I love it. Capricorn called and invited us down to record, since the studio was up and running. February 24, 2021 @ But what he brought to the Brothers was just that he was on fire and he was always that way. 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! Nancy Shanks - Wikipedia Billy is the best. WebAfter all, Szlachetka whose self-made success includes high-profile shows alongside Brandi Carlile, Mike Campbell, and Blackberry Smoke's Charlie Starr and Benji Shanks; regular appearances on SiriusXM's Tom Petty Radio; and his own Ditty TV program, Vinyl Recipes, which combines his love for music, cooking, and cocktails isn't running Is the Stones' Exile on Main St. still your favorite album? [15], In 2019, the band released via Earache Records a live album and a film Homecoming: Live in Atlanta, recorded at their annual Brothers And Sisters Holiday Homecoming event at the Tabernacle in Atlanta in November 2018. 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. Oh heck yes they are. Paris Luna And she was quick to chastise me or any others for doing such. one problem with the songwriting, and, the band in general, tunes are indistinguishable, and its really charley starr with backing band. Had never heard them before, really impressive. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or I think I already knew that, but it got fully confirmed. Also joining the band for the album are The Black Bettys. 7:56 am. Their second album released in 2009, Little Piece of Dixie. Cobb isnt really known for a lot of dubbing, so Im interested in how theyll approach it. Your email address will not be published. [1] Shanks was a television sports anchor at WBSG in Brunswick, Georgia and WGXA in And thats funny you ask because years ago I asked Rick if he had loved the guitar and he said he hadnt. Shanks came on as a full-time touring member with BBS in 2020. We really need to all stop formulating opinions by judging a book by its cover. Ive seen them 2 or 3 times in concert and they may be my all time favorite live band. The band spent much of the summer of 2016 on tour with Gov't Mule. You Hear Georgia (Charlie Starr, Dave Lizmi) 3. The Southern rock group has continued to make music despite COVID-19, including a new studio album, You Hear Georgia, which is out today. They join the Charlie and the rest of Blackberry Smoke, Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals) and Brandon Still (keyboards). 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. How is this living in this man's brain? Other than that, I think just tremolo and reverb from that amp. I write songs based on the way I feel about writing a song. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. I know what I'll be doing that night. Shawn tackett I don't know about my most important influence. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You can let us know when that is, How Alvvays harnessed the glorious, devastating power of truly dimed guitar amps, slacker tunings and Tom Verlaine on new album Blue Rev, Ozzy Osbourne names his dream supergroup and it features three guitarists, Joe Bonamassa plays AC/DCs Back in Black like youve never heard it before in this soulful rhythm n blues reimagining, Nuno Bettencourt says Prince once called him one of the top three guitar players in the world. How did you start working together now? He never gets in a hurry. Starr: It was really an easy decision. 6:26 pm. 7:39 pm, ShadeGrown It debuted at No. The three have done a 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. I picked up an old Martin that Dave had in the control room and he said, 'Thats in the David Crosby Guinevere tuning. So thats the South Im talking about. If you were going on an extended vacation and could only take one, which guitar would you choose? But at that point, we werent even able to get in the same room together. We were out on the road with ZZ Top in 2007, and we went to the NAMM Show, where there was a Dan Armstrong booth. Well, there was really nothing we could do. This leadership was later made official with two additional leader positions. 4:17 pm. Since their last full-length album, 2018s Find a Light, Blackberry Smoke have put out a live album and concert film, Homecoming: Live in Atlanta; a six-song acoustic EP, The Southern Ground Sessions; and Live from Capricorn Sound Studios, an EP of six covers recorded live. Blackberry Smokes Benji Shanks Provides Rig Rundown. I dont mean it that way. Kirby What are some of your other favorite guitars? 3 in all of music. "And the songs themselves are just unbeatable, but there was only one single, Tumbling Dice. 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. ", "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. WebNancy Shanks (c. 19562019) was an American singer . 