He has been on the road with Joe Nichols, Suzy Bogguss, Donna Fargo, and Percy Sledge. Originally from Mississippi, McClain has music history in Nashville, backing up many top recording artists. Then the group got word that Richard McClain was in town to do some playing. At one point, Weathersby, Smith, and Cagle were all in GG Shinn’s band together. Mark has been drumming professionally since the age of 15 and toured internationally with many recording artists such as GG Shinn, Johnny Cash, Charly McClain, Margo Smith, Pam Tillis, Randy Travis, Bobby Vinton, and the list goes on. As the trio accumulated gigs, Weathersby joined the fray, along with Mark Smith, who settled in as their drummer. The monstrous duo was doing so well, they decided to add a drummer, changing their name to Smackwater in order to accommodate the new member.
“I had a little logo of Frankenstein playing the guitar for our promos,” says Cagle. At the time, they called themselves Frankensteve. began performing as a duo when the band Cagle had been playing keyboard in for about eight years dissolved, as most of the band members were ready to retire. In Louisiana, he fronted his own variety band called Spice, but his real claim to fame came when he was recruited as a guitarist to tour nationally with Percy Tyrone Sledge, American R&B, soul, and gospel singer best known for the song “When a Man Loves a Woman.”Īround 2014, Cagle and close buddy Frankie B.
An Arkansas native, Weathersby played for several years in Memphis, Tennessee. “He’s been kind of known as the legend around here,” he says. When acting as orchestra director at a local church, writing their charts for instruments, he met current Smackwater guitarist Michael Weathersby. Playing in different organizations allowed Cagle to meet kindred spirits. “Coffeehouse scenes were really big back in the mid-70s,” he says, recalling his piano playing gigs in the jazz capital of the world. “I started making money when I was 16, you know, playing gigs.” Moving around when he was younger probably helped his music acumen, especially his stint in New Orleans when he was around 19 years old. Faced with a surplus of bass players, Cagle was coaxed by those around him to focus on the keyboard, which led to a consistent stream of playing throughout high school and college. Horns led to piano lessons, which led to electronic keyboards, then around the age of 15, he picked up the electric bass. “Folks of my generation, we grew up listening to music on the radio, then in church, and everywhere, TV, everything like that.” Eagerly soaking it all up, Cagle started by participating in the school band program in the fifth grade playing trombone, which he still occasionally adds to the mix of some songs.
“Gosh, music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember,” says Cagle.
Whether it’s a touch of country, funk, soul, or classic rock (where their heart lies), this seasoned troupe has found their “sweet spot,” which they vigorously display in every performance.
CHARLY MCCLAIN TORRENT PROFESSIONAL
Each member of the band, having had extensive experience playing with a slew of professional musicians, has accumulated distinct musical know-how lending to multifaceted interests and approaches to the covers on their setlist. Known for keeping their “downtime” short between songs, they pride themselves in making sure folks get their money’s worth. Performing entirely covers, the group of four make it their business to specialize in dance music, making them a must-snag for parties and special events. “As a band, I would say that we are a classic rock, R&B band,” carefully delineates Steve Cagle, keyboardist, trombonist, vocalist, and guitarist of Smackwater band. Each member of Smackwater has extensive experience playing with a slew of professional musicians.Īrticle by VANELIS RIVERA | photography by ANDREW BAILEY
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