Article archive / April 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 8. Source pages: 1, 10, 11.
For Dr. Rick Adams, licensed clinical psychologist who practices full-time in Pineville, “Music is still just a hobby, albeit a busy one.” Dr. Adams is the guitarist and lead vocalist in the bluegrass duo named “Tuning South.”
Dr. Adams’ professional activity these days primarily consists of consultation and assessment. He continues with his career-long emphasis in work with children/adolescents who have developmental, behavioral, or learning problems. He also assists with treatment and placement determinations for the Office of Juvenile Justice in the central Louisiana area. His associate in the Pineville office is Dr. John Simoneaux, a forensic psychologist who also is a serious music lover.
“I've been in full-time private practice for about 25 years and still going strong,” Rick said. And his music has helped him maintain a healthy balance.
“Music is a great stress reducer for me––helped a lot when I was feeling some burnout about five years ago.” It was then that Rick found out that he still enjoyed his work, when he wasn’t “working 24-7.”
The other member of Tuning South is Mark Normand, who sings harmony vocals, and plays mandolin and fiddle. Sometimes the duo will add a third member on bass fiddle for certain performances or venues.
Rick met Mark Normand on the “jam scene” and both discovered that they had matching interests in music, artists and genres. They teamed up to take advantage of this symmetry, and decided to “take it on the road…” performing traditional bluegrass, “brother duet type harmonies,” “roots music,” and original tunes composed by Rick.
Tuning South has recently performed at Acadian Village and the Blue Dog Café in Lafayette, NuNu’s in Arnandville, the Joe Dreyfus Restaurant in Livonia, and at Cottonport Wildcat Mega-Reunion in Cottonport.
Rick’s interests also extend to songwriting, and he has composed several original works. “I've long been an amateur songwriter,” he explained. Two of his compositions are: "Blue Just Looks Black in the Dark" and "Some Winds Are Lonesome".
Rick told the Times, “‘Blue Just Looks Black’ was written during Hurricane Gustav when all the electricity was out. Although the song is about romance gone wrong, it was actually inspired by the fact that I was having trouble getting dressed by candlelight––difficulty with sock identification. Hence, ‘Blue Just Looks Black in the Dark.’ That song seems to be the number one request at the jams I frequent in the Lafayette area.”
Tuning South is slated to perform at the “Pro Psych Party,” during the upcoming LPA Convention following the business meeting on Thursday, April 22nd.
“I'm looking forward to playing at the convention,” Rick said. “It will be a little strange to have my worlds collide like that. I usually keep my music alter ego separate from that ‘professional psychologist guy.’ It should be interesting.”
Tuning South’s foot-tapping bluegrass and blues style can be heard at the Reverbnation webpage http://www.reverbnation.com/tuningsouth.
While there is no CD available yet, Rick assured us that, “For a fee, I’ll come and play for you at your house!”
Some of us might just take him up on that.
Dr. Rick Adams (right) with associates of Tuning South, his bluegrass band, will play at the “Pro Psych Party” during the LPA Convention, April 22. He is featured in this month’s Gone Fishing. See page 10 inside.
Mark Normand (L) and Dr. Rick Adams, Tuning South.
“Tuning South” playing at Joe Dreyfus Restaurant.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.