Review and Photos by: James Pappaconstantine
Show photos HERE 
When asked to cover the Blackberry Smoke concert at the State Theatre my immediate response was, Who? (and this is not to reflect badly on the band, just on my inability to keep up with “todays” music. I must admit being 51 years old I am kinda stuck in my own music tastes, which if you ask my kids, is, “old”. ) my reply to the request was, “sure, The State Theatre is in my backyard, why not.” Approximately a week later, I was channel surfing and stumbled upon this live concert on Palladium.  I had no idea who it was, but the music and vibe were cool, and the singer had a great voice. After a few minutes, I found out who it was and checked the internet to find their tour schedule, not realizing these were the same guys I called our editor and asked if I could cover their show, He replied, “Yeah, I already asked ops! I’ll blame it on old age.
Opening the show were locals, The Mallett Brother’s Band, Who played a great set of southern rock/country. The music was met with great appreciation by the 900 plus patrons.
Before Blackberry Smoke hit the stage, the stage was cleansed by sage smoke, that old familiar smell of bygone days when hippies ran wild.
The lighting resembled lighting from the 70’s, it had a warm glow to it, and unlike the harsher LED lights you see with many of the newer acts. The stage was layered with three Oriental style rugs, drawing out a comfortable box for the band to play on.
They opened the show with, Leave A Scar, from their 2012 release The Whippoorwill. A song reminiscent of that 70’s southern rock movement, or maybe even of Black Oak Arkansas who came just prior to that movement.
The Audience truly loved them, singing along to most of the music, dancing in the isles, and raising their hands and in many cases cell phones in appreciation of the band.
The band played a 19 song set which included them slipping into a couple covers in the throws of their own material. During the song Sleeping Dogs, the band seamlessly slipped into (The Allman Brother’s hit) Midnight Rider and then during, Aint Much Left Of Me, they slipped into a verse and chorus of (Led Zeppelin’s) When The Levee Breaks. It’s always interesting to see original bands play a cover or two, it gives you a little insight into the bands who inspire them.
Prior to entering the show, I heard many people likening them to The Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Band. In my opinion their music was much like The Allman Brothers. (I saw the Allman’s back in 1977, and this concert was very reminiscent of that show)
I came into this show, a Blackberry Smoke virgin, but now I am an experienced and a true fan! I hope to catch them again soon. If you haven’t heard these guys, do yourself a favor and check them out, and if the come to your town, make sure you see their live show. It’s good to know that in a world where the music industry is happy sampling and rehashing really uninteresting material, there are still guys like Blackberry Smoke who are turning out good thought provoking music.
 

Blackberry Smoke

Blackberry Smoke’s Set List

 Leave a Scar

Like I am

Testify

Pretty Little Lie

Six Ways

Good One

Angeline

Sleeping Dogs

She’s Mine

Whippoorwill

Up in Smoke

Aint got the Blues

Lesson

Sanctified

Restless

One Horse Town

Fire in the Hole

Freedom Song