Tennessee River Crooks was a band out of Paris, Tennessee and though that they had one album, it was produced on a personal press and had no main label launch. RidingEasy Data licensed the album for an official launch and our good pals at Noble Data had an unique model printed out unique to their retailer. Their model is what I’ve right here and it was restricted to 300 copies on a virtually Mint Inexperienced coloured vinyl. It’s listed as Inexperienced, however I really feel it’s extra mint inexperienced so there you have got it.
The band consisted of Jimmy Stewart on bass, Ronnie Waters & Larry Farrar on guitars with Ricky Stewart on drums. Jimmy additionally dealt with all of the vocals. One of many foremost track writers on right here is Mike Hendrix who additionally contributed some guitar work and concord vocals on a whole lot of track. He was within the band at one time, however solely contributed to the recordings at this level. Their sound is pure Southern Rock and the album was principally recorded with the rhythm tracks stay so you’d get the texture of the band and the way they sounded stay. It was recorded, principally, at Sound Farm in Puryear, Tennessee betwen June and October of 1976 because it states on the again cowl. All I can say is that it’s one other stable Unique provided by Noble and why I maintain coming again repeatedly and shopping for his unique. The person is aware of what he’s speaking about.
The band’s identify got here from a pal of theirs identify Jerry Crouch. He labored the door at a whole lot of their gigs and when he collected the cash on the door for entry, he positioned it in a cigar field for the corporate Tennessee River Crooks. They shortened it TR Crooks as the opposite was a mouthful to at all times say. No matter you wish to name them, you’ll be able to name them gifted musicians and a hell of a band.
SIDE ONE:
The album opens with “Ready for a Higher Day”. I like the way it begins with a great ol’ nation boy saying, “Who the hell is TR Crooks?” earlier than the band kicks in. It’s easy, clear rock in the identical vein as The Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd. A rustic rock sound that felt like dwelling. I additionally love the harmonica because it actually added to their sound. And the guitar work, nicely, it wasn’t dangerous both. A stable opening monitor.
Subsequent up is “Tune of David” and we get all folksy right here with this one. A extra mellow monitor with a singer/songwriter really feel to it like James Taylor and even John Denver even. The fiddles and mandolin together with the acoustic guitars give it extra a rustic vibe. No matter their sound, the track is sensible.
Subsequent up is “Farmin’ Man” and the rock is kicking again in. This one was written by Hendrix whereas Stewart had written the opposite two. It had a extra upbeat rhythm with some effective guitar taking part in. That guitar solo is killer and dealt with by Mr. Hendrix (Mike, not Jimi). This could be essentially the most rocking track on the album (or at the least this facet).
The ultimate monitor on the primary facet is “We Are All Brothers” and man, is that this pure Southern Rock from the 70’s. It could be the most effective track on the album. It has an awesome refrain and will’ve simply taken its place on the radio with the large bands of the time. Extra killer guitar work and even some metal guitar work. A great deal of harmonies add textures and layers to the track as nicely. A nicely produced and written track.
SIDE TWO:
Aspect Two kicks off with “White Lightning” one other Hendrix written monitor. This one and the Hendrix written one earlier than it will not be streamable as they had been licensed with Fervor Data. These are solely on the bodily copy of the album. It is a pure rocker, heavier guitars and meatier tone total. You’ll be able to hear the Southern Rock sound, however the rock is turned up extra on this one. And the guitars are a selecting at a frenzied fee, he’s mainly shredding…merely killer.
Subsequent up is “Previous Music” and it matches the title. It feels dated within the 70’s. A extra mellow Doobie Brothers kind sound. Simply sit again, mild one up. And when that recorder kicks in, inhale actually deep. Now exhale and revel in!
“Tennessee Land” is again to a extra conventional Southern Rock. Sure, Allman and Lynyrd come to thoughts…duh. A stable monitor and as we’ve come to anticipate, effective, effective guitar work. The twin guitars actually make these songs stand out. With “Life on the Street” it’s extra of the identical stable rock. I like songs about touring and what its like. Plus, if the guitar’s sound like this, maintain ’em coming.
The album ends with “Sizzling Busch” and it completely kicks some main ass. A jam session caught on tape and the music is King right here. The percussion work is stellar, the guitars work..rattling…simply hearken to that solo. And the bass work…wow! All of it simply soars. Everybody will get an opportunity to shine and man they shine brilliant. Certainly one of my favourite tracks on the album. What a solution to exit…you positively need extra after this one.
And that’s it. A Southern Rock gem that went mainly unnoticed. So many nice bands on the market that by no means had their probability to succeed in nice heights. That’s the reason I like all these non-public press releases and reissues a whole lot of labels are doing. RidingEasy Data finds some nice ones and fortunately, Noble will get on that wagon with them once in a while. This has rapidly develop into one in every of my favorites up to now. My Total Rating is a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars. It ain’t excellent, however so far as Southern Rock goes, it’s fairly freaking nice!
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