When we were done, everybody started thinking it might be something people want to have. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the band and re-establish their Southern roots, Georgia-based Southern rock badasses Blackberry Smoke will be releasing their latest record called You Hear Georgia on May 28th. So having him join us was sort of inevitable. "I've got a really good 1965 Gibson ES 330, the P90 hollow body ES - but the 330 is truly hollow, not semi-hollow like the 335. Hank Charles Glenn Langley But at that point, we werent even able to get in the same room together. I don't know about my most important influence. It sounds like they were doing things they weren't supposed to be doing. "Same thing. 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. Web"Red-Haired" Shanks, commonly known as just "Red Hair", is the chief of the Red Hair Pirates and one of the Four Emperors that rule over the New World. , which is out today. Most days you can find in the studio and on tour with Kristian Bush. Without a doubt. I was watching television one morning, drinking a cup of coffee, and I heard a fellow on the news being interviewed. JavaScript is disabled. I heard Warren playing slide and went, 'Oh, my God, who is that? Thats where the first line of the song, You hear Georgia when I open my mouth / Dont make no difference what Im talking about, came from. I wondered whether people around the world were truly hearing what he was saying or just. We passed it back and forth playing and when I got up to leave, he said, 'Don't forget your guitar.' [5] On August 26, 2012, they performed at a charity benefit called the Boot Ride with the cast of Sons of Anarchy, partnered with The Boot Campaign at the Happy Ending Bar and Grill in Hollywood, California.[6][7]. 8:27 am. This was the first time a non-mainstream supported artist or band was able to achieve this feat in the modern era. January 20th 2023. Benji, sat in with Widespread Panic in Knoxville, Tennesee, for a song cover Panic plays called Ophelia by The Band. Hes a great drummer. Im very fortunate to be able to see them live in a few days in Tampa. He was in The Grapes, a long-running and great Atlanta jam band. Keep on tellin' yourself. We missed having them close and being able to hear them, too. Havent seen them yet but have heard theyre excellent. April 8, 2021 @ And it made me smile. Really hope we can quit listening to all these statist hippies before long so we can see some live music this year. With Michael Cusack, Sarah Snook, Demi Lardner, Hugh Jackman. Oh heck yes they are. Was there a catalyst that sparked the need to put your thoughts to words for this song? 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. But theres a lot of good people too. Benji has gained lots of attention in the last couple of years in his role with southern rockers Captain Soularcat and his work as a guest artist with Tishamingo . "Then I went through the years of just playing the guitar, terrified to sing. He started playing percussion on the new album and Britt (Turner, Watching a few live clips it does seem like Benji fills the classic "utility" player position and seemingly takes more of Charlie's parts and spots than Pauls. The album features guest appearances by Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson and the Black Bettys, and was overseen by Nashvilles hottest producer, Georgia native Dave Cobb. Crossed paths with Benji back in 2015 or so when he was on tour with Kristian Bush of Sugarland fame. They have come a long way since then. I know what I'll be doing that night. 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. Atlanta, GA - Born and raised in the deep south of Rome (GA), Benji Shanks gets closer to legendary status with guitar moves that mimic the Southern Rock masters like Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaun, and Dickie Betts. Some people go to college, I joined bands [laughs]. 8:06 am. Im a terrible schoolteacher. Benji (Shanks) said to me one night, That guitar hits every note of the rainbow. I think that describes it. "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. Absolutely live in one afternoon. With pandemic restrictions easing, Blackberry Smoke begins a robust summer tour this weekend that will bring it to Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta on August 21. "I was in high school when Seven Turns, his first album with the band, came out [in 1990] and I heard Good Clean Fun on the radio. Yes, that one was fantastic. 