blackberry smoke richmondBlackberry Smoke, The Temperance Movement, the Ben Miller Band

The National Richmond, VA

April 9th 2015

 by Carlton Duff

Blackberry Smoke is a breath of fresh air in the form of a throw back standard issue radio ready road tested American Classic rock n’ roll band. That statement might have you scratching your head, but in this digital new age, what once seemed run of the mill is now a freak of nature. Classic rock radio in 2015 might as well be the family gathering around the radio for FDR’s fireside chats, and touring bands are barely surviving unless they latch on to some sort of overblown traveling circus mega-festival sponsored by a corporate puppet master. And rock n’ roll, shit even I have to remind myself that rock even exists sometimes by dropping a crate of dusty old James Gang records on my foot.

On this rainy night in Richmond, the Atlanta band played some of the crowd favorites from their growing catalog, “Good One Comin’ On“, “One Horse Town“, “Six Ways To Sunday” and threw in a couple covers including The Rolling Stones’ “Street Fightin’ Man” and an amazing version of Led Zeppelin’s “Your Time Is Gonna Come” that featured Brandon Still’s swirling organ (yeah I said swirling organ).  Plus, and a ripping version of “Up In Smoke” which the band took an impromptu break from to watch as three “ladies” duked it out in the front rows. However despite a solid live show, this night belonged to the two opening bands.

Blackberry Smoke 1-15-14 Richmond, VA Prayer For The Little Man

Ben Miller Band from Missouri blew minds with psychedelic back porch bluegrass that was played with precision and sonic crispness that isn’t often associated with this type of organic home brewed musical gumbo. Doug Dicharry poured soul and sweat into his electric washboard while working the cry baby pedal, electric spoons, and trombone. Scott Leeper jumped from one string wash tub base to the drum kit all the while they both were singing their asses off. Over top this, Ben worked away on the fretboard and sang with conviction about every day heartbreak with great wordplay. Go see these guys.

Check out the review of North Mississippi Osborne from Boston and Pt Chester NY submitted by Frim Jolly.

Next up was The Temperance Movement, and the singer was the center of attention from the word go. Gritty gruff R&B vocals from a skinny Scotsman who danced away like some sort of mash up of Mick Jagger and Richard Simmons at the peak of an Ecstasy binge. I feel like I lost a lot of calories just watching the dude! The band delivered a 70’s style hard charging back drop that brought to mind The Black Crowes, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Free. Go see these guys as well, you won’t be disappointed.

Blackberry Smoke deserves credit for the dedication to their music, but in my opinion, deserves more credit for being humble and respectful enough of good music in general to bring along two bands that on this night showed them up.

Don’t Do It, Blackberry Smoke @ The National in Richmond, VA 1-15-14

Remaining tour dates for Blackberry Smoke:

Fri. Apr 10

The Fillmore Silver Spring

Silver Spring, MD, United States

Sat. Apr 11

LC Pavilion

Columbus, OH, United States

Thu. Apr 16

The Ritz

Raleigh, NC, United States

Fri. Apr 17

The Fillmore Charlotte

Charlotte, NC, United States

Sat. Apr 18

House of Blues Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach, SC, United States

Wed. Apr 22

Music Farm Columbia

Columbia, SC, Unite

 

Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.

MORE ARTICLES:

Check out the review of Blackberry Smoke, Ben Miller Band and the Temperance Movement in Richmond VA.

Mystery Train announces a list of festivals they are hosting this summer.

Bella’s Bartok at Hinge Northampton MA March 27 2015Barok
Cousin Earth at Garcia’s by Miles Hurley

Strange Design reviewed by Andy Smith at Gypsy Sally’s March 2015

Check out the review of North Mississippi Osborne from Boston and Pt Chester NY submitted by Frim Jolly.

Viral Sound review from the Stone Church November 2014.

Check out the review of Freekbass back in January at the Main Pub in Manchester, CT here.

Check out the review of the Balkun Brothers and Gang of Thieves at Strange Brew in CT here.

Check out the review of Deadbeat at Harlows FEB 2015.

Check out the review of Adam Ezra Group in RI February 2015 written by Tony Adams.

Shannon Wright announces US tour, dates with Young Widows.

Puddles Pity Party 2/5/15 by Brian Willis

Check out the review of Long Beach first night with Golden Gate Wingmen.

Check out the review of Karl Densons Tiny Universe Brooklyn Bowl FEB 2015.

The Living Room reopens in NYC.

Check out the reviews of two nights of Golden Gate Wingmen featuring John Kadlecik, Jeff Chimenti, Jay Lane and Reed Mathis in Long Beach CA February 6 and 7 Night one: Check out the review of Long Beach night two here!

Check out our review of the John K. Band at the State Theater

Check out our recent review of String Cheese Incident at the Capitol Theater