Don Nix - Hobos, Heroes And Street Corner Clowns (1973)

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"Hobos, Heroes And Street Corner Clowns" is an excellent third album by Don Nix. Laid back, soft, mellow Southern Rock? Call it what you will. Just remember in 1973 musicians weren't much occupied by the thought on what Southern Rock should sound like. The good thing about that, is that it results in a creative approach to the music we all love so much. Don had his roots in Blues and Soul, and that's pretty much what you get here, albeit it with a definite Southern touch. Also some pretty slick arrangements on some of the mellower songs. Good stuff. Very good rip too (not mine, thanks to whoever did this ;-)). Hear that Black Cat Moan...

Billy Crain interview

We had, last year, the pleasure of talking with Billy Crain on the release of his first solo album and he's now already back with a second CD, and also with the new Outlaws album...

English version of Bands Of Dixie interview

The Cooper Brothers: Southbound(Interview by Michalis Limnios)

Canada's premiere Country Rock band from the 70's through the mid 80's, the Cooper Brothers first gained international attention when they signed a major recording contract with Capricorn Records. Over the next few years the Cooper Brothers released two albums under the Capricorn label, the selftitled, The Cooper Brothers and Pitfalls Of The Ballroom.
 
At the height of their career, the band toured extensively with such diverse artists as The Doobie Brothers, Joe Cocker, Charlie Daniels, Atlanta Rhythm Section, McGuinn, Clark and Hillman and AC/DC. In addition, the band worked with some of the most prolific musicians of the day including Chuck Leavell. After Capricorn Records folded the brothers released two more albums before disbanding in the mid-80s. In October 2006, The Best of the Cooper Brothers was released and the band performed for the first time on stage in over twenty years. This prompted a series of sold‐out live dates including a memorable Ottawa Bluesfest concert, opening up for James Taylor in front of 30,000 people. In February 2010, a new Cooper Brothers album was released, featuring 12 brand new songs penned by Richard Cooper. Entitled In From The Cold, the new CD was produced by Colin Linden in Nashville and featured a number of guest artists including Delbert McClinton, Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and Chuck Leavell.

In August 2013, the Cooper Brothers released their brand new CD called SOUTHBOUND. The album was recorded at the Tragically Hip's studio in Bath, Ontario and is produced by Colin Linden.  Southbound was made at a leisurely pace over the course of a year, with the relaxed, smalltown atmosphere at The Bathouse suiting the brothers working methods and laid back temperaments well. 

Dick Cooper talks about the Capricorn Records, music industry, his book, the Beatles, Charlie Daniels, Southern Rock and Blues music.

Interview by Michael Limnios

On this blog: Cooper Brothers - Learning To Live With It (1981)

31st Of February - 31st Of February (1968)

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Some origins of Southern Rock for you in this post. The 31st Of February (formerly Bitter Independents) is a 1968 effort by 3 guys from Jacksonville, FL., who went on to much more successful bands. Scott Boyer and David Brown to Cowboy and Butch Trucks to the Allman Brothers Band. In fact, following this album and after Hour Glass broke up (which followed Allman Joys), Duane and Gregg were in the studio with 31st of February members - so one half of the original ABB was in place a year before they formed. This is the folk rock branch of Southern Rock, with a taste of psychedelic pop. Butch includes some percussion instruments normally heard in a college recital. "Morning Dew" from the second 31st of February album, appears on CD 1 of Dreams, the 1989 ABB box set. Given the time frame, this album is a solid offering with a quality sound. Keyboards add variety to the standard trio of electric guitar, drums and bass. Give it a listen to hear the early days of players who established themselves in the near future. Starting down the path!

Henry Paul interview

While a lot of people wonders about the legitimacy of many historical bands still active or sadden the current musical quality that they offer, there's a band that commands respect. And this band is the Outlaws. Even though Hughie Thomasson departed this world - leaving unfinished his comeback attempt - the band takes off again with a freshness worthy of the first day and a new record at the level of his first LPs ... those whom Henry Paul was part, and Henry Paul that has now taken over the command of the Outlaws...
 
English version of Bands Of Dixie interview

Jimmy and Rickey Stewart (Tennessee River Crooks) interview

Tennessee River Crooks were unknown to most of us a few months ago. After having introduce it to you, we were fortunate to be contacted by the band. We jumped at the opportunity and asked the obvious questions to the Stewart brothers.

