Photo: Blackberry Smoke Zach Pigg
Blackberry Smoke releases their new rendition of The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Take The Highway,” featuring special guest Marcus Henderson. A current member of The Marshall Tucker Band, Henderson joined Blackberry Smoke in the studio to perform the song’s signature flute track.
“Take The Highway” is the latest song unveiled from Blackberry Smoke’s special new EP, Live From Capricorn Sound Studios, which will be released June 19 with a portion of all proceeds going to the Recording Academy’s MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. Recorded earlier this year at Capricorn Sound Studios in Macon, GA, the project consists of six new versions of songs that have special ties to the historic studio and town and will be released as a lead up to the band’s anticipated “Spirit of the South Tour: A Celebration of Southern Rock and Roll Music” this summer. Produced by Blackberry Smoke, the EP is now available for both CD and vinyl.
Listen to “Take The Highway”
Ahead of the release, the band’s new version of “Midnight Rider,” originally recorded by The Allman Brothers Band, premiered last month at Relix in celebration of two special anniversaries: the formation of The Allman Brothers Band on March 26, 1969 and the release of “Midnight Rider” on the same day in 1971. The track has a special connection to Capricorn Sound Studios as Gregg Allman broke into the studio to record the song’s original demo. Blackberry Smoke lead singer Charlie Starr also plays Duane Allman’s iconic Goldtop Les Paul guitar in the band’s new version. Watch the live performance video HERE.
Live From Capricorn Studios marks a significant moment in Capricorn Sound Studios’ history as it was the first time a major band has done a professional recording at the studio in over 40 years. Additional songs featured on Blackberry Smoke’s EP are renditions of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Revival,” Little Richard’s “Southern Child” and Wet Willie’s “Keep On Smiling” and “Grits Ain’t Groceries,” both featuring special guest vocals from Jimmy Hall—a member of Wet Willie during Capricorn’s peak years, who returned to the studio to record these tracks. The EP also features background vocals from The Black Bettys.
In conjunction with this new project, Blackberry Smoke will embark on their extensive “Spirit of the South Tour: A Celebration of Southern Rock and Roll Music” this summer, which will feature special guests The Allman Betts Band, The Wild Feathers and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, Jaimoe. Created in celebration of the various roots and influences within Southern music, every show will conclude with a unique collaborative finale, which will feature Blackberry Smoke, The Allman Betts Band, The Wild Feathers, Jaimoe and additional surprise guests showcasing the inspirations of Rock, Blues, Gospel and Soul music.
Live From Capricorn Sound Studios Track List
Midnight Rider
Take The Highway (feat. Marcus Henderson)
Keep On Smiling (feat Jimmy Hall and The Black Bettys)
Grits Ain’t Groceries (feat. The Black Bettys)
Revival (feat. The Black Bettys)
Southern Child (feat. The Black Bettys)
Blackberry Smoke Tour Dates (all dates subject to change)
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