Southern Rock Passing Through The Paramount

By Andrew Wroblewski

awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Known best for their time touring with bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, the southern rock band Blackberry Smoke is used to touring the world as a supporting act.

However, now signed onto record label Southern Ground – of Zac Brown Band-fame – Blackberry Smoke will take to the spotlight of The Paramount on Aug. 7 as they headline a one-night only show.

Hailing from Atlanta, Ga., and rocking microphones since 2000, Blackberry Smoke will offer fans its iconic mixture of arena rock, gospel, bluegrass, soul and outlaw country next week as the band plays the hits from its three major albums, “The Whippoorwill,” “Little Piece of Dixie” and “Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime.”

For a better look at what to expect, fans can also check out Blackberry Smoke’s first live album, “Leave a Scar, Live: North Carolina,” which released on July 8 as a part of 3 Legged Records and peaked in the top-20 on the U.S. country chart while selling over 2,000 copies. The album gives listeners the inside scoop of what to expect at a Blackberry Smoke concert, but one thing should go without saying: The band’s hits will always be a cornerstone.

Released in 2013, “Pretty Little Lie,” of off “The Whippoorwill,” earned airplay in the United States with powerful vocals from band members Charlie Starr, Richard Turner and Paul Jackson, who also take care of guitar and bass duties for the band. Backing up with the keys and drums are Brandon Still and Brit Turner, respectively, who combine with the vocal trio to make for a sound that’s calming, catchy and classy.

Also sure to rock The Paramount’s stage is “Good One Comin’ On,” the band’s first single, which released in 2009 as a part of the “Little Piece of Dixie EP.” With an enchanting guitar riff and songwriting aimed at sparking a sing-along, party atmosphere, the single made its way into the 2008 Kevin Costner drama, “Swing Vote.” In that same year, the band made its video game debut. The 2008 edition of the EA Sports NASCAR series featured Blackberry Smoke’s “Up In Smoke,” which released as part of the same EP.

To feel a good one come on with Blackberry Smoke, tickets are available for $54 from the box office at 370 New York Ave. in Huntington or by visiting www.paramountny.com.