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. Coincidentally, wed been trying to come up with some ideas about promoting our summer tour, the Spirit of the South tour. At the drive-in shows, were people out there they were just way out there. Our interview was cut short, because well, the music biz never stops and sound checks must go on. I love a couple really odd ones Nick Drake utilized, that I had to be shown. Blackberry Smoke added Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb as permanent members this year. Charlie Starr Wiki | Age and Net Worth 2023 | Wife | Songs - "It's a reissue Dan Armstrong Lucite guitar. While there are many great legendary guitar players that preach the Southern Rock sound, there are few as good as Benji Shanks. I have others which are nicer, and its not terribly valuable. 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). [16] In 2021 the band released its seventh studio album, You Hear Georgia.[17]. Am I alone in wanting to hear people get rowdy in the studio and cut that sh*t live like God intended? He was talking with a really, really thick Southern accent. Be the first to contribute! WebBlackberry Smoke was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. I previously had tons of respect for schoolteachers and now have even more. To watch him construct a solo is mind blowing. Was there a catalyst that sparked the need to put your thoughts to words for this song? Lonesome for a Livin feat. Widespread Panics guitar player, Jimmy Herring, caught wind of Benjis rising success and invited him for a few guest appearances with the band. Their debut album, Bad Luck Ain't No Crime, was released in 2003. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It just stands there and says, 'Hey, we dont need a bunch of hits. February 25, 2021 @ Prestons known Richard (Turner, bassist) since high school. We missed having them close and being able to hear them, too. In 2015 Blackberry Smoke became the first small independent outfit to have an album, Holding All The Roses, go to No. Shanks was the vocalist for the earliest but short-lived lineup of the all-woman band Vixen after changing its name from The album also racked up another nearly 1 million streams its debut week. The. ArtsATL: If you were going on an extended vacation and could only take one, which guitar would you choose? 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 Hadn't seen it. If the other guys have some tunes, they should play them. Also joining the band for the album are The Black Bettys. Their second album released in 2009, Little Piece of Dixie. Mike eve never worked with a major record label. February 25, 2021 @ I kind of use a pick and ring finger combination, like a hybrid picking thing. I owned a vintage one in the '90s, which had a badly repaired headstock break so I sold it, but it was so cool. Artist. Never will it die. You must log in or register to reply here. 7:06 am, Thats too funny. You also sing a song with Jamey Johnson, who sounds incredible, like a redwood singing. And she was quick to chastise me or any others for doing such. The set also included a few covers, including It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry, a Bob Dylan classic that caught the attention of the crowd as the dined and drank while they entertained. Hes a sweetener, who adds so much to what is already there. Im going to be 69 this year and I still love to hear this band. Benji is a fantastic player that has killer tone with a But his solo on Not My Cross to Bear or You Dont Love Me is not laid back at all. 1:59 pm. Unfortunately, you can find that mentality almost anywhere you go in the world, but the image sometimes gets directed toward the South which I think is incorrect and unfair. Prestons known Richard (Turner, bassist) since high school. "One of the beautiful things about the original Lynyrd Skynyrd was the way the three guitarists stayed out of each other's way, and they never really seem to be playing the same thing at the same time, which is mind-blowing. The album features guest appearances by Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson and the Black Bettys, and was overseen by Nashvilles hottest producer, Georgia native Dave Cobb. Note: only considered 3 of 9 setlists (ignored empty and strikingly short setlists) Setlist. I prefer the P90 to a humbucker, really. I was thinking about the things that are good about Southern culture the things I love, like the good stories I grew up on, the music I was taught, the love I experienced with friends and family and being comforted by their goodness. Blackberry Smoke was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. I received a great education being on the road with them, something that you cant get anywhere else other than going out and being on the road and doing it. said Shanks. Blackberry Smoke also managed to record the EP. #1. He started playing percussion on the new album. Donald Shanks died at age 73 