February 13th, 2012 
Just when you think you’ve seen it all in Nashville, there is more to “light your fire” with music! If you have not experienced the wild piano playing antics of Brandon Giles and the extreme drumming dexterity of Thumper Tarver then you have missed one of the most entertaining shows in town. The band’s music ranges from blues, to country, and even some good ol’ southern rock. Watching these guys adds a new “twist and spark” to the romantic tunes. When I say twist and spark, it is meant in the literal sense. Mr. Giles plays the piano and keyboard like no other with fire and energy that is non-stop. The crafty piano player shows off his skills by pounding out the jives backwards, sideways, upside down, and even with the instrument on fire! His audiences are captivated by the wild energy and tremendous talent. Brandon jokingly describes his shows as being “kind of like Little Richard meets AC/DC on steroids.” (www.brandongiles.com, Feb. 2012).
(Photo Credit: BrandonGiles.com)
Giles gift for playing, singing, and entertainment has not gone unnoticed. He has played with some of the industry’s most iconic musicians, like Les Paul, Ray Charles, Darius Rucker, Kidd Rock, Hank Williams, Jr., George Jones, and many others. The band’s expertise does not stop with Giles. Its musicians also feature a world class drummer and guitarists.
In an interview with Thumper Tarver in February 2012, it is notable that he is an icon himself. Tarver’s drumming talent landed him as one of the fastest drummers in the world in 2003 by NAMM International World’s Fastest Drummer Competition. “Thumper” won the Battle of the Feet with 768 single strokes in 60 seconds. His incredible jamming alongside Giles creates a music style for Nashville unlike any other. Tarver boasts of many his musical accomplishments which include playing with professionals, such as Tanya Tucker, John Michael Montgomery, Brooks and Dunn, and Jermaine Jackson. Furthermore, he generously expressed his appreciation of his other band members, Steve Schuffert and Pete Tomarokos, guitarists.
Schuffert and Tomarokos were originally brought to Nashville by T. Graham Brown and have entertained with music idols like Kenny Rogers, Steve Earle, and Stevie Wonder.
Brandon Giles and the Tricky Two Band can be seen playing weekly at the Broadway hot-spots like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Whiskey Bent, and Layla’s Bluegrass Inn. To pique your interest, you may view captions of the shows on YouTube.com. Giles and Tarver can be seen on Valentine’s evening at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge at 8:00 pm for dancing the night away. The band can be enjoyed at Layla’s Bluegrass Inn on February 17 and 18, 2012 at 8:00 pm. www.brandongiles.com
