Florida Review Archives
Locked Down
Review of: Dr. John
(Nonesuch) The Black Keys' guitarist Dan Auerbach produced Dr. John's latest studio release Locked Down. Dr. John and Auerbach wrote the ten originals on this album together. It's an read more...
Where It Hits You
Review of: Jim White
(Yep Roc) Jim White is an interesting character. Born in Pensacola, Florida, as Michael Davis Pratt during 1957, he grew up listening to gospel music. White's debut album Wrong-Eyed Jesus! came out in 1997. He's collaborated with Victoria Williams, Aimee read more...
Songs of Praise and Scorn
Review of: Christopher Paul Stelling
(Mecca Lecca Recording Co.) Florida singer/songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling's latest release, the acoustic-based Songs of Praise and Scorn, prove he's a talented musician on the rise. These songs were recorded during a matter of days in an apartment above a read more...
Highway Call
Review of: Dickey Betts
(Polydor) Released in 1974, Highway Call counted as the first solo album by Dickey Betts.
This May Be My Last Time Singing
Review of: Various Artists
(Tompkins Square) Tompkins Square's latest release is an amazing 3-CD set titled This May Be My Last Time Singing: Raw African-American Gospel On 45RPM 1957-1982. Tompkins Square released this official statement regarding this rare package: Get read more...
Citrus County
Review of: John Brandon
(McSweeney's) Floridian John Brandon arrived in 2009 with his debut novel Arkansas which immediately created a literary voice deserving attention. Arkansas told the interweaving stories of a pair of small time criminals, their divergent, but read more...
Devil Got His Way
Review of: Damon Fowler
(Blind Pig) Like Derek Trucks, JJ Grey, and Thomas Wynn, Damon Fowler read more...
Florida Frenzy
Review of: Harry Crews
(University Press of Florida) Florida Frenzy culls 13 essays and articles along with 3 short stories into one of the finest collections written by Harry Crews. These stories span from read more...
Long Gone
Review of: Paul Hemphill
(Iver R. Dee, Publisher) Long Gone is a baseball story. Stud Cantrell manages a Class-D Florida team in 1956. Stud's life intersects with his lover Dixie Lee Box, a young second baseman named Jamie Weeks and a black catcher--Jose Brown pretending to be read more...
Revelator
Review of: Tedeschi Trucks Band
(Sony Masterworks) Recorded at their Jacksonville, Florida, home studio, married duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi formed a new 11-piece band for Revelator. Between Trucks and Tedeschi, they've read more...
Never Ending Soul Food Tour: Monroe's Smokehouse
Review of: Monroe's Smokehouse BBQ
Monroe's Smokehouse BBQ 4838 Highway Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32254 904-389-5551 James Calemine’s “Never Ending Soul Food Tour” includes documented visits read more...
American Nomad
Review of: The Apache Relay
(Nomadic/Thirty Tigers) As the Apache Relay's follow up to their critically lauded debut, American Nomad has been widely anticipated by many people who identified this band as one to watch. The previous album by this Nashville-based ensemble was produced by read more...
Tell My Horse
Review of: Zora Neale Hurston
(Harper & Row) Alabama born author Zora Neale Hurston wrote Tell My Horse: Voodoo And Life In Haiti And Jamaica in 1938. The vivid stories reveal how voodoo is interwoven within the cultures. Tell My Horse exists as a first hand read more...
Kiss Each Other Clean
Review of: Iron And Wine
(Warner Bros) Iron and Wine, the nom de disque of songwriter Sam Beam, can largely be credited with today's burgeoning field of southern singer-songwriters in the same way that the Drive-By Truckers led a new southern rock movement. As groups like Band of Horses read more...
Low Country Blues
Review of: Gregg Allman
(Rounder) Sometimes it is hard to believe that it takes an average of a decade or so for Gregg Allman to release a solo record. It was about 9 years between Playin' Up A Storm and I'm No Angel and then another 9 years between Just Before The Bullets read more...
Crossing the Creek
Review of: Anna Lillios
Crossing the Creek: The Literary Friendship of Zora Neale Hurston and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL , 2010 Literary friendships are relatively commonplace, but a friendship which reaches read more...
