CD REVIEW: HOLDING ALL THE ROSES by Blackberry Smoke

THIS band is apparently the new Lynyrd Skynyrd, or so they say. True, they walk the same US Southern rock/country rock road as Lynyrd, but this band is no mere tribute band. The comparison is an unwanted distraction because it detracts from judging a quali

This new album by Blackberry Smoke will reveal to an even bigger audience a distinctive and interesting – as well as thoroughly entertaining – band on an upward trajectory all its own.

This is their fourth studio album and is a big success for Charlie Starr (vocals and guitar), Richard Turner (bass and vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar and vocals) and Brandon Still (keyboards).

A lively offering of 12 songs reveals a wealth of imagination, musical ability and good old rock ‘n’ roll attitude rolled in with a dose of blues and a good dash of country. A tasty recipe indeed.

The album races on with an addictive enthusiasm with songs like Payback’s a Bitch and Holding All The Roses putting Blackberry Smoke’s distinctive stamp on the music scene.

The band starts the album with a challenge: “Why’s it got to be the same damn thing, same damn song that everybody wants to sing” and then goes on to show a well-honed individuality, perhaps emphasised in the lyric “You know she made me rock and roll again, put the swagger in my soul again” on the track Rock and Roll Again.

The songwriting is way above the norm with lines like “I bet you’re looking for a friend, everybody’s got a hand that’s empty” revealing a gift for wry observation.

To put it bluntly, this album is a great deal of fun to listen to and one you will want to return to again and again. Top musicians, great music.