Talent enjoys company. What better way to preserve this connection than music? Far more potent than the frayed friendship bracelets of our pasts, good music remains at our side for an eternity. Local band, Saint Maybe have extended their experienced hands out to us, inviting us to spend some quality time with their all-all star psychedelic rock. Once you hear, “Everything that Rises,” you will find yourself with a quality acquaintance.

Saint Maybe is a new band, currently in it's first year, though there is nothing amateur about their abilities and impressive resumes. The group's folk, blues guitar, infused rock, washed over the visitors of Plush Wednesday, April 4th like a dream. I think my dream was about sitting cross legged in the sand, listening to a Dylan-esque prophet speak before a giant band. The dream was not far off from reality. Saint Maybe is Tucson's own supergroup, featuring local talents,Chris Sauer, Craig Schumacher, Oliver Ray, Fen Ikner and Winston Watson. The group have all earned a place in music with their previous work.

 Filling the stage after being joined by guitarist Naim Amor, the band played with a seemingly effortless joy, often turning to each other and smiling. They were obviously enjoying what they were doing. Chris Sauer and Naim Amor supplied the celestial riffs. Chris has performed acoustic folk sets, played a benefit show with Amy Rude and been a part of other bands, including Hollywood Knights and The Mod Squad. Naim has been a part of various projects, including Heartbeast, and released a solo album in 2007. Geoff Hidalgo, who plays with Brian Lopez and Gabriel Sullivan around town, played bass this evening while Fen Ikner is in New York.

Vocalist,armed with acoustic guitar, Oliver Ray, sang out with that Dylan-esque folk quality, which comes full circle when you realize the company he used to keep. The owner of Café Aqui, the popular coffee shop, spent a good deal of time playing guitar for iconic singer-songwriter Patti Smith-a friend to Dylan. The connection to Dylan does not stop there. Drummer Winston Watson toured with Dylan for five years and in 2009 the documentary, Bob Dylan Never Ending Tour Diaries: Drummer Winston Watson's Incredible Journey, was released. Beloved member of Tucson's music community, Craig Schumacher, plays keyboard in the band but is on a temporary leave while he recovers from his battle with cancer. Craig is the owner/operator of famed recording studio, Wavelab, where he has recorded a variety of artists that include, Neko Case, Animal Collective, Iron and Wine and Calexico.

 We have to realize how lucky we are are to live in a city where powerhouses of talent come to our favorite bars and perform. They are really great hosts, giving us the special treatment with their offerings of dynamic music. Saint Maybe makes my list of the must watch bands in Tucson. Each one of the fine musicians brings their own wealth of experience and energy to the stage. Make sure to catch the guys on 4/20 at the Dry River Company for their next show. There is something mysterious about their take on the Tucson sound. Though the sun blazes its influence over their music, there is some surprise element woven in that I cant quite compare to any other Tucson bands. When you bring together some of a city's most diverse talents, there are no maybes about it, something wonderful is about to happen.