In the spirit of bringing excellent (or what I would consider excellent) bands to your attention, I do have one that I have been a fan of for a bit. I have mentioned their upcoming release elsewhere but now think that I should shine a brighter light. The band is Blackberry Smoke.

Blackberry Smoke is cut from the same Southern cloth as those Southern bands from the ’70s were. Bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, The Outlaws, Marshall Tucker, and a host of others, including the Southern California bands like Poco, and The Eagles. Blackberry Smoke originates from Atlanta, Georgia. They possess a fiery blend of Rock and Roll that draws a close correlation to Lynyrd Skynyrd more than most.

Blackberry Smoke - Photo: Ross Halfin

This five man crew has been around honing their craft for over ten years. From a looks perspective, they come at you just like the ’70s. Musically, they are as equal to any of the bands from that era. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself. Blackberry Smoke is some kind of band that acts as if the ’70s was just one long stretched out period that isn’t even close to being over. I kinda like that sentimentality.

On February 10, Rounder Records will release the band’s latest album, the twelve-track Holding All The Roses. This new albums follow the excellent 2012 release of The Whippoorill, and a host of other studio and live sets that include Little Piece Of Dixie (2009), Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime (2004), and the energetic 2014 live set, Leave A Scar, Live: North Carolina.

Blackberry Smoke Holding All The Roses

Give a listen to a track from their upcoming album below, and if you want a track for free, you can download “Rock And Roll Again” at this link (on the right side, signing up for the Rounder newsletter).

 

By MARowe

5 thoughts on “Discoveries: Blackberry Smoke (Atlanta, GA)”
  1. I think when the dust settles from the holidays I will be checking this band out. The song sounds pretty good and makes me think it’s worth a shot to pick up this cd.
    I have to laugh at the band photo though, they sure do look the part (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

  2. Absolutely LOVE this band, we spread the smoke everywhere we go! We have met the guys at concerts and on the Simple man cruise and they are always so nice. Great group!!!

  3. I will be sure to check this band out. Thanks for the heads up on them.
    Will review once I give them a spin.

  4. At fist glance, I was …. well willin to give them a listen. It took me some time …. had to get over the 70’s look. (I didn’t think it was back in style). But after serious listening to the layers of musical talent, voice range and keys that kill; not to mention lyrics so relatable, I have been a devoted fan ever since Whippoorwill . I have met some very groovy brothers and sisters who adore this southern rock music as much as I do (some even more if that is possible). BBS has the entire package and I was wrong to judge them initially by their appearance. I gave them a shot; and they have in turn enriched my music life. Rock on.

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