Elvin Bishop - Live From KSAN (1976)

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A short one, this one. It's Elvin Bishop live in the studio, hollering and shouting and having a good time. As usual. I hardly have any information on this little live show. It was a KSAN broadcast and probably from 1976. But it could be late 1975 as well, I suppose. I compared it with shows listed on Wolfgang's Vaults that were from KSAN, but this one is not the same. I don't even know for sure that this is the complete show. What I do know is that it's Elvin Bishop at his very best with his finest band and at his finest hour. Mickey Thomas singing and doing so wonderfully. This sure left me wanting more. And those kind of shows are the best kind. Good times!

Black Oak Arkansas - Early Times (1969)

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Before Black Oak Arkansas there was The Knowbody Else. Same band, different name. The Knowbody Else was signed to Soul label Stax Records and one album was released before they were let go. Apparently more was recorded, though. This album, "Early Times", consists of recordings done for Stax and was only released in 1974. My dating this album 1969 is really a guess, but in the chronology of Black Oak Arkansas that's just about right. Maybe some could be from 1970. As for the music, there's no mistake who's singing and playing. If you dig the Southern Raunch & Roll of Black Oak Arkansas, this might be a bit quiet. But it's a very pleasing bunch of songs all the same. And these cats may not have had the recognition they do deserve. Cause Black Oak Arkansas was already playing up a storm long before Lynyrd Skynyrd came around. So really, it was The Allman Brothers Band and Black Oak Arkansas who started that music we all love so much. And you named it Southern Rock. Older than grandpa!

Atlanta Rhythm Section - WLIR FM Radio (1978)

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On March 14 Ronnie Hammond passed away. Sad news for sure. I love the laid-back music of the Atlanta Rhythm Section and that velvety voice of Ronnie's. You know what I mean. So, a post is in order here. Besides the stuff already posted here, everything is available on CD. Thus, I took the liberty of grabbing this show from D & P Bootleg Tunz World (Tons of great bootlegs over there, check it out!). It's a splendid show, recorded in 1978 and aired on WLIR FM Radio. And some footage of Ronnie and ARS for you to watch:



If you dig this, you will dig this. Have yourself a large time...

Bloodline - Bloodline (1994)

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Bloodline was a great band which only released this one great CD. And there are some pretty interesting bloodlines at work here. Berry Oakley, Jr., son of The Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley. The son of The Doors' Robby Krieger, Waylon Krieger and son of Miles Davis, Erin Davis. This was also the first band featuring Joe Bonamassa. So, plenty good reason for checking this out. Or maybe the fact that Warren Haynes joins in on a couple songs may grab your attention? And if I told you this is terrific funky yet in-your-face Southern Rock, would that do it for ya? It's a Southern Rock classic that time has yet to discover. And thanks to Shmoopatties this now comes with two live bonus tracks. Dixie peach!

Rusty Wier - Live At Poor David's Pub (1994)

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Here's a treat for y'all. It's a live show by the highly entertaining Rusty Wier, and it's one of my favorite posts of the last months. Just some guitar and vocals, no band this time. For those unfamiliar with Rusty, he's a singer-songwriter of the Outlaw Country type. Slightly tougher than Guy Clark, playing some great songs, possessing a very characteristic, pleasant voice and very amusing and endearing. The sound is excellent, making you feel like you're there. Some surprising cover versions of "Amie" and "You've Lost That Loving Feeling", this whole show is wonderful (thanks Matt!). I think it's time for you to get into Rusty. And this is as good a start as any. Something else.

The Nighthawks - Live At The Bottom Line (1990)

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Thanks to Helvis for this nice live document of The Nighthawks, featuring Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie on vocals and Jimmy Nalls of Sea Level on guitar. Musically this is more barroom type Blues/Boogie than Wet Willie's brand of Southern Rock. I don't think the songs stand out much, but the playing is just fine. A very enjoyable live show. Some songs of Wet Willie are played here, and they're the ones I enjoy most. And Jimmy can sing! The sound of this recording is like a decent soundboard. Just think: barroom+beer+rock&roll=goodtimes. Keep on smilin'!

The Winters Brothers Band - Keep On Running (1985)

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The Winters Brothers Band consisted of brothers Dennis and Donnie Winters, along with their band. I first learned about them, listening to the Charlie Daniels' Volunteer Jam, which had them playing and singing the songs, "Sang Her love Songs and "Rich Kids", in the late 70's. This EP has 5 songs and was released in 1984. Yes, the dreaded 80's. It's pretty much a product of it's time. There's some definite attempts at trying to sound modern, which I reckon most of you won't care much about. But some tracks are very good, so do not dismiss this as yet another piece of plastic Rock from the 80's. Strangest song here is the track "Jailer-Jailer", which has them sounding like Harry Belafonte. So, this is not (!) representative of The Winters Brothers Band! But thanks Dirk for sending this. I like to have a complete view of what went on with Southern Rock through all the years, even if it's the Dark Ages of Rock & Roll. Some of these tracks would end up in re-recorded versions on later albums. And those are the ones that will stick. This one's for satisfying a curious mind. Keep on running...

