The set list included a steady helping of Blackberry Smoke tunes, the majority of which were penned by Starr and other members of Blackberry Smoke. You know all the shaky stuff youd miss if it wasnt there and would cause you to say, Somethings missing. Preston and Britt make a good team playing together. I also have a couple of Fender Esquires, a 63 and a 65, that I used on the record and they're both really magical. February 25, 2021 @ 6:26 pm. We missed having them close and being able to hear them, too. Hell after reading comments , I feel a good one coming on ! Wonderful stuff! I kind of use a pick and ring finger combination, like a hybrid picking thing. I started asking myself, Where does it go from here? His voice is like molasses, fantastic. Jun 20, 2022. My first gig was in Rome (GA) when I was 15 with a bunch of guys that seemed really old to me, they were like juniors and seniors in high school, said Shanks. "As a kid I heard the songs and just thought it was the greatest rock and roll. Maybe it was 6 years ago. Blackberry Smoke has much to celebrate. [Laughs]. "But it's just a bigger, fatter tone to meeven than a humbucker. When you have that freedom, it comes pretty easy. Just, 'We're here to make music.' Shortly after the summer job as guitar tech for the Black Crows, Benji was invited to a gig on Nassau Island where he played with the legendary Chuck Levelle from the Rolling Stones, and Butch Trucks from the Allman Bros. band. Starr: No, I dont think so not other than planting my vegetables, which I think is pretty grown-up (chuckles). I don't know about my most important influence. Billy is the best. Longtime fans of Blackberry Smoke filled The Funky Biscuit to capacity for An Evening With Charlie Starr and Benji Shanks, a set of four shows over two nights on June 5 & 6 at the Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, Florida. Bath I love it. WebAfter all, Szlachetka whose self-made success includes high-profile shows alongside Brandi Carlile, Mike Campbell, and Blackberry Smoke's Charlie Starr and Benji Shanks; regular appearances on SiriusXM's Tom Petty Radio; and his own Ditty TV program, Vinyl Recipes, which combines his love for music, cooking, and cocktails isn't running ", There are a couple of songs that are completely live, vocal and all, including Old Enough to Know. 9:26 pm. Preston Holcomb and Benji Shanks are now considered full-time touring members of the band, and help the band stretch out their extended jams. Blackberry Smokes Benji Shanks Provides Rig Rundown Daniele Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, February 26, 2021 @ "Duane played with such ferocity at such a young age. Bill Shanks - Wikipedia He said, Absolutely. Of course, we also did some Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, as well as paid homage to Little Richard. Coincidentally, wed been trying to come up with some ideas about promoting our summer tour, the Spirit of the South tour. A powerless superhero and family patriarch in an Australian suburb lives a not-so-secret identity as Koala Man while possessing a burning passion to snuff out petty crime and bring order to the community. Starr: Weve never worked with a major record label. Im a terrible schoolteacher. I wondered whether people around the world were truly hearing what he was saying or just how he was saying it. "We tracked it all live. They have come a long way since then. The two have played together outside of Blackberry Smoke before, several times in years past, so seeing both musicians smiling and genuinely having a good time was a welcome site to those who have missed live, in-person shows over the past year. WebRecorded at The Buckhead Theatre 1-5-18 Blackberry Smoke on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/BBSiTunesOfficial Website: We were out on the road with ZZ Top in 2007, and we went to the NAMM Show, where there was a Dan Armstrong booth. He was talking with a really, really thick Southern accent. Your guitar is slung more like Jimmy Page than Duane. He was so well read, musically, with all of his session worka 22-year-old guy playing with Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, King Curtis and Clarence Carter. I could watch \u0026 listen to him play for days! Schnelkc Benji is a fantastic player that has killer tone with a pretty simple stage set up and a somewhat modest pedalboard. But then it started to grow. Jerry A Shanks of Rockwall County, Texas was born c. 1940. ArtsATL: And how were the drive-in shows? Just what youd expect from the guys. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). My 1956 Les Paul Jr. The album also racked up another nearly 1 million streams its debut week. I had the pleasure of seeing BBS last month for the fifth time in the last three/four years. Hey Delilah (Charlie Starr) 4. Benji Shanks - Biography - IMDb Ginger Haycox If you ever get the chance to see him play, do it! Other than that, I think just tremolo and reverb from that amp. Its been refinished, the head has broken and its got replacement parts. Since their last full-length album, 2018s Find a Light, Blackberry Smoke have put out a live album and concert film, Homecoming: Live in Atlanta; a six-song acoustic EP, The Southern Ground Sessions; and Live from Capricorn Sound Studios, an EP of six covers recorded live. Web4,340 Followers, 1,308 Following, 458 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Benji Shanks (@shanksforeverything) His addition gives Blackberry Smoke a three-guitar lineup, teaming with Starr and Paul Jackson. How Jeff Beck passed the Telecaster