Justice
Review of: Molly Hatchet
(SPV) Ladies and gentlemen, Molly Hatchet is back. Not that they ever left, but my point is simply that Justice rocked me to the core like I haven’t been rocked since Devil’s Canyon. All of the records in between were good, but Justice is read more...
Grandma's Roadhouse
Review of: Riley
(Delmore Recordings) In 1970, a killer rock & roll trio called Riley—named after bandleader and guitarist Riley Watkins—recorded Grandma’s Roadhouse at Owen Bradley’s legendary read more...
RIYEL----Eclectic and Kreyol Jazz
Review of: RIYEL (Ken Watters, Andre Atkins, Yves Abel)
Summit Records, April 2010 Released internationally on April 13, 2010, Riyel’s first album is an overview of read more...
We Walk This Road
Review of: Robert Randolph
(Warner Brothers) Pedal steel phenomenon Robert Randolph who began playing in churches years ago has released his third studio album, We Walk This Road. Produced by
Mojo
Review of: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
(Reprise Brothers) Mojo counts as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers first studio album in 8 years. Mojo revolves mostly around the rural south. TP & The Heartbreakers have read more...
The Southern Part of Heaven
Review of: Barry Lee Harwood
barryleeharwood.com The first time I ever saw Barry Lee Harwood play was around 1980, at the fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. He was playing guitar with the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash survivors in a red hot new read more...
Toler/Townsend Band
Review of: Toler/Townsend
(Garage Door Records) There have been a lot of Southern Rock “supergroups” to come out of the woodwork over the past ten years. Some were good, some were great. Well sir, Toler/Townsend falls into that “great” category.
The Live Anthology
Review of: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
(Reprise Records) These four CDs--48 songs--comprise Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' hand-chosen most emotive live recordings in their 30 year career. The Anthology’s track read more...
A Good Excuse
Review of: Dixie Tabernacle
(Storm Dog Records) Every time I hear Jimmy Hall open his mouth to sing, I feel like I’m in church. Better yet, an old fashioned Southern tent revival. His is a voice born of gospel and blues roots, mingled with a bit of Southern rock and delivered from deep read more...
Penn's Peak
Review of: Blackfoot
Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet Penn's Peak, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania October 16, 2009
Release
Review of: Sister Hazel
(Rock Ridge Music) When my buddy Scott first introduced me to this new band that he was into several years ago, I was immediately taken by their tight harmonies, catchy pop riffs and great lyrics. The Gainesville, Florida band was Florida’s version of our own read more...
God & Guns
Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd
(Roadrunner) Slated for Release September 29, 2009 I have read so many opinions for so many years regarding the “original” Lynyrd Skynyrd vs. the “current” band, and my opinion has always remained the same. The original band can read more...
Around The Well
Review of: Iron And Wine
In less than five years, Iron and Wine rose from a batch of unadulterated home recordings to become one of the indie scene's most influential and successful artists. For those late to the party, Iron and Wine has but one member, Sam Beam who was born and raised in South read more...
Freebird Child
Review of: Tammy Van Zant
(Radio Records) Ronnie Van Zant’s oldest daughter Tammy has a sweet voice. She’s not a powerhouse belter like a lot of the female vocalists of today, but she is quite pleasing to the ear, especially when backed up by the stellar pickers who play on her read more...
All Points in Between
Review of: Rebel Pride
rebelprideband.com On this, Rebel Pride’s sophomore release, they kick it up even bigger and better than on the first album. This Florida band manages to bring us a sound very similar to that of the read more...
Last Time
Review of: Evanscapps
(Rock Ridge Music) The first time I heard this record was a few years ago. The guys had put it out independently, and I recall thinking it was just a really great rockin’ record. Well, after a few years, and after serious remastering and with a great record read more...
Me And My Friends
Review of: Matt Butcher
The best records shoot right to the heart with a truth and a passion that almost immediately puts them in constant rotation in your cd player, turntable, iPod, or, most importantly, in your mind. It usually starts with the basic ingredients of a set a first-rate songs read more...
