12:31 am. The band, fronted by guitarist/singer/songwriter Charlie Starr, has honed their unique American blend with relentless touring, a hardcore work ethic and a continuing stream of excellent releases. He was talking with a really, really thick Southern accent. February 25, 2021 @ Was there a catalyst that sparked the need to put your thoughts to words for this song? The name of the band was called Spit Shine, a small punk rock band out of Rome high school. The only drawback was we had to do it long distance, because it wasnt a good time to travel. He started playing percussion on the new album and Britt (Turner, drummer) said, Id love to hear Preston playing percussion live with us, not just have the percussion as an overdub as you often hear with recordings. WebAverage setlist for tour: Acoustic Shows featuring Benji Shanks. Shanks was a born into a Jewish family in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in 1930. Long time best friend of Benji, Dave Kudlats said, Ive been watching Benji grow as a musician for more than ten years, and if he continues to play with musicians like Jimmy Herring, and bands like the Last Walts Ensemble I have no doubt he will land a gig with a famous band in the future.. We have a bunch of damn good songs recorded exactly the way they should have been.'. Thats where the first line of the song, I dont believe everyone around the world hates the South. If you're uncertain which one you're looking for, take a wild guess. And thats funny you ask because years ago I asked Rick if he had loved the guitar and he said he hadnt. When I saw he would be doing acoustic I immediately thought it can only get better. February 25, 2021 @ 7:39 am. When COVID-19 hit, how did Blackberry Smoke adapt to the abrupt change from being a heavily touring band to no longer being able to tour at all? April 8, 2021 @ (1-57 of 57) Year. Warren Haynes co-wrote All Rise Again and plays and sings on it. We didn't even talk about what we were writing for, but I played it for Dave Cobb, when we were doing pre-production over the phone. Initially, the goal was simply to capture some cool video footage while recording some covers live for the tour. I kind of use a pick and ring finger combination, like a hybrid picking thing. 31 Comments. Eventually we started to do some drive-in shows as those became the new model. January 28, 2023 @ Oh heck yes they are. WebBenji Shanks has become one of the top Rock artists in the 2023 music scene, delighting fans with a unique Rock sound. Other than that, I think just tremolo and reverb from that amp. "Benji" may be referring to two or more different heroes. Im very fortunate to be able to see them live in a few days in Tampa. Capricorn called and invited us down to record, since the studio was up and running. Morningside (Charlie Starr, Nick Perri) 9. Blackberry SmokeBrenda SteppCharlie Starr, For advertising and sponsorships, email David Wright at [emailprotected]. Was there a catalyst that sparked the need to put your thoughts to words for this song? Then theres other parts of the song which are addressing the discourse in the world right now and some of the lyrics, like, . I think I already knew that, but it got fully confirmed. Following Soularcat on the road in 2005, was some of the best memories of music Ive ever had, said band groupie Lonnie Robinson. But theres just something about that piece of wood that is really special to me. Billy is the best. Starr returned to touring solo shows earlier this year; his last solo show was in Macon, Georgia, January 15, 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on in-person live shows. Blackberry Smoke also managed to record the EP. "As a kid I heard the songs and just thought it was the greatest rock and roll. I was super late to the party on this band, but they stick in my YouTube algo like a bad habit. "Yeah, but my wife doesn't fall for the, 'Hey, they're tools, Honey' bit. Then all I needed to do is write some songs to sing." So we never had anyone breathing down our collective neck, trying to make us fit. And, because of that, we didnt have to hear anyone telling us, You have to cut your hair or You have to play a certain kind of song, because thats whats popular. Weve always just been able to govern ourselves. And she was quick to chastise me or any others for doing such. Hank Charles So we started to work on some livestream-type things. Keep Southern Country Rock going on forever ! Add or change photo on IMDbPro Add to It just stands there and says, 'Hey, we dont need a bunch of hits. Saw Blackberry Smoke in the UK though and still thought they kicked ass. Kirby But his solo on Not My Cross to Bear or You Dont Love Me is not laid back at all. Alan Paul is the author of three books, Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan (opens in new tab), One Way Way Out: The Inside Story of the Allman Brothers Band which were both New York Times bestsellers and Big in China: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues and Becoming a Star in Beijing (opens in new tab), a memoir about raising a family in Beijing and forming a Chinese blues band that toured the nation. When we finished out set they helped us clear some of our gear off the stage. Is the Les Paul Junior still your number one? Mike And if there was ever a song that was tailor-made for COVID, its that one cause we all gotta keep on smilin for sure. There was no stress or problems. Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel. That's completely accidental, butwe've absorbed the music of the Band, Little Feat and many others. Benji is super nice and a great player! "But it's just a bigger, fatter tone to meeven than a humbucker. Love this band!!! May 31, 2021 @ What would you say the world needs a little more of right now? You recently added Benji Shanks as a third guitarist. Crosby tuned it when he was here recording with Jason Isbell and I left it.' And doing them really reminded me of how much I love playing music in this band because the enjoyment really comes from playing the songs. He knows what to play and not to play, but with three guitars, we do talk about the parts quite a bit, about staying out of each other's lane. Been a huge fan since thier first album (that was oddly produced by Jessie James Dupree of Jackyl). Daniele Benji had previously appeared on acoustic tours with Charlie Starr as an accompanist, and both were on tour with Blackberry Smoke when they paired up with the Tedeschi Trucks Band. I had the '65 on extended loan. If you were going on an extended vacation and could only take one, which guitar would you choose? Summary. I previously had tons of respect for schoolteachers and now have even more. WebBenji Shanks Biography It looks like we don't have any Biography for Benji Shanks yet. 1 in album sales in both country and rock, and No. I love this band, also love when Black Bettys performing with the band. It's sort of frightening to think this guy who wrote Communication Breakdown also wrote The Rain Song, and he can convey that to these other guys in advance, and they capture it on tape. I love it dearly. February 27, 2021 @ Well, there was really nothing we could do. So, its just a very personal thing as to whichever guitar speaks to you. Does that mean the Stones are your favorite band and most important influence? And I love all his P90s! Lonesome for a Livin feat. You know all the shaky stuff youd miss if it wasnt there and would cause you to say, Somethings missing. Preston and Britt make a good team playing together. like the music, but would actually like to hear the singer through the WHOLE SONG and not just part of it. I didn't want to ask for too much; after all, he is Warren Haynes! I previously had tons of respect for schoolteachers and now have even more. Their debut album, Bad Luck Ain't No Crime, was released in 2003. Benji Shanks is long time buddy of mine. Charlie Starr serves as a founding member, frontman and lead guitarist for Southern rock band Blackberry Smoke, and last year the band added guitar virtuoso "Most of my slide playing is in open G, and I love playing with tunings. Lyrically, the song is about the South being misunderstood, says lead singer and primary songwriter Charlie Starr. February 25, 2021 @ And I said, 'Well, I got this song.' In 2018, they added touring members Benji Shanks (guitar) and Preston Holcomb (percussion). I dont find the single pickup limiting at all. And so, I was never able to really play that Duane stuff very well andwould always lean a little more toward Lowell George. They're made to be played. We like the records we make and we dont feel like we sacrifice our integrity to try and step a rung higher on the ladder. All Credits Composer Director If you ever get the chance to see him play, do it! I wondered whether people around the world were truly hearing what he was saying or just. mark Years ago, we recorded Yesterday's Wine, the old Willie Nelson song, with Jamey and [country music legend] George Jones, which I'll cherish forever. May 21, 2021 @ Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Its been refinished, the head has broken and its got replacement parts. When we were done, everybody started thinking it might be something people want to have. It might have been 200 people, but I thought, 'They all bought a ticket to hear our songs. Hadn't seen it. Nicolas Racine They are the first independently-released artist to hit No. Im so proud of him. Kevn Kinney, Charlie Starr & More Join The Black Crowes In Alpharetta. Fans of both Starr and Shanks bought every table, standing space, and crevice available for the four shows, and the Biscuit provided an intimate venue to see the all-acoustic set by