years old in 1983 Dickey scratches a whole different itch for me from that era of the band. So wed all turn to each other and grin to each other and be like, How weird is this? It was the new normal for sure, at that point. February 24, 2021 @ [Verse 2] Girl, let me guess, you don't like how I dress. Earlier this year, Blackberry Smoke celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band with a new album, You Hear Georgia. Robert Lee Kerns- National HOG ( Harley Owners Group ) Chapter Member in Columbus, GA. " Play on Benji Shanks and BlackBerry Smoke ! It softens the blow of the arrival of a new guitar when she sees one leave. I think they were the loudest trio I've ever seen, and he might be the best singing guitar player I've ever seen. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Keep Southern Country Rock going on forever ! Starr: Without a doubt. My buddy Dave Lizmi from The Four Horsemen and I started banging these riffs back and forth, and it evolved from that. !Really stole the show at the Billy Gibbons Guitar Show deal, I thought. It made sense to go to the studio, where some of the songs were originally recorded. 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. Maybe it was 6 years ago. Starr: They were odd. Joining the band now both in the studio and on the road is well-known Atlanta percussionist Preston Holcomb, as well as guitarist Benji Shanks who has worked with The Black Crowes and others in the past. I saw them probably 6 or so years ago with Drake White opening, and Drake put on a better show than they did. 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. "Yeah, I'm blaming my lack of slide playing ability on Jimmy Page!". Did you learn anything new about yourself during the intense months of COVID? February 26, 2021 @ FELKER'S GHOST It was for sale and I kept balking at the price and I finally said alright, I'll buy it. WebView the profiles of people named Benji Shanks. Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel. Looking forward to this one, but curious to see how the addition of so many artists goes in the studio. Were really enjoying it. What are some of your other favorite guitars? Tell me about that. She was just such a kind, good person who never had a single bad thing to say about one person not one my entire life. Advertisement Benjis rig rundown gets underway with a look at his pedalboard We still appreciated being able to hear them say, Thank you. Even though it seemed quite a bit downhill and far away. If you're uncertain which one you're looking for, take a wild guess. 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 Benji Shanks as a full-time touring member. How would you describe the greatness of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts? Derek is a good bit quieter, as far as being a talker, but he and Susan have a tremendous family thing that was so much fun to be a part of when we toured with them all summer. Warren Haynes co-wrote All Rise Again and plays and sings on it. "I think they are my favorite band. I wonder how that went down with current longtime member/guitar/vocalist - Paul Jackson? All Over the Road (Charlie Starr) 10. But we also definitely missed the energy of our audiences. And it made me smile. I think I already knew that, but it got fully confirmed. We have some more songs in the works.". You can get so many different sounds with a single-pickup guitar, just the way where you pick the strings. It covers so much ground: blues and gospel and country and even a little bit of reggae feeling, with Sweet Black Angel and then just rock and roll and it sounds dirty and dangerous, not safe and happy. ", I'm definitely not just a collector and I don't have a whole lot of mint-condition guitars. How has Blackberry Smoke been able to stay true to itself over the course of 20 years? 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. If you ever get the chance to see him play, do it! You Hear Georgia was recorded in Nashville with producer Dave Cobb, who is establishing his own Grade A Americana catalog, working with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Marcus King and others. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. It was fascinating to play.". Not to say there was no energy during the livestreams from the Tabernacle and Ryman Auditorium where there was no audience. 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 He was in The Grapes, a long-running and great Atlanta jam band. Their debut album, Bad Luck Ain't No Crime, was released in 2003. It's not heavy metal, but it's got this aggressive sound and every element was just so stellar. 