The Reason
Review of: Thomas Wynn & The Believers
Orlando, Florida already knows the best kept secret in Southern music. As for the rest of the world, if this new CD is an indicator, they will all know soon enough. Thomas Wynn & The Believers have been blowing away audiences all around Florida with a unique sound read more...
I'm That Way
Review of: Beth McKee
Is it something in the water? Something in the land? People can analyze all they want, but Southerners have a different relationship to music than others. Beth McKee is prime example number one. This Jackson, MS girl has toughed it out as a musician with a career read more...
Live Notes From Athens
Review of: The Tommy Talton Band
(Hittin’ The Note) The Tommy Talton Band kick it up yet another notch on this, their sophomore release, recorded live in Athens, Georgia in 2008. The show was held at The Melting Point, a beautiful listening room in Athens. Besides the guitar man himself, the read more...
Already Live
Review of: The Derek Trucks Band
(Sony/Victor Records) Somehow guitarist Derek Trucks talked his big time record label into releasing a bit of musical lagniappe for his fans. A mere months after his latest studio album hit the stores, the well-received “Already Free” released on the Sony/Victor read more...
Don’t Wake Albert
Review of: Highly Kind
(Rockin’ Camel) Johnny Sandlin told me months ago that he was producing an album for a band called Highly Kind, and that it was going to be a good one. Well, he was right. The name of the band had me thinking “jam band.” I kind of read more...
Dixieland Delight
Review of: Clay Travis
As we head into the off season, now that the recruiting season is over (mostly), there might be no better time to pick up and read Clay Travis's
Eat, Drink, and Be From Mississippi
Review of: Nanci Kincaid
Nanci Kincaid’s most recent novel hit the bookstores just two weeks before President Barack Obama delivered his inaugural address, read more...
Welcome to the South
Review of: Rebel Syndicate
(Bad Creeks Rising) I am simply blown away by this band. The CD has been on my desk, sitting there in the “In box” for a few weeks now, and I keep saying “I gotta check these guys out.” Well sir, this morning I did, and they are amazing.
Already Free
Review of: The Derek Trucks Band
Already Free The Derek Trucks Band RCA/Victor Records By James Calemine Already Free, Derek Trucks’ sixth studio release opens with an absolutely killer rendition of
No Good Deed
Review of: Skinny Molly
For anyone who cries out that Southern Rock is dead, I have two words for your butt....Skinny Molly. Mike Estes ain’t about to let our legacy go away, even if he has to single handedly hold it up to the light. The former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist leads the read more...
Speechless
Review of: Mainstream South
Mainstream South is a trio whose roots stem from the heart of the Lynyrd Skynyrd family tree. Guitarist Barry Lee Harwood and drummer Derek Hess were both members of the post-plane crash band Rossington Collins, and pianist Steve Perez played in bands with Harwood and Hess, as well read more...
Boots, Buckles and Spurs
Review of: Various Artists
(Legacy) “I grew up dreamin’ of being a cowboy/ And loving the cowboy ways Pursuin’ a life of my high ridin’ heroes/I burned up my childhood days...” -Willie Nelson. “My Heroes Have read more...
The Imus Ranch Record
Review of: Various Artists
(New West) Bekka Bramlett has a mystical effect on me. She always has, even as backing singer for Faith Hill, or dueting with Sam Moore, Billy Burdette or Joe Cocker. But like her mother before her, soul sensation Bonnie Bramlett, and her daddy Delaney for that matter, she read more...
Boys Will Be Boys
Review of: Jeff Pearlman
Boys Will Be Boys: The Glory Days and Party Nights of the Dallas Cowboys Dynasty by Jeff Pearlman Harper Books Jeff Pearlman's new book neatly summarizes the shift to the modern era of the Dallas Cowboys. The early history of the team isn't read more...
Orange Blossoms
Review of: JJ Grey & Mofro
Orange Blossoms J.J. Grey & Mofro Alligator Records By James Calemine Orange Blossoms counts as Mofro’s fourth disc. The album title read more...
