SHARON
Christian band working on getting to know itself
By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer
Green Olive Tree had just put out a new recording when it faced a challenge that some bands have not been able to overcome.
Two members of the heavy rock quartet were leaving.
The band had formed in 1997 at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Cabot, Ark., where the musicians were worship leaders for youth services.
But after touring behind the independently released album "Psalm 52:8" -- a title that refers to the Bible passage where the band took its name -- and signing with Syntax Records, drummer Justin Alexander wanted to continue his education and bassist Brett Latimer was getting married and didn't want to lose his day job in the student ministry at the University of Arkansas.
Latimer's brother, Chris, who sings and plays guitar, and guitarist Jon Dodson weren't sure if they wanted to continue, though both wanted to play music. So they asked God what he wanted them to do.
"God placed John and Andy in our path," said Chris Latimer, speaking of the band's new members, drummer Josh Dougan and bassist Andy Greenfield.
Green Olive Tree, which plays Tuesday at Freddie Fresh's, Sharon, would continue.
"We have a big debt," quipped Dodson.
The transition hasn't exactly been smooth, Chris Latimer said, noting that the four are still getting used to each other. Dougan has only been on the road for about two weeks, while Greenfield has been in the fold since summer began.
And they've decided to work things out in one of the toughest situations possible: in the middle of a headlining tour.
"We've had our ups and downs," Dodson said.
The band, whose main lyrical themes are "pain and suffering" and "life in general," didn't necessarily plan to embark on a headlining tour, but Dodson and Latimer wanted to play and haven't been able to hook up with a bigger act.
In the past, Green Olive Tree has opened for bands such as Living Sacrifice, Juliana Theory and Switchfoot.
"We really like to open for people because it makes for a better show," Latimer said. "If you open for someone bigger than you, you're guaranteed a bigger crowd."
While Green Olive Tree has enjoyed some radio airplay, the band isn't very well known. On the tour, the musicians have mostly played for people who don't know their music and were just looking for a night out.
"At first it seems like it might be difficult because they might not know you," Dodson said. "But as soon as you start playing it doesn't matter. As long as a couple of people are listening, it's cool."
The Green Olive Tree show is set to start at 6:30 p.m. Luke Geraty, a student at North Central Bible University, opens. Information: (724) 981-1162.
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