the two talented Southern rockers. With Michael Cusack, Sarah Snook, Demi Lardner, Hugh Jackman. The band had their first chart success with their third album, The Whippoorwill, which was released in August 2012 and reached Top 40 on Billboard 200. Robert Lee Kerns- National HOG ( Harley Owners Group ) Chapter Member in Columbus, GA. " Play on Benji Shanks and BlackBerry Smoke ! I don't know about my most important influence. You guys recorded an EP last year at the newly reopened Capricorn studios, where so much great music by Marshall Tucker, the Allman Brothers Band and many others was recorded. But theres a lot of good people too. Hes a great drummer. . Heres how it works. But then it started to grow. He was in The Grapes, a long-running and great Atlanta jam band. Coincidentally, wed been trying to come up with some ideas about promoting our summer tour, the Spirit of the South tour. Benjis been playing with us a long time, off and on. The tone was a little brighter and a little cleaner, but just as fabulous. I sat down recently with the one and only Benji Shanks, who is currently on tour with Blackberry Smoke as a guest guitarist. Starr: Im a terrible schoolteacher. He The foundation is still there. [Verse 2] Girl, let me guess, you don't like how I dress. You were once quoted as saying, I cant be grown up on the road. Do you think you did any growing up being off the road? 9:26 pm. Debbie. "We were on the phone late one night just sharing our lockdown experiences and he said, 'Man, I've been writing more songs than I ever have, because there's nothing else to do,' and I said, 'Yeah, me tooand collaborating a lot with friends who are in the same position, stuck at home. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. That's the way we make records anyway; we're a band, we play together. Old Scarecrow (Charlie Starr, Rickey Medlocke), Benji Shanks, Blackberry Smoke, Charlie Starr, Dave Lizmi, Jamey Johnson, Preston Holcomb, Rickey Medlocke, The Black Bettys, The Four Horsemen, Warren Haynes, You Hear Georgia, george Prestons known Richard (Turner, bassist) since high school. In my pedalboard, I have a Fulltone Supa Trem mach one that I love.". The lineup consists of Charlie Starr (lead vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, backing vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, backing vocals), and Brandon Still (keyboards). They even offered most of their backline to us if we preferred. Its obviously a rough and tumble world, and theres a lot of bad people. At what point did you realize this had legs, that it was different from other bands youd been in? Capricorn called and invited us down to record, since the studio was up and running. Maybe it was 6 years ago. Starr: Yes, that one was fantastic. It all happened in one day, without planning to put it together as a project, because were not a cover band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23WnzhkuflE, Brad Wireman But I didn't listen to him and brought tons and tons of stuff of my own because half the fun of making records is playing with your toys! They were the best band on the ship, and there were many. No. "I love them and always have. Lonnie also grew up in Rome where he has known the band for more than 8 years. Their second album released in 2009, Little Piece of Dixie. 1 on the Billboard Country Album charts in modern history. ArtsATL: Did you learn anything new about yourself during the intense months of COVID? How is this living in this man's brain? Produced by fellow Georgia native Dave Cobb, the album is all about their deep appreciation for the Peach State, especially the title track (listen below). ArtsATL: Has that freedom shaped how you write songs? Preston came after we made Find a Light, our last album. Blackberry Smoke Announces New Album, New Members, Country Fans Arent Unwitting Pawns (a Response to Ketch Secor & NYT), Brennen Leigh Aint Through Honky Tonkin Yet, Newest Adds to Saving Country Musics Top 25 Current Playlist (#118), Why Charley Pride Took So Long to Become a Grand Ole Opry Member. For example I don't think I've ever seen Paul play slide or open tunings - Benji does both which are usually Charlie's domain. I heard Warren playing slide and went, 'Oh, my God, who is that? I suspect theyre playing to a click, and its holding them back. When you have that freedom, it comes pretty easy. last year, and collaborated with recent Grammy Award winner Jimmy Hall, who led the Capricorn band Wet Willie. Absolutely live in one afternoon. I'm not pretty. ArtsATL: I heard you explain the new albums title song, You Hear Georgia, as being lyrically about those of us from the South sometimes being misunderstood and then it expanded to discord among folks in general. Mickey It's a challenge, you can't be anywhere near your amp. Starr: No, I dont think so not other than planting