torch to Jimmy Page and changed the course of rock history, Watch two bassists shred-off using Tosin Abasi's selective picking technique, The Lowlist: INXS's Kick was the sound of a rock band taking on modern technology. Benji had previously appeared on acoustic tours with Charlie Starr as an accompanist, and both were on tour with Blackberry Smoke when they paired up with the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Shanks And Warren too; it's unbelievable how good they both are.". They are the first independently-released artist to hit No. That's the way we make records anyway; we're a band, we play together. Then theres other parts of the song which are addressing the discourse in the world right now and some of the lyrics, like, We used to go toe to toe, but my heart aint in no mo, refer to the fact Im so tired of fighting. But is it just me or when ever I listen to alot of artists today, the music seems to drown out their voices. You know all the shaky stuff youd miss if it wasnt there and would cause you to say, Somethings missing. Preston and Britt make a good team playing together. Lyrically, the song is about the South being misunderstood, says lead singer and primary songwriter Charlie Starr. Mike Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Timm Shanks. Ive seen them 2 or 3 times in concert and they may be my all time favorite live band. They are the first independently-released artist to hit No. 1:59 pm. He was talking with a really, really thick Southern accent. The band spent much of the summer of 2016 on tour with Gov't Mule. I have others which are nicer, and its not terribly valuable. I had come out of a handful of situations playing with songwriters. Guitar prodogy of Rome, Georgia gets recognised - Blogger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23WnzhkuflE, Brad Wireman This leadership was later made official with two additional leader positions. Benji Shanks - IMDb setlist Starr: Im a terrible schoolteacher. "I've never really been adept at playing slide with only my fingers on my picking hands, which is obviously what Duane did. Was it as much fun to record as it appears to be by the smile on your face in the video? Jump to: Biography Memories Family Tree Followers Timm Hey Delilah is a great song, with a real the Band feel. They're made to be played. Additional members wouldntve given me a start. While there are many great legendary guitar players that preach the Southern Rock sound, there are few as good as Benji Shanks. Love their studio stuff but wondering if I just caught them on an off night or are they not great live? They have released seven studio albums, two live albums and five extended plays. Benji said, I like playing with Justin Brogdon. The band released its sixth studio album, Find A Light, on December 19, 2018. August Knight ArtsATL: What would you say the world needs a little more of right now? "But Dickey was playing a little more laid back at times and bringing a little more country, which developed later, with Blue Sky and Ramblin Man. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Our interview was cut short, because well, the music biz never stops and sound checks must go on. I wonder how that went down with current longtime member/guitar/vocalist - Paul Jackson? That music will live forever. All Rise Again feat. I write songs based on the way I feel about writing a song. Do you get rid of something as you get something or do you just keep acquiring? Aint the Same (Charlie Starr, Keith Nelson) 5. he was saying it. Well, I had the kind of grandmother books are written about. What we get to do is not forced. Blackberry Smoke released their fifth studio album, Like an Arrow, featuring Gregg Allman, on October 14, 2016, via their own record label, 3 Legged Records. Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel. But it definitely had its challenges because it was a new world. My wife likes it when I get rid of things. But the rest of the group were used to taking orders from him, so they treated Benji as the de-facto leader. The band had their first chart success with their third album, The Whippoorwill, which was released in August 2012 and reached Top 40 on Billboard 200. Note: only considered 3 of 9 setlists (ignored empty and strikingly short setlists) Setlist. Jerry Shanks was married to Billie J. Although I dont think it was a shock. But Blackberry Smoke does hope to utilize them on select dates in the future. Benji in a show in tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Derek is a good bit quieter, as far as being a talker, but he and Susan have a tremendous family thing that was so much fun to be a part of when we toured with them all summer. Advertisement Benjis rig rundown gets underway with a look at his pedalboard Capricorn called and invited us down to record, since the studio was up and running. You must log in or register to reply here. Lonesome for a Livin feat. Love the new song already and ABSOLUTELY stoked to see track 5 is featuring Jamey Johnson! February 24, 2021 @ He supported Kip Moore in the UK and again he completely stole the show. Corncaster There are a couple of songs that are completely live, vocal and all, including Old Enough to Know. It all happened in one day, without planning to put it together as a project, because were not a cover band. Long time best friend of Benji, Dave Kudlats said, Ive been watching Benji grow as a musician for more than ten years, and if he continues to play with musicians like Jimmy Herring, and bands like the Last Walts Ensemble I have no doubt he