Half-brothers John Sosebee and Jacob Gise are bringing the blues to local venues around Athens. Named after its original creator, “John Sosebee Band” is best described to be a Memphis-style blues band.

John Sosebee has been playing music for a living ever since he got out of high school, working with a variety of bands.

“But I didn’t have a band that I would call my own until about two years ago,” Sosebee said.

Although he has played in bands of different genres ranging from traditional Civil War-era music to experimental jam bands, he has “wanted to play blues since [he] was little.”

“The sound that I want to portray in my art just happens to be what you call blues,” he said. “When I sit down and pick up the guitar, that’s what I play.”

As of January 2009, Gise has become a permanent fixture, playing bass and crash cymbals.

At shows, the duo sells their album, but Sosebee said it does not paint an entirely accurate picture of its live show. The live show focuses on the energy in the room each night.

“We never play the same show twice,” Gise said.

The hill country blues sound that the band creates is unique and elicits the urge to dance along with a cold beer in hand. Perhaps it is the almost trance-like drum beat that inspires show-goers to move to the music. Whatever the reason, Sosebee is pleased when his music gets that response. “All blues music is dance music- it’s a centergy of several different, more primitive forms of music,” Sosebee said.

The addition of his brother Jacob Gise, who is a student at UGA, was the catalyst for the band’s decision to present itself in Athens. Not only did his presence bring the band to Athens, but it has also changed the way people react to band. “I don’t why, but people really respond to the fact that we are akin to each other; it is like an extra bonus,” Sosebee said.

Originally Gise only played with his brother for recreational purposes; however, when they made the impulsive decision to enter a recording into an Emory music competition, they did better than they expected and made it to the final round which required a live performance. This is what inspired Sosebee to sit down and really teach him how to play in a live situation. Although they did not win, this event marked the beginning of Gise’s involvement. Gise had never played base before he started playing with Sosebee, but he picked it up quickly. “He has developed well; his skill has increased like 200 percent,” said Sosebee.

Sosebee believes the inclusion of his brother, who is almost ten years younger, was positive decision. “It’s really helped out a lot, because he takes my instruction well and he is in to the music which is a big deal,” said Sosebee. “If you aren’t obsessed with this stuff, it’s really hard to do because it’s not like you make a lot of money doing it”

The band still plays gigs pretty regularly in Dahlonega at a bar called Wilie’s, but has now played about five times in Athens. Currently, the band is doing its own booking but is in the process of finding someone to book them. They are scheduled to play Oct 3 at Boarshead.

When asked what makes their band stand out from other bands in Athens, Gise responded, “We don’t play emo, southern rock, or country music.”