The emergence of Blackberry Smoke over the last decade or so has been something to warm the heart.
Give or take a couple of weeks, it is 10 years since I first saw the band play live. That night I wrote: “It’s true what they say, The South shall rise again, and they just sent plumes of Blackberry Smoke into the air to announce its new Kings.”
Everything that has happened since to them has felt like one long coronation.
“Be Right Here” is their fifth album since those days, and it fits in with the (even) more country vibe that they’ve settled into over the last few years.
As if on cue, opener “Dig A Hole” is the sort of blues-based country-tinged thing that they always seem to do. But my! When the solo hits, it hits.
If you want to experience the joy for yourself though, and don’t know what the fuss is about, then go straight to “Hammer And The Nail”. From finger-picking to Georgia Satellites bar room romp in 45 seconds, all via some blue collar lyrics. It’s perfection in just less than three minutes.
At its heart, this is a guitar record. Rock n roll at its purest, if you like. “I guess we signed up to spend most of our lives, just eeking out a living just barely getting by,” offers Starr on the brilliant “Like It Was Yesterday” and in doing so, he shines a light on what makes this so great. It’s an escape. Not just for us, but for them too – and it’s all in the guitar solo that guest Keith Nelson (ex Buckcherry) plays.
Over the years, though, they’ve become arguably the most skilful of the band’s that play this music as well as the best. “Be So Lucky” has some lovely organ from Brandon Still which complements it just perfectly, and there are Americana bands the world over that would kill for “Azalea” gorgeous, acoustic based and as warm as a summer breeze, it’s proof that Blackberry Smoke could have been anything at all.
Two decades they’ve been at this, so by definition they’re a classic rock band, but that phrase seems to have more resonance with them than most. “Don’t Mind If I Do”, for example is one of those timeless things that you’re certain you’ve heard before. Plus, considering it extols the virtues of making the most of your opportunity, it might be their anthem.
The slide guitar on “Whatchu Know Good” is glorious but, its the world view that hits you after a few listens. Its one that has permeated most of their material. “They” can do what they like, essentially, “we” are in this together.
And, like all their albums, its not as raucous as their peers, and as such “Be Right Here” is full of warmth. “The Other Side Of Night” – and lets be honest about this- understands its debt to Allman Brothers, which makes one of the rip roaring ones “Little Bit Crazy” even more of a contrast. They’ll be playing this live, we can be certain of that, and whether the Black Crowes record that’s due has anything this good, we’ll see.
And the last one, “Barefoot Angel” is a simple one. Just a beautiful love song,
And on that point, dare we say that they are just simple kinda men…..? Well, “I Ain’t much just a simple country child” sings Charlie Starr on the aforementioned, “…..Hole” and that’s sort of it. They are the country boys who took on the big city (not for nothing are the bright lights on the cover) and they aren’t stopping there. “Be Right Here” is the sound of a band quietly determined to take on the world.
Rating 9/10