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. "A little of both. But they were fine. Surprised to see a Brown Fender behind his amps stage covering. 7:51 am. With their own careers to keep up with as well, you may not see them out on the road. So we started to work on some livestream-type things. And that's why God made volume knobs. Charlie Starr is Blackberry Smokes primary songwriter, lead vocalist and lead guitarist. They are the first independently-released artist to hit No. Concert number five. I called Jimmy (Hall) and asked if hed want to do some Wet Willie tunes. Was waiting for Dave Cobb looking forward to this LP! February 27, 2021 @ The tone was a little brighter and a little cleaner, but just as fabulous. The whole band sounds great! WebBenji Shanks Biography It looks like we don't have any Biography for Benji Shanks yet. I have others which are nicer, and its not terribly valuable. They have performed alongside numerous artists such as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Guns n' Roses, Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top, Eric Church and Lynyrd Skynyrd. 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. February 24, 2021 @ Had to do it.". He was in The Grapes, a long-running and great Atlanta jam band. 6:16 pm, Just saw Blackberry smoke here in Myrtle Beach at bike week and they are at there best, very professional, Denise Thatcher I prefer the P90 to a humbucker, really. I thought, 'I'm not the best singer, but I can sing a song.' ArtsATL: If you were going on an extended vacation and could only take one, which guitar would you choose? 3:07 pm. "As a kid I heard the songs and just thought it was the greatest rock and roll. Going over That's completely accidental, butwe've absorbed the music of the Band, Little Feat and many others. Aug 2, 2022. With a loud amplifier, it's an animal because it wants to take off. Shanks Absolutely live in one afternoon. 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. ArtsATL: Blackberry Smoke added Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb as permanent members this year. 8:27 am. Charlie Starr & Benji Shanks (Blackberry Smoke) Bring Starr: Yes, that one was fantastic. 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. Guitar prodogy of Rome, Georgia gets recognised - Blogger Benji was also featured on the Bluestring Jammy nominated release Pick Me Up (Flying Frog Records). Bill Shanks - Wikipedia Its been on every one of our records. I sat down recently with the one and only Benji Shanks, who is currently on tour with Blackberry Smoke as a guest guitarist. WebGuitar: Benji Shanks (Captain Soularcat/Last Waltz Ensemble) Mandolin: David Grisman ( Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan) Keyboards: Chuck Leavell ( Allman Brothers Band and Rolling Stones) On May 23, 2014, Paris Luna recorded their live Album Brasstown Ball at the Famous Southern Tracks Studio in Atlanta, Ga., to a live studio audience. This album marks the bands 20th anniversary. [Verse 2] Girl, let me guess, you don't like how I dress. I love these guys. February 26, 2021 @ The name of the band was called Spit Shine, a small punk rock band out of Rome high school. "Yes! After we went into the control room and heard it, we all said, Wow, this actually sounds great!, One of the songs was Wet Willies Keep on Smilin.. Trig, you play with sticks. We still appreciated being able to hear them say, Thank you. Even though it seemed quite a bit downhill and far away. Koala Man Australia. We missed having them close and being able to hear them, too. "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. Did you learn anything new about yourself during the intense months of COVID? Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. "I asked Warren if he would please play on it, and he said absolutely and that he wanted to sing on it, too. I'm a fan for life. The album also racked up another nearly 1 million streams its debut week. I had the '65 on extended loan. "Thanks, man. They have released seven studio albums, two live albums and five extended plays. Who has stepped in here and is doing that?' They're made to be played.". Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Blackberry Smoke We still appreciated being able to hear them say, Thank you. Even though it seemed quite a bit downhill and far away. 7:51 pm. They were both just so fantastic.". But theres a lot of good people too. That's the way we make records anyway; we're a band, we play together. Ill never pass up a chance to see these guys within a few hours drive. But Blackberry Smoke does hope to utilize them on select dates in the future. We passed it back and forth playing and when I got up to leave, he said, 'Don't forget your guitar.' Being a guitar player was my focus, and I was very into that, but I started to see what writing songs could do for people. Tell me about that. He can play with anybody in any situation and he always just does what Warren Haynes does, and it always works and it always rules. I think they were the loudest trio I've ever seen, and he might be the best singing guitar player I've ever seen. He plays in two bands: Big in China and Friends of the Brothers, with Guitar Worlds Andy Aledort. After college, Shanks left Rome for the Atlanta Institute of Music, where he finished his associates degree in guitar theory. So, its just a very personal thing as to whichever guitar speaks to you. ArtsATL: Blackberry Smoke also managed to record the EP Live From Capricorn Sound Studios last year, and collaborated with recent Grammy Award winner Jimmy Hall, who led the Capricorn band Wet Willie. Most days Preston came after we made, , our last album. 1 on the Billboard Country Album charts in modern history. But the Deluxe Reverb was working, so we kept using it. Web4,340 Followers, 1,308 Following, 458 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Benji Shanks (@shanksforeverything) Then all I needed to do is write some songs to sing." Benji Shanks 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. Keep on tellin' yourself. I dont find the single pickup limiting at all. Benji Shanks - IMDb In Groups: Dark Water (3) Artist [a5580126] Edit Artist Marketplace 365 For Sale Vinyl and CD Discography Jimmy was great. Black Bettys harmonies are just golden, too! Your email address will not be published. How does that change things? mark England and Wales company registration number 2008885. I don't know if I could play the music I play without any of those records. Some people go to college, I joined bands [laughs]. We're both big gear nerds with vintage guitars and amplifiers, and he said, 'You don't have to bring anything. Schnelkc Blackberry Smoke's Charlie Starr: "Everybody wishes they could Was there a catalyst that sparked the need to put your thoughts to words for this song? "That was great! I love a couple really odd ones Nick Drake utilized, that I had to be shown. SZLACHETKA Nashville Tickets, The Underdog Jun 20, 2023 Benji toured with Captain Soularcat until the end of 2006, when he got the opportunity to go out on the road with the Black Crows in the Summer of 2007. ", Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year, UK pricing 2.99 per month or 29.00 per year, Europe pricing 3.49 per month or 34.00 per year, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. As Shanks plays the Atlanta music circuit and gains the attention of legendary musicians, Atlanta Benji fans cant wait to see what band he will choose next. We pulled down a bunch of his amps and I used an old Magnatone on a song and maybe an Ampeg Gemini. I wonder though, why Charlie brought another guitar player/member into the band? But then it started to grow. Tell me about the guitar Billy Gibbons gave you. It was a lot of fun just to be able to make music. Lonesome for a Livin feat. 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.. Was it as much fun to record as it appears to be by the smile on your face in the video? I havent seen Blackberry Smoke since but like you, have been listening to a lot of their music, Ben Collinge I also have a couple of Fender Esquires, a 63 and a 65, that I used on the record and they're both really magical. Nobody's better. Benji Shanks (Blackberry Smoke) - Rig Rundown | The Gear Page 1:31 am. Wed love to stay in touch, sign up for The Pick team to contact you with great news, content and offers. It started with the idea of how people might have a preconceived opinion of you because of a thick Southern accent, then expanded into the reality of how some people just seem to have such a hard time getting along, thanks to political or religious views, or simply what part of the country you come from. Collaboration is a component to the new record, with a host of cool names being included in the sessions. He said, Absolutely. Of course, we also did some Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, as well as paid homage to Little Richard. 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. We missed having them close and being able to hear them, too. He asked if I bought one and when I said no, he just kind of rubbed his beard. BBS Rock! [9] The album reached No. The studio was great, of course, and the vibe in the room is just magical. It all happened in one day, without planning to put it together as a project, because were not a cover band. WebBenji Shanks Profile: American guitarist, engineer and producer. I think I already knew that, but it got fully confirmed. Widespread Panics guitar player, Jimmy Herring, caught wind of Benjis rising success and invited him for a few guest appearances with the band. I wondered whether people around the world were truly hearing what he was saying or just. Benji Shanks Interview - YouTube Thats not an uncommon situation. 