Part II in a two part series. Part I.
1. Elvin Bishop: Rock My Soul
Most people only know Elvin Bishop from the Charlie Daniels tune “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” but he had a pretty substantial hit in “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.” This tune is everything Elvin Bishop was as a performer. “When you’re feeling good, turn the music up and let it move you.”
2. Grinderswitch: Pickin’ the Blues
Like Bishop, Grinderswitch became famous in the CDB tune. They had a bit of a following in the late 70s and got a start at Capricorn Records. Radio personality John Peel used this song on his show at the BBC, but Grinderswitch is typically on of those bands that you know but never heard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpAoX6IxoFo
3. Dicky Betts and Great Southern: Good Time Feelin’
Betts left the Allman Brothers Band for a time and formed Great Southern. Their music is often better than the Allman Brothers, and this song is quintessential Betts on that “red guitar.”
4. Barefoot Jerry: Come to Me Tonight
Barefoot Jerry had a great couple of albums, and this song from their first showcases the talents of the band, particularly the haunting piano intro.
5. Rossington Collins Band: Prime Time
This is Skynyrd without Ronnie Van Zant. After the plane crash, the remaining members of the band got together and recorded this album with Gary Rossington’s wife on vocals. You can almost hear Ronnie singing the songs. This is the best track from the album.
6. Sea Level: Shake a Leg
Another offshoot of the Allman Brothers Band, Sea Level never had much commercial success, but they were a very good, tight Southern jazz fusion jam band. This song is a great rocker. The video is no good, but the music takes hold of your soul.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCGNwr-QLz0
7. Doc Holliday: Ain’t No Fool
This early 80s Southern rock band is modeled after Molly Hatchet. They hailed from Florida and had a small following, but this track is a blazing Southern rock song.
8. Bill Leverty: Trouble So Hard
Thanks to Jeff Rogers on this one. Leverty was the lead guitarist for the 80s “hairband” Firehouse, but on this solo effort, titled Deep South, the native Virginian gets back to his roots. Good stuff.
9. Drivin’ n’ Cryin’: Honeysuckle Blue
This 1989 tune from Atlanta based Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ is as close to traditional Southern rock as you can get. Great guitar work and a real Southern feel.
10. Jimmie Van Zant Band: Bad Habits
This 2000 song from the album Southern Comfort is a great throwback Southern rock tune. Jimmie is Ronnie’s cousin, and it shows.
