Sometimes it seems difficult to locate real, true rock and roll that is new, that isn’t just a regurgitation of rock and roll from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. This difficulty can be accounted for by any number of elements – auto tuning, the decreasing influence of record companies in the world of musical artistry, MTV. The difficulty in question is just that however, a difficulty – not an impossibility. This past Saturday night (3/28) at NYC’s Webster Hall, Blackberry Smoke served as exhibits A through infinity to attest to this fact.
Blackberry Smoke, having released four studio albums since its start in 2000, is most often described as a “southern-rock” band, which it is – but this categorization seeks to minimize the band when it should be maximized and subsequently lauded. Blackberry Smoke is a straight-up rock and roll group. The band’s sound is derived from lead singer and guitarist’s Charlie Starr’s spot-on command of each song performed, along with support from fellow guitarist Paul Jackson, bassist Richard Turner, keyboard player Brandon Still and drummer Brit Turner.
Holding All the Roses is the group’s latest release, and a number of tracks were showcased at the Webster Hall gig, including “Let Me Help You (Find the Door),” “Rock and Roll Again” and “Living in the Song.” A terrifyingly gorgeous rendition of the group’s emotionally melodic work-of-art-track, “The Whippoorwill” would have stolen the show, if surprise guest Robert Randolph hadn’t stepped out to contribute on “Ain’t Got the Blues.”
Album Review: Blackberry Smoke – Holding All The Roses
It must be addressed how top-notch the band-ness of the band is; the ways in which the players work together, seamlessly and selflessly soar over one another in their given melodic lines, riffs and harmonies, are astoundingly stellar and inspirational to professional musicians and talentless fans alike. Frontman Charlie Starr is a natural frontman – his ease, his undeniable charisma that exudes from his bellbottom jeans and incredible guitarring is something to be valued and appreciated, something to bask in. Starr is real; he does not pose, he wouldn’t know how to.
Keyboard player Brandon Still serves as an ideal accent to each song’s sound, never overtaking but elegantly complementing every tune; Still’s soulful playing seems to channel that of the great Nicky Hopkins at times. As part of the encore, Black Sabbath’s “Fairies Wear Boots” was covered – a well-chosen homage to the rock and roll legacy that the band seems determined to carry forward.
Of special note too was the concert’s opening act and recent touring partner, British group-to-keep-a-definite-eye-on, The Temperance Movement. The band’s aural agenda seems to be a cooler-because-they’re-British? take on The Black Keys’ rough rock Zeppelinized sound. As Blackberry Smoke’s frontman Starr exudes charisma, coolness and a magnificent hold on the musical material at hand, the Temperance Movement’s frontman Phil Campbell exudes these same necessary qualities, but in a more urgent, revved-up fashion. Concluding their set with rock-catchy “Take it Back,” the TM made it clear that they are a rock force of the future to be reckoned with. NYC-area concertgoers are encouraged to check out the group’s upcoming solo show at the Mercury Lounge on Tuesday, April 14th to hear what else these intriguing guys can do.