will land a gig with a famous band in the future.. Aug 2, 2022. Schnelkc WebShanks, originally from Waycross, Georgia, is a graduate of the University of Georgia. Then I just kept learning about how Jimmy was really the architect of all this stuff. Havent seen them yet but have heard theyre excellent. Starr: It was really an easy decision. Blackberry Smoke was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. "A little of both. Benji (Shanks) said to me one night, That guitar hits every note of the rainbow. I think that describes it. You were once quoted as saying, I cant be grown up on the road. Do you think you did any growing up being off the road? I got a lot of quirky, different types of tunings I've learned over the years from different people and records. Watching a few live clips it does seem like Benji fills the classic "utility" player position and seemingly takes more of Charlie's parts and spots than Pauls. Be the first to contribute! The name of the band was called Spit Shine, a small punk rock band out of Rome high school. ArtsATL: Is there anyone who stands out for you as representing the good of the South? Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or Prestons known Richard (Turner, bassist) since high school. Learn all about Benji Shanks on AllMusic. There's been an evolution of my playing and our music over the life of the band, but I don't think it's drastic, Starr says. Sailing with the Roger Pirates since he was an infant, Shanks would begin his pirate career on their ship as an apprentice alongside Buggy, before forming his own crew following Roger's death. So we started to work on some livestream-type things. Hes been associated with Guitar World for 30 years, serving as Managing Editor from 1991-96. The three have done a I know what I'll be doing that night. Cobb always works at RCA Studio A and seems to be developing a real sound in there, like he has the studio tuned in the way the guys at Stax, Motown and Sun did. Required fields are marked *. !Really stole the show at the Billy Gibbons Guitar Show deal, I thought. "We all kind of want to be a three-guitar band, way down deep in our hearts, and maybe add another drummer too. and Drummer/ Percussionist. Even though there were four extremely important parts in the band, it was mostly his vision, being that he produced all the records. February 25, 2021 @ You can get so many different sounds with a single-pickup guitar, just the way where you pick the strings. one problem with the songwriting, and, the band in general, tunes are indistinguishable, and its really charley starr with backing band. Q&A: Charlie Starr and Blackberry Smoke roar out of the Benji and I have been playing together as a duo for about 15 years and are just kindred spirits. I was super late to the party on this band, but they stick in my YouTube algo like a bad habit. Benji Shanks's (@shanksforeverything) profile on Instagram 458 The studio was great, of course, and the vibe in the room is just magical. I wanted to play like Jimmy Page, Gary Rossington, Duane Allman and Dickey Bettsand then it came back around, thanks to those songwriters. 1 on the Billboard Country Album charts in modern history. "Most of my slide playing is in open G, and I love playing with tunings. Didnt care much for their earlier stuff but this song rocks. Jimmy was great. Bob Shanks, Influential TV Executive, Dies at A couple of years ago, we were hanging out with Jamey after doing a show together and he said hed love to record together again. WebKoala Man: Created by Michael Cusack, Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit. I could say the same about Zeppelin II or Revolver or At Fillmore East. Some people go to college, I joined bands [laughs]. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. Im going to be 69 this year and I still love to hear this band. I bought it in 1993 from Rick Richards of the Georgia Satellites, who are just giants to me. He recently sat down with ArtsATL to discuss how the band managed a year-plus of COVID-19 lockdown through new music, two new members, livestream performances and a series of drive-in concerts. 3 in all of music. We were in our twenties, so we just went nuts. And she was quick to chastise me or any others for doing such. ArtsATL: I heard you explain the new albums title song, You Hear Georgia, as being lyrically about those of us from the South sometimes being misunderstood and then it expanded to discord among folks in general. April 8, 2021 @ Ill never pass up a chance to see these guys within a few hours drive. Artist. [1] Shanks was a television sports anchor at WBSG in Brunswick, Georgia and WGXA in Without a doubt. All Credits Composer Director Being a guitar player was my focus, and I was very into that, but I started to see what writing songs could do for people. It just stands there and says, 'Hey, we dont need a bunch of hits. A lot of people have asked if that was the biggest crowd Ive played to, and while it was not necessarily so in terms of the number of people there, in terms of the energy that you felt when you walked out on that stage, Ive never felt that kind of energy before playing in front of a crowd of people, said Shanks. Alan Paul is the author of three books, Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan (opens in new tab), One Way Way Out: The Inside Story of the Allman Brothers Band which were both New York Times bestsellers and Big in China: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues and Becoming a Star in Beijing (opens in new tab), a memoir about raising a family in Beijing and forming a Chinese blues band that toured the nation. Somethin hit me deep down in my soul, Jeremy Their debut album, Bad Luck Ain't No Crime, was released in 2003. 