4:17 pm. Hes a sweetener, who adds so much to what is already there. Blackberry Smoke released their fifth studio album, Like an Arrow, featuring Gregg Allman, on October 14, 2016, via their own record label, 3 Legged Records. ", "Blackberry Smoke Leave Zac Brown's Label, Ink Rounder Deal for New Album", "Blackberry Smoke: Holding All The Roses", "Album of the Month (October 2016): Blackberry Smoke, 'Like an Arrow' Read More: Album of the Month (October 2016): Blackberry Smoke, 'Like an Arrow', "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50", "Blackberry Smoke announce Homecoming: Live In Atlanta live album and film", "Blackberry Smoke To Release New Album 'You Hear Georgia' Out May 28th, Share Title Track", "Blackberry Smoke Chart History Billboard 200", "Blackberry Smoke Chart History Country Albums", "Blackberry Smoke Chart History Americana Albums", "Blackberry Smoke Chart History Heatseekers Albums", "Blackberry Smoke Chart History Independent Albums", "Blackberry Smoke Chart History Rock Albums", "Official Rock & Metal Album Charts Top 40", "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40", "Country Album Chart News For October 10, 2012: Little Big Town #1 for a Month; Jerrod Niemann & Blake Shelton Debut", "The Country Album Chart Report for September 14, 2015", "Top 10 Country Albums Chart: August 28, 2017", "Top 10 Country Albums Sales Chart: November 7, 2018", "Country Music's Top 10 Albums: The Week Of July 17, 2014", "Country Bites News snippets August 18 August 24, 2014", "Blackberry Smoke Bring The Fire For Homecoming: Live in Atlanta", "Top 10 Country Albums Pure Sales Chart: November 24, 2019", "Blackberry Smoke Chart History (Country Airplay)", "Blackberry Smoke Share New Single "Ain't the Same", "CMT: Videos: Blackberry Smoke: Good One Comin' On", "CMT: Videos: Blackberry Smoke: Pretty Little Lie", "CMT: Videos: Blackberry Smoke: Shakin' Hands With The Holy Ghost", "CMT: Videos: Blackberry Smoke: Six Ways To Sunday", "Blackberry Smoke | Too High | VEVO Yahoo Screen", "CMT: Videos: Blackberry Smoke: Sunrise in Texas", https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/youll-hear-georgia-in-the-music-of-blackberry-smoke/6SBKWZQQTNFEHENBX3H7THLG24/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blackberry_Smoke&oldid=1152261565, Rock music groups from Georgia (U.S. state), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Label: Earache Records (U.K. Europe only), This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 04:46. He's not trying to impress you with his chops, speed or prowess. Blackberry Smoke is an American rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. Their second album released in 2009, Little Piece of Dixie. like the music, but would actually like to hear the singer through the WHOLE SONG and not just part of it. I love it dearly. Mr. Shanks grew up in Lebanon, Ind., and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he sometimes called basketball games on the campus radio station, WFIU. out there. Blackberry Smoke has much to celebrate. His addition gives Blackberry Smoke a three-guitar lineup, teaming with Starr and Paul Jackson. There's been an evolution of my playing and our music over the life of the band, but I don't think it's drastic, Starr says. Biography ID: 35047599 Timm Shanks (1950 - 1999) Born June 13, 1950 Death April 6, 1999 Summary Timm Shanks was born on June 13, 1950, and died at age 48 years old on April 6, 1999. 4:47 am. They're made to be played.". I started asking myself, Where does it go from here? Blackberry Smoke has a new album it recorded during the pandemic and is about to begin its first tour since COVID-19 hit. Somethin hit me deep down in my soul, Jeremy Bath I think everybody wishes they could re-record their debut albumunless you're Led Zeppelin.. Old Enough to Know (Charlie Starr, Travis Meadows) 8. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. "I asked Warren if he would please play on it, and he said absolutely and that he wanted to sing on it, too. That one is very interesting. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or So experience it live and be there in person for a 2023 Benji Shanks Rock concert. he was saying it. Listening to our first album is hard to do, because we were a brand-new band and pretty green, but I still hear some elements from it today. WebBenji Shanks - IMDb IMDbPro All topics Benji Shanks IMDbPro Starmeter See rank Help contribute to IMDb. It really is like another voice singing. Kirby Web4,340 Followers, 1,308 Following, 458 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Benji Shanks (@shanksforeverything) It may not display this or other websites correctly. Marlena Swartz 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. If you came here from a link, please go back and correct the link for one of the heroes listed below.