Rocking the Boat: A Musical Conversation & Journey
Review of: Delbert McClinton
(JC Communications) Delbert McClinton hosted his first ever Blues Cruise in 1995. Thirteen years later, the event is one of the most successful events of its type ever. McClinton has played host to everyone from Bonnie and Bekka Bramlett to Jimmy Hall, from Paul Thorn read more...
My Name is Jimmie
Review of: Jimmie Van Zant
Jimmie Van Zant may have taken a while to get the attention he deserves, but with the release of My Name is Jimmie, there’s no doubt he will get lots of buzz. It seems Jimmie is hitting on all cylinders. with great musicians, backing vocals, top flight production and read more...
Someone Else's Shoes - In Europe
Review of: Tommy Talton
(Hittin' The Note) I had this dream the other night, and I was walking in the park. It was a beautiful summer afternoon, and just before dusk when I stopped at one of the many park benches that lined the walkway. As I started to sit down, I noticed a pair of men’s read more...
Gator Country Live
Review of: Gator Country
Let me just start by stating a cold hard fact. These old Molly Hatchet tunes have never sounded better. With four former Hatchet members leading the pack - Jimmy Farrar, Bruce Crump, Steve Holland and Riff West, along with extraordinary guitar work from Linni Disse and Paul read more...
Mudcrutch
Review of: Mudcrutch
Mudcrutch Mudcrutch Warner Brothers By James Calemine
Me and Pepper
Review of: Mel Tillis
Me and Pepper Mel Tillis Collectors' Choice By James Calemine Born in Tampa, Florida, during the Great Depression, Mel Tillis began stuttering at age three. However, when he sang Tillis did not stutter. His speech impediment made him a sort of hero to read more...
The Bourbon Dynasty
Review of: The Bourbon Dynasty
The Bourbon Dynasty The Bourbon Dynasty Night World Records It's good to have Charles Walston back making music. Almost a decade ago, Walston's previous band, the Vidalias, were part of a roots and country music resurgence in read more...
The Very Best of Outlaw Country
Review of: Various Artists
(Legacy) The thing that sets this compilation apart from the plethora of others that are always being flooded into the market is the fact that it brings together Southern rockers and “outlaw” country artists on one excellent CD. It could be used as a read more...
Fortune Teller 2.0
Review of: Ghost Riders
(Mira Vista) www.beyond.fm Florida’s Ghost Riders are a Southern rock treasure. Lead off by Steve Grisham (The Outlaws) and featuring Barry Rapp (Henry Paul Band), Phill Stokes (Pure Prairie read more...
Runnin' Down A Dream
Review of: Peter Bogdanovich
Runnin’ Down A Dream Peter Bogdanovich Warner Brothers By James Calemine Born in Gainesville, Florida, Tom Petty became one of America’s read more...
Street Survivors - Deluxe Edition
Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Street Survivors - Deluxe Edition 30th Anniversary (Geffen/UMe) Mere days after the release of Street Survivors in 1977, the Freebird fell to the ground, silencing one of Southern Rock’s finest voices in Ronnie Van Zant. read more...
Brothers of the Southland
Review of: Brothers of the Southland
Brothers of The Southland is one of the best of the plethora of “all star” bands playing today, and their debut CD is a sheer joy from beginning to end. This is the kind of music that gets me downright excited. Maybe that’s why I named it as the best Southern Rock read more...
Gileah & the Ghost Train
Review of: Gileah & the Ghost Train
GILEAH & THE GHOST TRAIN Gileah & the Ghost Train The Love Library TLL-100 Gileah is a talent of many faces (and phases) . A music-driven Gileah Taylor first forayed into songwriting and recording with a collection of children's songs, read more...
Cocaine Angel
Review of: Damian Lahey
Cocaine Angel Damian Lahey Cinema Libre Studio By James Calemine This independent film was shot in Jacksonville, Florida. Cocaine Angel tells a dark tale of drug addiction in a way only independent filmmakers get away with because no read more...
Outlaws & Renegades
Review of: Galloway & Kelliher
In my line of work I get to hear some pretty awesome Southern rock and country music. Sometimes I get blown away by the artist and musicianship, other times it’s the songwriting that draws me in. It’s rare to see a performer that brings it all to the table, but Galloway read more...
