Review: The Outlaws with Kingbilly and Blackberry Smoke - Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville, TN - 5/9/2008

The Outlaws started out in 1972, were the first band signed to Arista Records by the legendary Clive Davis, and with several personnel changes and deaths over the years, were still going strong in 2007. But when long time guitarist-singer-songwriter Hughie Thomasson, who wrote some of their biggest hits, passed away last September, the void he left must have been huge. It did not, however, mark the end of The Outlaws, as was evident at The Wildhorse tonight. In fact, this latest lineup is injecting new life into the music with doses of high energy and pure devotion to the music and its' legacy.

This all-Southern Rock night at The Wildhorse included two opening acts. Nashville locals (for now, anyway) Kingbilly, put on a lively set. Some really nice slide work, a little lead banjo, good vocals, and a solid rhythm section displayed this band's talent well. These guys are good musicians with good songs. However, they didn't wow me, and I think it's because they're not big on showmanship yet. If they figure that out I think you'll be hearing more about them in the future.

Blackberry Smoke has been around a little longer and has rubbed shoulders with some really big names (ZZ Top for one), so there's no lack of showmanship here. Charlie Starr is up there front and center, exuding personality and attitude. The vocals are tight, with some great harmonizing by guitarist Paul Jackson, and the rhythm section of brothers Brit and Richard Turner is rock solid. Brit's drumming also has an unmistakable presence. I loved this band, particularly "Like I Am", "Feel a Good One Comin On", and "Sanctified Woman".