For the last five years Jada Blade has been cutting their way around the
southeast and with a strong following around the outside of Knoxville, it
is inevitable that we should be their next incision.

Jada Blade is sharp and moving right along. The Oak Ridge-based band has
just released their debut CD called, Clean Water, which has given
them a lot of momentum, and as a group, the four members have never been
tighter. Sitting across the table from me, Bruce England (guitar), and
Karman Gossett (drums) seemed very at ease.

"These guys are my family," said Gossett, referring to England and the two
other members, Eddie Thompson (Bassist) and Leslie Swim (vocalist).

Although the origin of the name, Jada Blade, is unknown, the dedication to
the fans is not. Playing a usual three set, five-hour show, Jada Blade
always gives the fans their money's worth. With many original songs and a
large repertoire of covers ranging from Pat Benetar, Third Eye Blind, to
Ozzy, Jada Blade makes diversity a priority.

"Any age group that comes out and sees us is gonna find something they
like," Gossett said.

"Leslie is a very versatile singer. She's absolutely amazing. She allows us
to go in many directions." England said.

Although they could look down the road at bigger things, Jada Blade has
their heads on their shoulders and are taking things day-by-day. Gossett, a
two-time winner for "best drummer in Knoxville," said, "To me, this show
Saturday is just as important as any other show we might do down the road."

Not only is Gossett a celebrated drummer and University of Tennessee
Knoxville alumnus, but she has played for Stuck Mojo and Malice in
Wonderland.

Both alumni of UT, England and Gossett are making an effort to attract more
fans from the Knoxville area. Since a strong following of fans come from
cities outside and around Knoxville, Jada Blade is hoping to make quite an
impact Saturday night at Barley & Hopps.

"We're all about giving back to the fans, we consider them our friends. We
don't just play and go home."

Their new CD Clean Water has been a year in the making, taking off
all last year to hit the studio and after a few years of shuffling members
around, Jada Blade came out of the studio solidified as a group and with 13
new original songs.

Swim and England wrote most of the music and lyrics with the exception of
one or two songs. Everyone brings something to the band and the present
chemistry is just where Jada Blade would like it.

"I looked at myself and recognized change," a line from one of their new
songs entitled Clean Water sums it up nicely they feel.

Since Knoxville is only the second show since leaving the studio, Jada
Blade plans on pulling out all the stops and doing a red-hot Valentine's
Day show. The show starts at 10:30 p.m. at Barley & Hopps, this Saturday.
Tickets are $5 at the door.

Their new CD Clean Water can be found at Cat's Records or Disc
Exchange. For more information call (423) 435-2122 or e-mail them at:
jadablade@mindspring.com.