Darius Goes West
Review of: Logan Smalley
“Something’s gonna happen like…Just spark the whole world,” exclaims Darius, the star of the award-winning independent documentary feature film Darius Goes West (DGW), 2007. read more...
Conversations With Tom Petty
Review of: Paul Zollo
Conversations With Tom Petty Paul Zollo Omnibus Press By James Calemine Tom Petty writes in the foreword of this book about writer Paul Zollo: “We met many times in 2004 to 2005 for talks that came to necessitate my read more...
My Kind of Country
Review of: Van Zant
(Sony) I had someone remark the other day that I had not yet reviewed VanZant’s second album. Being the smart ass I can be at times, I informed him that this is actually the read more...
Archives Volume One
Review of: Gram Parsons & The Flying Burrito Brothers
(Amoeba) This double CD documents two live performances by The Flying Burrito Brothers featuring Gram Parsons at the Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, in April 1969. I have owned the bootleg of one of these shows for a few years, but this official release sounds read more...
Premonition
Review of: Jimmy Dormire
(1968/Dream Spirits Music) jimmydormire.com Jimmy Dormire is a helluva guitar player. His work with Confederate Railroad is always astounding, and he can pick that Southern rock and Outlaw Country like read more...
Live At the Avalon Ballroom 1969
Review of: Gram Parsons With The Flying Burrito Brothers
Live At The Avalon Ballroom 1969 Gram Parsons with The Flying Burrito Brothers Amoeba Records By James Calemine If you're reading this review, chances are you've heard of
Song of America
Review of: Various Artists
Song of America Various Artists 31 Tigers Records By James Calemine This 50-song, 3 CD collection tells the story of America through songs from the year 1492 through modern times. Song of America contains a diverse line-up of artists read more...
Feast of Snakes
Review of: Harry Crews
Feast of Snakes Harry Crews Macmillan Publishing By James Calemine November in Mystic, Georgia, means it's time for the Feast of Snakes. This novel remains one of the Georgia writer
Living Dangerously
Review of: TGZ
(King Mojo) TGZ stands for Toler, Gary and Zinner, namely “Dangerous” Dan Toler, formerly of The Allman Brothers Band and more recently Dickey Betts and Great Southern; Ron Gary, the piano wizard who plays with Webster Young and Tom Browne; and Matt read more...
On My Way to You
Review of: Daniel Lee Martin
Florida export Daniel Lee Martin is different. He fits into the mold of the Nashville country formula, but at the same time, he has a uniqueness that sets him apart from the flavor of the moment. It’s his personality. Ask anyone who has met him. I have, down read more...
Driving With The Devil
Review of: Neal Thompson
Driving With The Devil by Neal Thompson Crown Publishing “We read more...
Cigar City Mafia
Review of: Scott M. Deitche
Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of The Tampa Underworld Scott M. Deitche
Atlanta Twelve String
Review of: Blind Willie McTell
Atlanta Twelve String Blind Willie McTell Atlantic Records By James Calemine Perhaps the most gifted of all blues artists, Blind Willie McTell ranks as a seminal figure in American music. Born in Thomson, Georgia, in May of 1898 (some say 1901); McTell's read more...
An All-Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd
Review of: Various Artists
(New West) No other band has been milked for all it’s worth more than Lynyrd Skynyrd. I’m not being cruel, just honest. The new All Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd is the latest album to capitalize on the legacy Ronnie Van Zant left behind following his read more...
Dear Y'all - The Songwriter Sessions Vol. 1
Review of: Eddie Hinton
Dear Y'all: The Songwriting Sessions Vol 1 Eddie Hinton Zane Records By James Calemine Eddie Hinton died in 1995 at the age of 51. When Hinton served as the session guitarist at Muscle Shoals read more...
Carolina Mountain Time
Review of: Mark Emerick
(www.markemerick.com) Mark Emerick has filled the lead guitar spot in the Commander Cody Band for many years now, so it’s no small wonder he would tip his hat to the Commander on his first solo outing, covering read more...
