and they were rockin' hard. You get 110% from them every time out. I don't even know if their album has been released yet (shows how much I've been paying attention) but I definitely will get a copy as soon as time permits.

The Next Great American Band played for about 23 minutes or so on their own. After a very quick stage change (only about 10 minutes or so), Craig Morgan took the stage.
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sons of sylvia - WERE INCREDIBLE. omg. i looooved them! i can't wait to hear an entire cd! ashley clark is amazing <3
after SOS, alyson, lynsi, erin and the others who i do not know their names hahah, went to wait in line to meet sons of sylvia! we could hear craig morgan, he sounded pretty good. once the boys came out everybody screamed and the line went pretty quick. they were really rushing because it was a long line and they wanted to get everyone before carrie came on. so i went up to ashley and he shook my hand and asked me my name and then we took a picture and that was pretty much it haha. i didn't really talk to the other guys, i just said thank you. all 3 signed my ticket! love them (: