Resurgent band has it all
Local group Stonehenge, back after a rest, can get your two-stepper stepping or your head banging
By Leif M. Wright
Phoenix Staff Writer
But it was the diversity of music, not just Arnett’s imposing presence, that really struck May.
“I’ve never heard someone play Waylon Jennings and follow it up with White Zombie,” May said. “And their musicianship is as tight as I’ve probably ever seen.”
That’s no accident, Arnett says. The band is free of the substance abuse that seems to plague many musicians.
“We’re all clean and sober,” he said. “I have a problem with people getting hammered while they play. It makes for a lot better show when you’re clean, and you don’t have all the negative hangups that come with those things.”
Longcrier also adds a new dimension to the band, bringing a funky and professional musicality to the bass guitar, filling out the bottom end and contributing harmony vocals. But it’s hard to get him to talk about it.
“No interviews, man, no interviews. I can never turn a quick, fancy phrase,” he said. “Now you have to take this turd I’ve given you and polish it.”
Not necessary. The band speaks for itself. Rounding out the musical diversity is hard rock drummer Arbuckle.
“We have four different players with different tastes,” Arnett said. “But when we play together, it ends up sounding like we wanted it to when we started out.”
The diversity of music the band plays isn’t yet as diverse as it’s going to get, though.
Yes, they play country. Yes, they play red dirt. Yes, they play classic rock. Yes, they play hard-driving rock.
And soon, Arnett said, the band will add original red dirt-tinged religious songs.
“It’s red dirt because that’s what’s in me,” Arnett said.
Owens, who has been playing with Arnett “forever,” will help with that, undoubtedly.
“When I write songs, I know what his solos are going to do,” Arnett said. “When he writes songs, he knows what I’m going to do vocally. It makes it a really nice process.”
Whatever your taste, whether it’s hard rock, country, red dirt, classic rock or religious, Stonehenge probably plays some songs that will appeal to you. Or if you just want to hear a guitar slinger do his business, or watch a big, bad tough guy sing.