Molly Hatchet, Junefest 2001
Review of: Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet Junefest June 2, 2001 Silverbowl Las Vegas, Nevada The all day rock festival that drew over 40,000 sunbaked and windswept classic rock fans was an undeniable success, with sets by Styx, Journey, and Night read more...
Portraits and Songs From the Roots of America
Review of: Various Artists
Enclosed within the new Music Maker book titled Portraits and Songs From the Roots of America rests a CD featuring 22 different Music Maker artists. This collection reveals some of the country’s most neglected Southern musicians who remain pioneers and vital sources read more...
Blackfoot / Wet Willie / Southern Rock Allstars
Review of: Blackfoot
Blackfoot Wet Willie Southern Rock Allstars Iron Angels Bike Rally Angel City, Georgia April 22, 2006 Riding from Greenville, SC to Unidella, Georgia with Scott at the wheel and Jimmy holding down CD read more...
The Allman Brothers Band, Niagara Falls, CAN 6/23,
Review of: The Allman Brothers Band
Allman Brothers Band June 23 & 24 , 2006 Niagara Falls Canada June 23 , 2006 Well despite the lateness of this review these shows made an ever lasting impression. At the new and spectacular Niagara Falls Vue Casino overlooking the read more...
Lynyrd Skynyrd / Shooter Jennings, Pittsburgh, PA
Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Shooter Jennings / 3 Doors Down Lynyrd Skynyrd July 14,2006 Post Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pa Well it was a very hot and humid night when the Skynyrd boys rolled back into stee ltown with an all star show. First up was Shooter read more...
Southern Rock Allstars - Trouble's Comin' Live, Th
Review of: Southern Rock Allstars
Southern Rock Allstars Trouble’s Comin’ Live- The DVD (Tazer) For the many of us who have been waiting for so long to see this release, allow me to say, the wait was well worth it. Here we get the very best of The read more...
Gram Parsons - Fallen Angel
Review of: Gram Parsons
Gram Parsons Fallen Angel A Film By Gandulf Hennig (Rhino) Gram Parsons was one of a kind, a pretty-boy with a trust fund and a whole lot of musical genius. He brought country music into the Byrds, performed with Paul Suratt in the read more...
No Saints, No Saviors
Review of: The Allman Brothers Band
No Saints, No Saviors My Years With The Allman Brothers Band by Willie Perkins (Mercer University Press) Between the years of 1970 and 1989, Willie Perkins worked for the Allman Brother’s Band and as read more...
The Unsolved Murder of Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Leon
Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Unsolved Murder of Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Leon Wilkeson by Dale Bowman (Jaguar Publishing) When Leon Wilkeson was found dead in a Florida hotel back in 2001, the world not only lost a great bassist, but a totally unique, kind read more...
Skydog: The Duane Allman Story
Review of: The Allman Brothers Band
Skydog The Duane Allman Story by Randy Poe (Backbeat Books) I have been waiting on this book for years, and to coin a cliche, it was well worth the wait. Randy Poe has gone deep, digging through source material with read more...
Jammin' For Danny Joe Brown
Review of: Various Artists
(GWP Records) One of the most emotional all-star jams in recent history took place at Orlando, Florida's Club LaVela on July 18, 1999. A benefit to help offset the vast medical expenses of original Molly Hatchet lead singer Danny Joe Brown, the event , read more...
Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour
Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd
(Sanctuary) Recorded live in Nashville at the Amsouth Amphitheater in July, 2003, Lyve is an excellent documentation of the highly successful Vicious Cycle tour the band has taken around the world during 2003. The set list features all of the read more...
Live at The Beacon
Review of: The Allman Brothers Band
( Sanctuary) The Allman Brothers Band’s annual spring pilgrimage to New York’s Beacon Theatre has become a rock-n-roll ritual, and in 2003, the band returned again to the Beacon for another series of sold out shows featuring the current lineup of read more...
Tom Dowd & The Language of Music
Review of: Tom Dowd
(Palm Pictures) thelanguageofmusic.com The documentary Rolling Stone calls “brilliant” and rock critic Dave Marsh cites as “ a truly beautiful picture,” pays read more...