Rossington - Returned To The Scene Of The Crime (1986)

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After two Rossington Collins Band albums, Allen Collins released one more very goof Southern Rock album with the Allen Collins Band, called "Here, There & Back". Gary Rossington followed three years later with this album, "Returned To The Scene Of The Crime". Now, we're well into the dark pages of Rock & Roll history here. And I'm afraid this is where things definitely got sour. Unless, of course, you enjoyed Cher and "If I Could Turn Back Time". Cause this album has more in common with that type of output than anything called Southern Rock. Gary must've been looking for a hit. I don't know whether he actually got one with this album, but I wouldn't be surprised. This is really slick, polished up AOR with just a bare hint of Southern at all. It's not bad, but neither is Journey or Foreigner. But that's not what I'm hoping for when buying an album of people related to one of my favorite Southern Rock acts of all time (yes, besides The Allmans I'm a big fan of Ronnie Van Zant-era Lynyrd Skynyrd). Still, for historical purposes this may be worth checking out. And if you're a fan of AOR music in general, you may well enjoy this album lots. Dale is a great singer and Gary does still possess that beautiful tone of his, which can still be heard if you listen carefully. Dangerous love.

Randy Howard - Now And Then (1976)

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For those of you who enjoyed Outlaw Country singer Randy Howard, here's a treat. Thanks to the wonderful Kathleen for finding this and sending me the vinyl. The result is a sweet rip of the super rare debut album by Randy. This was released in 1976 on Utopian Records and it's more solid Country than I thought it would be. I figured since he's from Macon and this being 1976, there would be more Southern Rock influences. But that's not the case. What you do get is the kind of Outlaw Country that Hank, Jr. and Tommy Jennings produced. No sugar-coated Nashville Country here, but honest to goodness music, straight from the heart. Already you Randy possesses that rich low voice of his, and the music is all well written and played. You can play this one over and over again. Something else.

George McCorkle - American Street (1999)

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"American Street" is the one and only solo album by former Marshall Tucker Band guitarist George McCorkle. There's an undeniable MTB sound to this, but it's nothing like a regular MTB record. Instead, this is a laid back, easy going record with some excellent guitar picking. Now, George was no singer, though he's not the worst at trying. Problem is, I think, that he never comes out of his comfort zone, thus making it all sound a little lifeless at times. This is the kind of music that will offend no one, but there's still plenty going on to make it grow on you. Peace stories...

Randall Bramblett & Davis Causey - Visionary School (1992)

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Yep, this is an update. I finally got the whole thing complete, including the right track titles and artwork. No new music, though.
"Visionary School" consists of recordings made by Randall Bramblett during the 90's. It was sold on cassette at live shows. This already sounds very much like the albums he put out from 1998 on. So, that makes them Southern Rock with a twist? I guess Southern Rock fans should really go after his 70's albums, "That Other Mile" and "Light Of The Night". Momentarily out of stock, but his other albums can be bought at Randall's homepage. These recordings, however, are not available anymore. Listening to these tracks, it made me think Mark Knopfler could easily make a credible album with these songs. But I prefer Randall Bramblett any day. Some great songs on this album. Thanks go out to Craig for this. I really appreciate it. And so will you, I bet. And thanks to Richard for the artwork and for making this puzzle complete. Very enjoyable stuff here. Randall has no intention releasing this album. Maybe the masters got lost? I don't get it..

Eddie Stone - Right Tonight (1999)

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"Right Tonight' is a straight-ahead, yet commercial sounding album. Eddie Stone is, I guess, honorary member of Doc Holliday. On this, it's Doc Holliday's keyboardist on his own. But not alone. He has one tight band supporting him on a really good record. I guess this one's really for fans of new Skynryd and 80's Southern Rock. For that, it's well produced and it actually grows on me. A bit. Really, I prefer it more loose and with occasional long tracks. This sometimes feels like it was aiming for a hit record. But for havin' some unpretentious fun, this works wonders. And the music? It has good songs and it sounds good. Hey, it might be good after all. In fact, I'll have a good cry

Cowboy - A Different Time (The Best Of Cowboy)

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Cowboy was a band lead by Scott Boyer and Tommy Talton, which put out records from 1970 up to 1977. In between they released the T. Talton, B. Stewart, J. Sandlin album "Happy To Be Alive", which was pretty much yet another Cowboy piece. The music Cowboy played is a lot less rocking than contemporaries like The Allman Brothers Band, Black Oak Arkansas or Lynyrd Skynyrd. Instead, Cowboy relied on a somewhat Folk/Hippie kind of laid back Southern Country Rock. If that makes any sense. Pretty good music, though. And some great guest players along for the fun. Like Duane Allman, Chuck Leavell, Randall Bramblett, Dru Lombar, Jaimoe and Toy Caldwell. Then again, Boyer and Talton have been playing along with quite a few good folks as well, like backing up Gregg Allman in the 70's on his solo tour. And lots more, you do the searching. They are still active musically. Some of my favorite songs, some of which you may know from being covered by others, are "All My Friends", "Living In The Country" (on The Alabama State Troupers), "Please Be With Me" and"It Might Be The Rain". And they're all on this out-of-print-best-of. Everything here..

Rolling Thunder Band - Kick In The Asphalt (1997)

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On the Sea Level's last recorded release, the single "Make You Feel Love Again", lead vocals were handled by Blue Miller. I had never heard of him before, but boy, what a great singer! So, I did some searching and found (well, actually Wayne found this one. thanks!) some albums he sang on. He never made it to the big league, but for those who try, there is stuff with Blue out there. His vocal style is very reminiscent to Bob Seger's. Blue at one time worked with Bob, and apparently learned a trick or two. This album was made for NASCAR. I don't quite know how that works, since I'm not a race-car fan. I'm under the impression, nevertheless, that this was a one off thing, meant to be just that. However, it appears that this was first released as "Kick In The Asphalt", with no clue whether that was the name of the record or the band, and then it was released with a band name, the Rolling Thunder Band. At first I was somewhat shocked, thinking this was a brainless piece of 90's Nashville Country Rock, all about cars and partying. It's still about that, but the album definitely grows on me. It's a great band, enjoyable songs and magnificent vocals by Blue. This is good. No bull.