my vegetables, which I think is pretty grown-up (chuckles). Jamey Johnson (Charlie Starr) 6. No, I dont think so not other than planting my vegetables, which I think is pretty grown-up (chuckles). At one point, I decided that I hold my guitar too low to really get comfortable playing with nothing but the fingers down there.". And she was quick to chastise me or any others for doing such. 11:48 am. He and @benjispanks had all of us at the first cord! This was good enough to put it also at No. But Blackberry Smoke does hope to utilize them on select dates in the future. Shawn tackett Met him last month and he gave me a stage tour, free tickets and backstage passes. Blackberry Smoke fit right into this organic, guitar-based group. I think the songs are better now. You also sing a song with Jamey Johnson, who sounds incredible, like a redwood singing. I saw these dudes live about 8 years ago in Boston and found them kind of boring in concert. Just what youd expect from the guys. At the drive-in shows, were people out there they were just. 8:06 am. Starr: Well, I had the kind of grandmother books are written about. He had siblings Robert Ian Shanks, Margaret Bain Shanks, Charles Alex Shanks, Donald Mckenzie Shanks, and Bruce Mckenzie Shanks. Blackberry Smoke's 2016 album Like An Arrow did the same. Old Enough to Know (Charlie Starr, Travis Meadows) 8. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The two have played together outside of Blackberry Smoke before, several times in years past, so seeing both musicians smiling and genuinely having a good time was a welcome site to those who have missed live, in-person shows over the past year. The way that he plays and sings, too good grief. Your email address will not be published. 1:31 am. Crossed paths with Benji back in 2015 or so when he was on tour with Kristian Bush of Sugarland fame. I think I already knew that, but it got fully confirmed. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. So we never had anyone breathing down our collective neck, trying to make us fit. And, because of that, we didnt have to hear anyone telling us, You have to cut your hair or You have to play a certain kind of song, because thats whats popular. Weve always just been able to govern ourselves. Credits. And Warren too; it's unbelievable how good they both are.". But at that point, we werent even able to get in the same room together. he was saying it. What prompted that decision? They are the first independently-released artist to hit No. He knows what sounds best for what you're trying to accomplish, and everything has its place in that room, so that's a huge part of the equation taken care of. Bath It may not display this or other websites correctly. ArtsATL: How has Blackberry Smoke been able to stay true to itself over the course of 20 years? Black Bettys harmonies are just golden, too! That one is very interesting. "Blackberry Smoke Little Piece of Dixie:: Blogs:: Andy Whitman on Music:: Paste", "Blackberry Smoke The Whippoorwill (2012)", "Blackberry Smoke Goes #1 in Album Sales with "You Hear Georgia", "Watch Blackberry Smoke's new video & check out live pics! Love their studio stuff but wondering if I just caught them on an off night or are they not great live? So I had that banging around in my head, and I had a guitar riff. Somethin hit me deep down in my soul, Jeremy Playing publicly since 2003, Benji Shanks has come to be known by frequently guest performing with some of the southeastern regions best bands. Prestons known Richard (Turner, bassist) since high school. I wonder though, why Charlie brought another guitar player/member into the band? "Same thing. Blackberry Smokes Benji Shanks Provides Rig Rundown. Not to say there was no energy during the livestreams from the Tabernacle and Ryman Auditorium where there was no audience. "I wrote a very traditional country song for George Jones, who passed away before he did it. 4:47 am. I love Benji Shanks style of guitar playing especially when he plays that slide guitar. BA1 1UA. And that's why God made volume knobs. So we started to work on some livestream-type things. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Jerry A. Shanks. ", "I used an Echoplex, a '70s EP-3, quite a bit, and a Drybell Vibe Machine, a really great Univibe sound in a tiny little pedal. He was talking with a really, really thick Southern accent. It was for sale and I kept balking at the price and I finally said alright, I'll buy it. ArtsATL: Is there anyone who stands out for you as representing the good of the South? ArtsATL: One of the songs was Wet Willies Keep on Smilin. Was it as much fun to record as it appears to be by the smile on your face in the video? 