Sodapop’s riff for rockabilly

(this piece was published by Planet JH Weekly)Though Wyatt “Sodapop” Lowe is still in his teens, hearing him croon a vintage ‘50s rockabilly cut while wailing on a classic Gretsch electric guitar would lead you to believe he’s been a performing bandleader for decades. Lowe was born and raised into the blues at Chappy’s Roadhouse, his family’s BBQ restaurant in Temecula, California. At a young age, Lowe would stand at the edge of the stage and watch the best regional Southern Cali blues players perform. The next day, he could be found at home in front of the mirror, harp in one hand and a “play” guitar in the other. At the age of eight, he began guitar lessons and found his true musical passion was launched, slowly developing his signature tone—a punchy cross over between traditional rockabilly, blues and roots-rock, approaching a Social Distortion meets Jimmie Vaughan sound.Since moving to Jackson with his family in 2013, Lowe has put together a rotating case of solid musicians to form a well-rounded quartet, regularly performing at Haydens Post and The Rose. His latest incarnation, Wyatt Lowe and the Mayhem Kings, includes upright bassist Marty Camino, drummer Pete Closson, and Jason Fritts on sax. All three of Lowe’s band mates hold music degrees—Camino has an undergraduate degree from University of Wyoming and Master’s from University of Edinburgh, Scotland; Closson received his music degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he also did his graduate work in percussion performance; and Fritts studied saxophone at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, as well as at Northwestern University, where he earned a Master’s in music.  Get ready for a blast of Freddy King, The Blasters, Duane Eddy, and John Lee Hooker. Wyatt Lowe and the Mayhem Kings, 10 p.m. Saturday at The Rose. Free. 733-1500.