The Malpass Brothers to bring their traditional country sound to the stage March 16 at Tusculum

The Malpass Brothers will bring their brand of traditional country music to the stage at Tusculum College on Thursday, March 16. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the Annie Hogan Byrd Auditorium on campus. (Photos © Chris Charles)

Traditional country music up-and-comers, the Malpass Brothers, will bring their unique sound to the stage at Tusculum College on Thursday, March 16.

The siblings and their band will perform at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum campus. The concert is part of Tusculum Arts Outreach’s Acts, Arts, Academia 2016-17 performance and lecture series.

“These guys just don’t just sound retro, they are retro,” has been said of the Malpass Brothers, and it is an apt description of siblings Christopher and Taylor.  As youngsters, the brothers soaked up the music of their grandfather’s record collection, and today they promote the music of the classic country artists they treasure while writing new songs and making their own mark in the lineage of a rich American cultural heritage.

With sincerity, honesty and an utter ease on stage beyond their years, the brothers’ smooth vocal blend and talented musicianship reflect their respect of the legends who have paved the way, such as the Louvin Brothers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and Hank Williams, Sr. Add some good-humored quips between the siblings, and the Malpass Brothers take their audiences on a fun and engaging time-traveling musical journey.

“My brother Taylor and I do the type of music we do because this music speaks to us, and speaks to the souls of its listeners,” says Christopher Malpass. “For us, traditional country music is the ‘real deal’ – every song portrays life’s joys, heartaches, problems and happiness. It comes from the heart, and has depth and truth. Nothing is sugar coated. Our goal, really, is to see this music be revived, to help ensure it doesn’t fade away. It is so encouraging to have young people come to our shows with a new interest in our ‘old music.’ Being able to introduce what we love to another generation feels like a great accomplishment for us. We want this music to be around for our children’s children.”

The Malpass Brothers have toured with the late Don Helms, who was the former steel guitarist for Hank Williams. The siblings opened for the legendary Merle Haggard on multiple tours and appeared on stages from the Ryman Auditorium to Merlefest to “Larry’s Country Diner” television program.

Their video for “Memory That Bad” made CMT Pure Country’s Top Ten, and their most recent recording, the self-titled “Malpass Brothers” was produced by bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson. The brothers are also the focus of a film now in production showcasing a performance and their lives in their hometown of Goldsboro, N.C.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and over and $5 for children 12 years of age and under. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call 423-798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.