Country rock giants Blackberry Smoke brought their Be Right Here Tour to a near-capacity crowd at The Hall in Little Rock.
Fresh off the release of their new album, Be Right Here, Blackberry Smoke entered Little Rock ready to party all night. Be Right Here marks the first release from the Atlanta-based band since 2021’s You Hear Georgia. The album features guest spots from Jamey Johnson and Warren Hayes, and, like its predecessor, was produced by Nashville legend Dave Cobb.
Joining them on the road was St. Louis-rockers, Feel. The quartet from Missouri brings a huge sound to the stage that harkens back to the rock and roll of the late 60s and early 70s.
When Feel takes the stage, you immediately know you’re in for a rock show. The throwback attire puts you squarely in the days of Cream and Led Zeppelin, and the sound backs up the look. Frontman Garret Barcus’ vocal power was evident right from the first song, and the band tore through an eight-song set. In addition to their original songs “Call It What You Will” and “Find a Love,” there was also an extended tag of the Joe Cocker version of “With A Little Help From My Friends.” A thick backing rhythm was provided all night by bassist Rodger Lenhardt and drummer T.J. Steinwart, while the magnificent guitar work of Tyler Armstrong proved to be one of the great highlights of the night. As was evident by the long line at the merchandise table afterward, Feel left Little Rock with quite a few new fans.
After a great warm-up from Feel, the main attraction of the night took the stage in the form of Blackberry Smoke. When Charlie Starr (vocals/guitar) launched into the main riff of “Live It Down,” the crowd knew it was in for a great night. The band started out hot, with the aforementioned “Live It Down” leading things off and crowd-favorite “Good One” following. Guitarist Paul Jackson played to the crowd during “Hammer And The Nail,” the first appearance of a song from the newly released Be Right Here. Jackson’s rhythm playing was a great compliment to Starr’s lead work throughout the night.Sing-alongs were littered throughout the setlist and the crowd came prepared to do their part. Highlights included “Hey Delilah” (“Heeeeeeeeeeeey Delilaaaaaaaaaah”), “Waiting for the Thunder” (the second part of each verse line), and “One Horse Town” (the entire first verse). Laying down the groove for the crowd all night was bassist Richard Turner and touring drummer Kent Aberle. They were aided by keyboard work from Brandon Still and percussion from touring member Preston Holcomb.
Starr’s guitar work is a staple of all Blackberry Smoke songs, and that was one of the major highlights of their night in Little Rock. Playing a variety of instruments (Les Paul Juniors, 335s, Telecasters) proved no issue as he provided amazing lead tone throughout the night, even throwing in shades of Brian May on “The Whippoorwill.” When things did slow down and go acoustic for “Azalea,” Starr was accompanied by touring guitarist Benji Shanks on a gold top mandolin.
Between the sing-alongs, the ovations, and the whole section of couples dancing all night, it’s safe to say that all those in attendance are anxiously awaiting the next time Blackberry Smoke rolls into town.
The Be Right Here Tour runs through October in both the United States and Europe. Tickets can be purchased via Blackberry Smoke’s website.
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