BackAlleyBlues

Rusty and Laurie gleefully dubbed 2005 their "Dude! Where did you come from?" Tour after receiving gracious compliments from Lynyrd Skynyrd members when the band opened for them in 2004.

Longtime fans aren't surprised. Rusty Wright's got the kind of guitar chops that make people stop and stare, spellbound. Wide eyed, people jostle for a better view of his hands and riotous facial expressions.

Wright's introduction to professional musicianship came at age 13 when he climbed aboard a tour bus and became the guitarist for a successful Southern Gospel recording act led by his mother. His diverse career as an in-demand touring guitarist, front man and composer has taken him to most points in the US and across Europe.

A skilled movie and television composer, songwriter, audio engineer and in-demand session guitarist, Wright's compositions have also been picked up by ESPN and TNT.

Fronting the band with Wright is his wife, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Laurie LaCross-Wright, a compelling singer with a vivid and expressive vocal style that stretches with ease from a breathy, crooned endearment into a two-octave slide that becomes a throaty affirmation of her ability to wail. Touching people's emotions through a song is a rare ability, but this woman has the knack - often making the most stoic man in the room wipe at his eyes with her Bluesy rendition of Summertime.

The chemistry between Wright and his wife is both obvious and refreshing as they exchange playful banter onstage and share anecdotes about the songs and their lives with the audience.

Musically, they soar. Their passion for music and performing is evident as they take turns playing off each other. Laurie laughs with delight when Rusty plays a particularly inventive riff. His guitar work echoes the dynamics and emotion of her voice as she sings. He closes his eyes and loses himself in the music as he plays. She, in turn, looks directly out at the audience, smiling widely from the stage, as if to say "You'd better believe this is every bit as fun as it looks!"

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