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). 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. There are a couple of songs that are completely live, vocal and all, including Old Enough to Know. Blackberry Smoke was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. 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. It helps our case.". Shortly after the summer job as guitar tech for the Black Crows, Benji was invited to a gig on Nassau Island where he played with the legendary Chuck Levelle from the Rolling Stones, and Butch Trucks from the Allman Bros. band. "I love them and always have. I have others which are nicer, and its not terribly valuable. Warren Haynes (Charlie Starr, Warren Haynes) 7. Lyrically, the song is about the South being misunderstood, says lead singer and primary songwriter Charlie Starr. ", I don't know if I could play the music I play without Zeppelin II, Revolver or At Fillmore East. I bought it in 1993 from Rick Richards of the Georgia Satellites, who are just giants to me. 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. Benji is doing a fine job presently with Blackbery Smoke ! I found out pretty quicklyprobably in Guitar Worldhere's the new guy, and were all going to know him. At one point, I decided that I hold my guitar too low to really get comfortable playing with nothing but the fingers down there.". They included everybody in our band, and [folk duo] Shovels & Rope every night, and it was just selfless. February 25, 2021 @ 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 Looking forward to this one, but curious to see how the addition of so many artists goes in the studio. It was really an easy decision. "We all kind of want to be a three-guitar band, way down deep in our hearts, and maybe add another drummer too. When you have that freedom, it comes pretty easy. [16] In 2021 the band released its seventh studio album, You Hear Georgia.[17]. Blackberry SmokeBrenda SteppCharlie Starr, For advertising and sponsorships, email David Wright at [emailprotected]. Did you feel that working with him? Seaside "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. Cobb always works at RCA Studio A and seems to be developing a real sound in there, like he has the studio tuned in the way the guys at Stax, Motown and Sun did. Benji Shanks tickets provide an opportunity to be there in person for the next Benji Shanks concert. It made sense to go to the studio, where some of the songs were originally recorded. I was first introduced to @charliestarr this summer, seeing him in concert was an amazing experience. He and Warren are cut from the same cloth: very selfless, both musically and as people. Prestons known Richard (Turner, bassist) since high school. I had the pleasure of seeing BBS last month for the fifth time in the last three/four years. In 1997, Benji met singer songwriter Scott Warren (bassist and vocalist for Capt. So we started to work on some livestream-type things. 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? Sugarlands Kristian Bush & New Band Dark Water - Forbes The song is "Not Fade Away" (live at The Tabernacle) from our concert film and live 11:48 am. Benji is a fantastic player that has killer tone with a We drank and did drugs and had a blast. And he remembers that quietly fertile, dynamic rock era with fondness. All Rise Again feat. "I remember walking into the control room and listening to a playback and being blown away that it sounded as good as it did. Hey Delilah is a great song, with a real the Band feel. Hes a great player & cool rundown. I heard Warren playing slide and went, 'Oh, my God, who is that? Do you use a lot of tunings overall? I remembered movies over the years that have sort of belittled Southern people and stereotyped the Southern guy as being a toothless, inbred who is full of hate. When I saw he would be doing acoustic I immediately thought it can only get better. Shanks Starr: They were odd. 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. It's a challenge, you can't be anywhere near your amp. Staying on the Allman Brothers Band tip, talk a little bit about Warren as a player. Eventually we started to do some drive-in shows as those became the new model. I was watching television one morning, drinking a cup of coffee, and I heard a fellow on the news being interviewed. Blackberry Smokes Benji Shanks Provides Rig Rundown Theyre joined on the album by a couple of special guests, Warren Haynes and Jamey Johnson, as well as their newest touring member, guitarist Benji Shanks. All Over the Road has a Stones feel and that Mick Taylor slide sound; was he your main slide influence, more so than Duane Allman? Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. I wanted to play like Jimmy Page, Gary Rossington, Duane Allman and Dickey Bettsand then it came back around, thanks to those songwriters. 2.4K views 3 years ago I sat down recently with the one and only Benji Shanks, who is currently on tour with Blackberry Smoke as a guest guitarist. Note: only considered 3 of 9 setlists (ignored empty and strikingly short setlists) Setlist. You Hear Georgia is now available for pre-order. Blackberry Smoke - Wikipedia January 28, 2023 @ 1:17 pm. setlist "Yeah, I'm blaming my lack of slide playing ability on Jimmy Page!". It was one of those truly special things that was completely spontaneous. 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? He said, Absolutely. Of course, we also did some Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, as well as paid homage to Little Richard. 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). Mike "Back on the road, we were having lunch and I asked Billy if he had ever owned a Dan Armstrong and of course he had and loved it, so I told him about the new ones and that they sounded great. [3] They have performed throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and South America. 9:26 pm. Best album yet. We were in our twenties, so we just went nuts. Dickey scratches a whole different itch for me from that era of the band. Coincidentally, wed been trying to come up with some ideas about promoting our summer tour, the Spirit of the South tour. 4:47 am. Then I just kept learning about how Jimmy was really the architect of all this stuff. Yes, that one was fantastic. "Absolutely! ArtsATL: Has that freedom shaped how you write songs? In 2018, they added touring members Benji Shanks (guitar) and Preston Holcomb (percussion). 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. 9:16 am. I saw these dudes live about 8 years ago in Boston and found them kind of boring in concert. 1 on the Billboard Country Album charts in modern history. Starr worked in a body shop like his dad by day, playing honky tonks and bars and partying hard by night. 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. February 25, 2021 @ Didnt care much for their earlier stuff but this song rocks. 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. He The Duane Allman and Dickey Betts tones on those records are just unbeatable. But we also definitely missed the energy of our audiences. At what point did you realize this had legs, that it was different from other bands youd been in? ArtsATL: Has Rick Richards ever tried to get that guitar back from you? WebRecorded at The Buckhead Theatre 1-5-18 Blackberry Smoke on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/BBSiTunesOfficial Website: We've made it. Megan Moroney I'm Not Pretty Lyrics | Genius Lyrics Benjis been playing with us a long time, off and on. Saw Blackberry Smoke in the UK though and still thought they kicked ass. You can get so many different sounds with a single-pickup guitar, just the way where you pick the strings. "I think Derek Trucks is the greatest guitar player Ive ever played with. But is it just me or when ever I listen to alot of artists today, the music seems to drown out their voices. Aint the Same (Charlie Starr, Keith Nelson) 5. !Really stole the show at the Billy Gibbons Guitar Show deal, I thought. Pedals Down 1 on the US Billboard Country[11] and Americana/Folk[12] charts as well as the UK Rock[13] and Independent Albums[14] charts during release week. Their debut album, Bad Luck Ain't No Crime, was released in 2003. Im going to be 69 this year and I still love to hear this band. Eventually we started to do some drive-in shows as those became the new model. If the other guys have some tunes, they should play them. Blackberry Smoke added Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb as permanent members this year. 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. I saw them probably 6 or so years ago with Drake White opening, and Drake put on a better show than they did. Benji, sat in with Widespread Panic in Knoxville, Tennesee, for a song cover Panic plays called Ophelia by The Band. Happy to see Hey Delilah make the cutFantastic Tune! And thats funny you ask because years ago I asked Rick if he had loved the guitar and he said he hadnt. How Jeff Beck passed the Telecaster torch to Jimmy Page and changed the course of rock history, Watch two bassists shred-off using Tosin Abasi's selective picking technique, The Lowlist: INXS's Kick was the sound of a rock band taking on modern technology. 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. Jimmy Herrings guitar tech, Eric Predo, has been a long-time friend of mine, and he helped me score the summer job with the Crowes. Ben Sproles Lets finish the Hall of Fame talk with Jimmy Page, another of your great influences. 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.