7:51 pm. Did you learn anything new about yourself during the intense months of COVID? Is the Stones' Exile on Main St. still your favorite album? I was watching television one morning, drinking a cup of coffee, and I heard a fellow on the news being interviewed. Were really enjoying it. We try to subscribe to that idea.". This year marks the Atlanta bands 20th anniversary together. 9:16 am. WebNancy Shanks (c. 19562019) was an American singer . (Durrett) Shanks on March 20, 1984 in Rockwall County, Texas. I havent seen Blackberry Smoke since but like you, have been listening to a lot of their music, Ben Collinge When you have that freedom, it comes pretty easy. Starr worked in a body shop like his dad by day, playing honky tonks and bars and partying hard by night. He's not trying to impress you with his chops, speed or prowess. A powerless superhero and family patriarch in an Australian suburb lives a not-so-secret identity as Koala Man while possessing a burning passion to snuff out petty crime and bring order to the community. What prompted that decision? And thats funny you ask because years ago I asked Rick if he had loved the guitar and he said he hadnt. Keep on tellin' yourself. We've made it. February 25, 2021 @ I didnt write it for myself to sing; it was for a country troubadour, so I suggested we should record that as a tribute to George. Also joining the band for the album are The Black Bettys. 8:27 am. I heard you explain the new albums title song, You Hear Georgia, as being lyrically about those of us from the South sometimes being misunderstood and then it expanded to discord among folks in general. But it definitely had its challenges because it was a new world. 4:17 pm. WebBenji. It was one of the remaining opportunities to see Starr and Shanks before they hit the road along with the rest of Blackberry Smoke as they head out on a U.S./Canada tour starting in mid-June that will carry them all the way to late October this year. I'm a fan for life. Coincidentally, wed been trying to come up with some ideas about promoting our summer tour, the Spirit of the South tour. "But Dickey was playing a little more laid back at times and bringing a little more country, which developed later, with Blue Sky and Ramblin Man. Currently, Benji still lives in Atlanta with his girlfriend and is playing guitar with the Justin Brogdon band, and the Last Walts Ensemble. "I think they are my favorite band. His addition gives Blackberry Smoke a three-guitar lineup, teaming with Starr and Paul Jackson. But they were fine. Benjis been playing with us a long time, off and on. Longtime fans of Blackberry Smoke filled The Funky Biscuit to capacity for An Evening With Charlie Starr and Benji Shanks, a set of four shows over two nights on June 5 & 6 at the Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, Florida. Was waiting for Dave Cobb looking forward to this LP! The set list included a steady helping of Blackberry Smoke tunes, the majority of which were penned by Starr and other members of Blackberry Smoke. February 25, 2021 @ Were you tuned in from the start that songwriting was going to be really important? FELKER'S GHOST ", "Dave has a warehouse room full of amps, so I just took a 1965 Deluxe Reverb, a 1958 Tweed Tremolux and a '70s JMP 50-watt Marshall, used with one of his cabinets. How has Blackberry Smoke been able to stay true to itself over the course of 20 years? He just put a lot more energy into the show than they did. Hell after reading comments , I feel a good one coming on ! What a show it was. Corncaster Then theres other parts of the song which are addressing the discourse in the world right now and some of the lyrics, like, We used to go toe to toe, but my heart aint in no mo, refer to the fact Im so tired of fighting. Your email address will not be published. "I think Derek Trucks is the greatest guitar player Ive ever played with. "Yeah. I dont have to learn dance moves and feel like I have to put on a gorilla suit and dance in front of the car wash, and that causes me to sleep well at night. After college, Shanks left Rome for the Atlanta Institute of Music, where he finished his associates degree in guitar theory. Blackberry Smoke has been one of the highlights of independent country and Southern rock over the last two decades, becoming the first independent outfit in the modern era to go #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart when their album Holding All The Roses did so in 2015. This feat was matched in 2016 with Like an Arrow. ArtsATL: When COVID-19 hit, how did Blackberry Smoke adapt to the abrupt change from being a heavily touring band to no longer being able to tour at all? 7:43 am. 1:17 pm. Aug 2, 2022. Do you get rid of something as you get something or do you just keep acquiring? Do you find the single pickup limiting? I know what I'll be doing that night. Charlie Starr is Blackberry Smokes primary songwriter, lead vocalist and lead guitarist.

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