English version of Bands Of Dixie interview

Volker Dörfler (Lizard) interview

Lizard is back! An event when we know how the German band has left its mark on the scene and the history of the European Southern rock. But what is this new Lizard like when you know Georg Bayer, its former leader, died three years ago and when you know a new singer is taking his role? So, to know it, we asked some questions to Volker Dörfler, who took the opportunity to give us one of the best Southern rock definitions...

English version of Bands Of Dixie interview.

Don Barnes - Ride The Storm (1989)

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My favorite things to post, must be the unreleased albums. I mean really, that's as good as it gets, even if the music isn't always as good as what you know the artist is capable of. And sometimes it is as good as you hope it would be. For all you 38 Special fans, here is the unreleased Don Barnes album from 1989. And every bit as good as you would expect. Since Don has always been the main provider of 38 Special songs, it should come as no surprise that his music bears heavy similarities to Donnie van Zant's band. Don has been responsible for their biggest hits and has a knack for writing commercial songs of good quality. And this album is just full of that. I guess it leans even more towards straight-up AOR than any 38 Special album, but this is well worth your attention. (I found myself in the kitchen singing Foreigner lyrics to one of the songs here ;-) I'm not too crazy about the quality and I bet there might be better copies out there hiding from us. Someone tried to clean up the sound by using standard noise filters which, I'm afraid, didn't do it a world of good. Then a gain, it didn't do a world of hurt either, so I won't complain. I'm happy I get to listen to this! If you're up for some quality Southern AOR, grab your chance and ride the storm!

Cooper Brothers - Learning To Live With It (1981)

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The Cooper Brothers were a Canadian Southern Rock band. Or rather, are a Canadian Southern Rock band, since they apparently are still around doing their thing. Their thing way back in the 70's included releasing two albums for the Capricorn label. Pretty good yet very smooth albums, which should please fans of 38 Special and Thunder. This album is much less known (graciously provided by my good buddy Mawos) and is quite a treat. Actually quite a bit tougher than the Capricorn albums. Good songs, nice harmonies and a pretty good performance. So, try this. You won't have no trouble learning to live with it.

All about Bryan Cole by Scott Freeman

Excellent article - very informative - about the late Bryan Cole by Scott Freeman on ArtsATL.com

RIP Bryan Cole

Bryan Cole, former Mose Jones drummer, died a few hours ago at the hospital at the age of 61 years. 

After Mose Jones, Bryan worked as a studio musician, songwriter and producer, especially for Ichiban Records and studios Kala in Atlanta. 

He had to retire at age 50 due to serious health problems. It is these problems that bring back him to the hospital a few days ago for surgery.
 
I had the opportunity to interview him two times and each time, it was very pleasant moments, thanks to his kindness and his involvement. Bryan was someone really endearing. 

The Mose Jones stuff is present on Skydog's Elysium. Some of the records were kindly sent by Bryan.


http://www.sweethomemusic.fr/Interviews/MoseJonesUS.php

http://www.sweethomemusic.fr/Interviews/MoseJones2US.ph

Gig Michaels (SwampDaWamp) interview

The music of SwampDaWamp is impressing you? It's a safe bet that the Gig Michaels character will impress you just as much! Interview with this singer whose charisma transpires into his words.

English version of Bands Of Dixie interview.

Tim Kelliher (The Buster Cousins Band / Galloway & Kelliher) interview

Already five years that the great Galloway & Kelliher's "Outlaws & Renegades" has been released. We sincerely hoped for a following episode... but the new stuff will be Buster's Cousins! We have an update with Tim Kelliher on this project and his future plans.

English version of Bands Of Dixie interview. 

Mylon LeFevre - In Concert (1970)

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Thanks to Jared for pointing me in the right direction, where this fine recording is concerned. Hot live show of Mylon & Holy Smoke doing justice to his spectacular first Southern Rock album "Mylon". This registration from 1970 has a comfortable atmosphere and the songs are played with heart and soul. Great vocals, as usual, by Mylon. And a perfect sound overall. Sure, it's got Gospel, but it's excellent Southern Rock too. If you dig Mylon at all, sure nuff, you'll love this. Good heavens!