Local band features a mixture of talent

A local band made history at the Cheatham County Fair recently when it played on both the opening and closing night of the annual celebration.

Based in Ashland City, the five-member band known as “The B.O.M.B.” is known for severing up fists full of classic rock that reflect the eclectic tastes of its individual members.

“We all vote on each song that we’re gonna sing, and we tailor the songs to appeal to each audience as much as we can,” said lead guitarist Brandon Pylant, noting that there are no egos that get in the way of what is a clear spirit of adaptability.

Pylant, as well as bass player Alex Ross, were members of “The Trouble Road Band,” and came on board after “The B.O.M.B.” lost several of its original members.

The band members range in age from 65 to 39.

Lead singer Rick Woosley is the youngest member of the band and he is excited about the mix of talent in the band, with its newest member being drummer Guy Speight.

“I think the band works so well because we’re all about the music,” Woosley said. “We really love doing it. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We just try to make it about having a good time for everybody.”

Ross sees Woosley’s stirring vocals and stage presence as part of what makes the band work well.

Even on the opening night at the fair when the band played to virtually a no-show crowd, Woosley made a point of singing the song, “Hot Legs,” directly for the women in the audience — all three of them.

“I didn’t dedicate it to them,” he said. “I just ran out in the audience and sang a little of it to them, each in turn.”

Pylant, who works at A.O. Smith, sees another key factor that drives the band.

“We played at the Safe Haven event a few months back and we’ll play at the poker run, too (on Aug. 29),” he said, adding that raising awareness of causes in the community is a part of being a good responsible citizen.

For Woosley, animal rights and a vegan lifestyle are part of what his heart is called to raise his voice for.

For the band’s elder statesman, keyboardist Pat Haley, a reverence for music’s roots and the power of music to encourage and inspire positive change are some of its perks.

He remembers as a little boy hearing a neighbor playing spiritual music, which stirred his desire to play piano.

Haley has toured with the likes of Three Dog Night, Steppenwolf, Grand Funk Railroad and Tony Orlando.

“This band is magic, with all different walks of life and families, and we respect each other’s differences,” said Haley, who has been married 44 years and has seven grandkids.

Pylant sees Haley’s humor and songwriting ability as incredible gifts, and Woosley agrees.

“Pat’s also really good with suggestions for new ideas for the band,” Woosley said.

Ross brings punch, drive and flexibility to the mix with his wide-open approach to the bass.

Speight’s gifts drum up his impeccable timing and an ear for music.

The father of a 14-month-old, Speight’s hero is Dolly Parton.

“I’m impressed by the level of commitment from each member,” Speight said.

Pylant, whose musical heroes include Pat Metheny, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Carlos Santana and a host of others, is revered for his impeccable musicianship and laid-back persona, having played guitar for three decades.

The common ground that has been established is the love of music, and the desire to deliver that message in a way that makes the audience sway, swoon, tap their feet, pull a loved one closer, and be grateful for life.

“Playing live, and even during rehearsals, there is a buildup of passion, excitement and energy between us as musicians, and the only true release is to take it to the stage,” Pylant said.

The band hopes to strike chords of honor, respect, pride and a fun-loving spirit for the people they serve in Cheatham County and all areas served by the venues they are pumped to play.