7:37 pm. February 24, 2021 @ He had siblings Robert Ian Shanks, Margaret Bain Shanks, Charles Alex Shanks, Donald Mckenzie Shanks, and Bruce Mckenzie Shanks. Going over Cobb isnt really known for a lot of dubbing, so Im interested in how theyll approach it. Blackberry Smoke's 2016 album Like An Arrow did the same. 7:56 am. Is the Stones' Exile on Main St. still your favorite album? Unfortunately, you can find that mentality almost anywhere you go in the world, but the image sometimes gets directed toward the South which I think is incorrect and unfair. With their own careers to keep up with as well, you may not see them out on the road. "I wrote a very traditional country song for George Jones, who passed away before he did it. He was just an intense, intense player. He started playing percussion on the new album. So thats the South Im talking about. Its been refinished, the head has broken and its got replacement parts. 3:50 pm. You have a better excuse than most of us to keep getting guitars since it's actually your job. Koala Man February 28, 2021 @ At one point, I decided that I hold my guitar too low to really get comfortable playing with nothing but the fingers down there.". That was the same tour I was talking about. "Absolutely! Starr: They were odd. Donald Shanks died at age 73 years old in 1983 Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. It's not heavy metal, but it's got this aggressive sound and every element was just so stellar. Starr: Well, I had the kind of grandmother books are written about. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Blackberry Smoke added Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb as permanent members this year. "And then you start to dissect his compositions and it's just otherworldly. I dont mean it that way. I had the pleasure of seeing BBS last month for the fifth time in the last three/four years. He and Warren are cut from the same cloth: very selfless, both musically and as people. We were so far away from the audience, which was all cars. Never will it die. [3] They have performed throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and South America. Debbie. I thought, 'I'm not the best singer, but I can sing a song.' But the Deluxe Reverb was working, so we kept using it. '", Being a guitar player was my focus, and I was very into that, but I started to see what writing songs could do for people. I received a great education being on the road with them, something that you cant get anywhere else other than going out and being on the road and doing it. said Shanks. ArtsATL: How has Blackberry Smoke been able to stay true to itself over the course of 20 years? Hank Charles For example I don't think I've ever seen Paul play slide or open tunings - Benji does both which are usually Charlie's domain. If you came here from a link, please go back and correct the link for one of the heroes listed below. 1 on Billboard's Country Albums chart. Picking up the guitar at the age of 13, Shanks started taking guitar lessons. He can play with anybody in any situation and he always just does what Warren Haynes does, and it always works and it always rules. Were really enjoying it. Were going again in Juneif the pandemic allows us. But theres a lot of good people too. 1:17 pm. 7:51 am. Oh heck yes they are. WebBenji Shanks Biography It looks like we don't have any Biography for Benji Shanks yet. Widespread Panics guitar player, Jimmy Herring, caught wind of Benjis rising success and invited him for a few guest appearances with the band. Hes a great drummer. The lineup consists of Charlie Starr (lead vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, backing vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, backing vocals), and Brandon Still (keyboards). Yes, that one was fantastic. Maybe let's Charlie focus more on singing/front man duties. Staying on the Allman Brothers Band tip, talk a little bit about Warren as a player. Hes a great drummer. We missed having them close and being able to hear them, too. ", I'm definitely not just a collector and I don't have a whole lot of mint-condition guitars. I love these guys. Met him last month and he gave me a stage tour, free tickets and backstage passes. You also sing a song with Jamey Johnson, who sounds incredible, like a redwood singing. The tone was a little brighter and a little cleaner, but just as fabulous. mark May 21, 2021 @ 1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Chart. Drake White just completely stole the show when he opened. What a show it was. Blackberry Smoke is an American rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. Soularcat), who is Benjis biggest musical influence. Thats not an uncommon situation. Most days you can find in the studio and on tour with Kristian Bush. ArtsATL: When COVID-19 hit, how did Blackberry Smoke adapt to the abrupt change from being a heavily touring band to no longer being able to tour at all? And she was quick to chastise me or any others for doing such. What prompted that decision? It made sense to go to the studio, where some of the songs were originally recorded. (1-57 of 57) Year. He and @benjispanks had all of us at the first cord! I was thinking about the things that are good about Southern culture the things I love, like the good stories I grew up on, the music I was taught, the love I experienced with friends and family and being comforted by their goodness. Blackberry Smoke is back on tour this fall with a stop right near me. This feat was matched in 2016 with Like an Arrow. Benji and I have been playing together as a duo for about 15 years and are just kindred spirits. Summary. February 25, 2021 @ Is the Les Paul Junior still your number one? SZLACHETKA Nashville Tickets, The Underdog Jun 20, 2023 Mr. Shanks grew up in Lebanon, Ind., and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he sometimes called basketball games on the campus radio station, WFIU. February 25, 2021 @ 7:51 pm. On May 28, 2021, their album You Hear Georgia was released. 