Back Where It All Begins
Review of: Dickey Betts & Great Southern
Back Where It All Begins - Live At The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum (Eaglevision) Like many, I was really and truly bummed out a few years ago when Dickey Betts left the Allman Brothers Band. I just knew it would read more...
Official Bootleg
Review of: Saturday Night Special Band
(www.saturdaynightspecialband) Talk about your “ultimate” Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Saturday Night Special, a band of New York rockers with a real knack for duplicating the sound of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd, has all four aces up their read more...
Sweetheart of the Rodeo
Review of: The Byrds
The Byrds’ classic country record, 1968’s Sweetheart of the Rodeo, has been reissued with unreleased Gram Parsons vocal tracks. This new two-CD release proves worth the price for just the read more...
Trouble's Comin' Live
Review of: Southern Rock Allstars
Southern Rock Allstars Trouble’s Comin’ Live (southernrock.com) The Southern Rock Allstars have been rocking across the country and back again for years now, pleasing old fans and making new ones along the way. So when word read more...
Lyve - The Vicious Cycle Tour
Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve - The Vicious Cycle Tour (Sanctuary) Lynyrd Skynyrd is riding the wave of a true career resurgence. Not since the days of Ronnie Van Zant has the band been so heavily in the public eye. Last year’s Vicious Cycle was hailed by read more...
Drive Train
Review of: 38 Special
38 Special Drive Train (Sanctuary) This ain’t your father’s 38 Special,kids. 38 get their rocks out on Drive Train in what many are calling their best album ever. Yep, you heard right - ever.
Ghost Train From Georgia
Review of: Grinderswitch
Grinderswitch Ghost Train From Georgia (New South) On their first all-new album in 30 years Dru Lombar and his band turn in an utterly fantastic record. “Dixie Flyer” has already been getting good air play in Europe, and read more...
Under The Influence
Review of: Various Artists
Under The Influence A Jam Band Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd (Sanctuary) First came Skynyrd Frynds, with an eclectic mix of country and pop stars covering the Ronnie Van Zant song book - then came Lonesome Skynyrd Time, read more...
Hard Luck Guy
Review of: Eddie Hinton
Eddie Hinton, the Muscle Shoals singer/songwriter, did not live to complete the 1999 Capricorn release Hard Luck Guy. In July 1995, Hinton died of a heart attack during the sessions. Hard Luck Guy should be a contender for soul album of the year.
Bougainvillea's Call
Review of: Dickey Betts
Dickey Betts Bougainvillea’s Call The Very Best of 1973-1988 (Raven) This excellent compilation includes all the best of Dickey Betts’ best work between the mid-seventy and late 1980’s. The lone Allman read more...
It Is What It Is
Review of: Rebel Pride
Rebel Pride It Is What It Is (RP 032005) Every once in awhile, a band comes along that puts the “rock” back in Southern rock. Florida’s Rebel Pride is one of those. From the very opening riffs of “Stomp read more...
Highway Companion
Review of: Tom Petty
Tom Petty Highway Companion (American) Tom Petty is back kids. One of the most enduring, talented artists to ever mine the field called classic rock, Petty never seems to fail. Highway Companion is loaded with excellent read more...
Kingdom of XII
Review of: Molly Hatchet
Kingdom of XII Molly Hatchet (Sanctuary) 2000 Kingdom of XII is a true Molly Hatchet classic, beginning with the Vietnam veteran tribute "Heart Of The USA", and including the outlaw anthem read more...
Flirtin' With Disaster
Review of: Molly Hatchet
Flirtin with Disaster Molly Hatchet (Epic) 1979 There’s no arguing the fact that Flirtin’ with Disaster is one of Southern Rock’s most classic Lps. It’s Southern Rock the way it was meant read more...
Molly Hatchet
Review of: Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet (Epic) 1978 Hatchet’s first album remains their finest to this day, kicking off in fifth gear with “Bounty Hunter” and never missing a beat as they lunge into “Gator Country,” a song that basically read more...
The Hard Way
Review of: Tinsley Ellis
The Hard Way represents Tinsley Ellis' ninth solo album where for the first time he serves as the read more...