Music Box: The Black Lillies

By Aaron Davis (for JHWeekly.com)Jackson Hole, Wyo. - It’s fairly unprecedented for an indie group to play the legendary Grand Ole Opry. And when you consider that The Black Lillies’ first Opry performance was in June 2011, and that it has made nine appearances since then, it makes you wonder why other Americana-tagged bands aren’t receiving a similar invitation.It’s not a mystery, though, once you hear the articulated Appalachian drawl of frontman/guitarist/pianist/songwriter Cruz Contreras. His delivery and tone has drawn comparisons to Randy Travis, Dan Tyminski and even the great Ralph Stanley. While the similarities are warranted, production aesthetics of The Black Lillies’ first two studio albums – combined with real world lyrics and the rootsy singer-songwriter foundation – exposes the subtle, yet distinct elements that distinguish the Americana and country genres. Whiskey Angel (2009), and 100 Miles of Wreckage (2011), were both recorded live, solidifying an under-produced, what-you-hear-is-what-you-get honesty to the listener.The other major crossover into reaching core country music fans is Country Music Television (CMT). I caught up with Cruz a day prior to shooting the Lillies’ second CMT video for the song “Same Mistakes.”“It’s funny, the country music fanbase has certain ways they want to get their music,” Cruz said. “CMT and the Grand Ole Opry does a lot to legitimize you with the mainstream country crowd that may not go to some of the indie clubs and festivals.”Even with the amount of success since forming in 2009, The Black Lillies have largely remained an independently structured operation. The Knoxville-based quintet also consists of Tom Pryor on pedal steel and drummer Jamie Cook (both former members of the everybody fields), harmony vocalist/guitarist Trisha Gene Brady, and the newest of band members, bassist Robert Richards. In financial preparation for tracking their third studio album and shooting another CMT video with director David McClister, the band teamed with Pledge Music to raise money in a crowd-funding format similar to Kickstarter.After a rare break from all things music to make time for a family reunion, Cruz was running around on this particular day looking for an outfit for his son, who is also making an appearance in the upcoming video. The lifestyle of a bandleader is one of constant flux and demands the changing of hats.“Sometimes a little pressure is good to keep you focused and motivated, but you don’t want to feel like your burdened. That can be overwhelming,” Cruz said. “When I’m on stage I’m the bandleader. When I’m at home I think of myself as more of a songwriter. It changes … sometimes I’m the vocalist. In a few weeks I’ll be the producer. It’s a lot of hats, but it’s also really rewarding to be involved in every aspect of a project and to get on stage and sing your own songs and have them go over well. There’s a lot to be proud of there.”Out of the gate, The Black Lillies’ debut album – which was recorded in Cruz’s living room – topped several 2009 best-of lists and won the Independent Music Awards Vox Pop for Best Album in Americana. 100 Miles of Wreckage has spent four months in the top twenty of the Americana Radio Chart.The Black Lillies perform at 5 p.m., Sunday, at Concert on the Commons in Teton Village. Free, all-ages. JacksonHole.com.