6:16 pm, Just saw Blackberry smoke here in Myrtle Beach at bike week and they are at there best, very professional, Denise Thatcher At the drive-in shows, were people out there they were just way out there. And doing them really reminded me of how much I love playing music in this band because the enjoyment really comes from playing the songs. Enjoy. February 25, 2021 @ I'm definitely not just a collector and I don't have a whole lot of mint-condition guitars. One of the best. It may not display this or other websites correctly. After we went into the control room and heard it, we all said, Wow, this actually sounds great!, One of the songs was Wet Willies Keep on Smilin.. So having him join us was sort of inevitable. How does that change things? So we started to work on some livestream-type things. But at that point, we werent even able to get in the same room together. He knows what to play and not to play, but with three guitars, we do talk about the parts quite a bit, about staying out of each other's lane. So having him join us was sort of inevitable. She was just such a kind, good person who never had a single bad thing to say about one person not one my entire life. Most days I think every guitar player has that one guitar that is the one.. Jamey Johnson shows up to sing on the song Lonesome for a Livin, and Warren Haynes appears on All Rise Again. Charlie Starr also wrote with Dave Lizimi of The Four Horsemen for the first two songs of the 10-song album, and Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot for the final song, Old Scarecrow. With new music also comes a couple of new members to the group who you may notice in the promo photos for the band. So, its just a very personal thing as to whichever guitar speaks to you. Produced by fellow Georgia native Dave Cobb, the album is all about their deep appreciation for the Peach State, especially the title track (listen below). But we also definitely missed the energy of our audiences. What would you say the world needs a little more of right now? Their second album released in 2009, Little Piece of Dixie. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. Not to say there was no energy during the livestreams from the Tabernacle and Ryman Auditorium where there was no audience. 7:43 am. Ben Sproles Benji Graduated high school and went to school at Berry College for a year, when he got a job working at the local music store as a music teacher. He It was really an easy decision. I think they were the loudest trio I've ever seen, and he might be the best singing guitar player I've ever seen. It was for sale and I kept balking at the price and I finally said alright, I'll buy it. They included everybody in our band, and [folk duo] Shovels & Rope every night, and it was just selfless. 2.4K views 3 years ago I sat down recently with the one and only Benji Shanks, who is currently on tour with Blackberry Smoke as a guest guitarist. So we never had anyone breathing down our collective neck, trying to make us fit. And, because of that, we didnt have to hear anyone telling us, You have to cut your hair or You have to play a certain kind of song, because thats whats popular. Weve always just been able to govern ourselves. Hadn't seen it. Morningside (Charlie Starr, Nick Perri) 9. 7:06 am, Thats too funny. Going over scales and music 101 with the students, really helped me solidify my guitar theory, said Shanks. Add or change photo on IMDbPro Add to They were both just so fantastic.". I dont have to learn dance moves and feel like I have to put on a gorilla suit and dance in front of the car wash, and that causes me to sleep well at night. 9:39 am. I love a couple really odd ones Nick Drake utilized, that I had to be shown. Dawg Fan Their second album released in 2009, Little Piece of Dixie. Excellent new song! Heres how it works. Your email address will not be published. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the band and re-establish their Southern roots, Georgia-based Southern rock badasses Blackberry Smoke will be releasing their latest record called You Hear Georgia on May 28th. It's just big and round and the low mid is great and creamy. Hes a great drummer. ArtsATL: Has that freedom shaped how you write songs? We like the records we make and we dont feel like we sacrifice our integrity to try and step a rung higher on the ladder. And thats funny you ask because years ago I asked Rick if he had loved the guitar and he said he hadnt. I'm not pretty. ", I don't know if I could play the music I play without Zeppelin II, Revolver or At Fillmore East. But what he brought to the Brothers was just that he was on fire and he was always that way. Keep on tellin' yourself. You are using an out of date browser. Benji Shanks | Discography | Discogs WebView the profiles of people named Benji Shanks. #1. That one is very interesting. I saw them probably 6 or so years ago with Drake White opening, and Drake put on a better show than they did.