Get to know the soulful folk rock sounds of Alabama Shakes. This Americana band is making a respected name during many festival tours.
By Judy Greenlees
With lead singer Brittany Howard coaxing soulful chords from her turquoise blue guitar and singing with the intense expression of (as John Pareles of The New York Times so aptly put it) Janis Joplin, there is much to enjoy about the music of this roots rock band. Though some have called Alabama Shakes a rock band, this American group reaches deep into the folk attitude of the 1960's to create music that speaks about the soul and a myriad of human experiences.
The lyrics of their original music are intense, contemplative, heartfelt and honest. Bassist Zac Cockrell and drummer Steve Johnson can set up compelling beats derived from many genres, infusing the music with energy. Guitarist Heath Fogg and keyboardist Ben Tanner add deft touches, blending influences from Southern and blues rock, garage rock and soul. All together, these musicians are presenting Americana at its best.
Alabama Shakes takes up the folk traditions of the earliest generations and more. To appreciate exactly what they are accomplishing today is to know about the history they embrace. When folk musicians of the 1960's sang songs of the people and the times, they began an artistic movement that was so powerful it resulted in generations of popular music that gave musical voice to America. In the early days of folk music, acoustic instruments and voices singing without extra electronic amplification were heard in gatherings all around the country and the world. Guitars were an essential part of social gatherings, and people enjoyed singing together. Eventually, electronic instruments joined along and new sub genres of music inspired a revival and renewal of folk and country music. Standing in line with previous folk artist generations, Brittany Howard and the band are highly talented revivalists, and that's one important reason that so many people enjoy their music.
Alabama Shakes tours all around the country to participate in major music venues. Their performances at prestigious spots such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; the Suburbia Music Festival in Plano, Texas; Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee; and the Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta, Georgia are all places where their fans turn out to be with them. Their varied Americana show sets are bringing music that speaks to the souls of their fans. Whether their songs edge more toward rock, blues, country or folk, it is the fans who are speaking high praise for them. Well deserved.
Judy Greenlees, is a fine arts professional, working as a music teacher for 34 years, professional accompanist, copywriter and commissioned Celtic artist. She holds a B.A. in Music History and Theory, and an English Minor from California State University Fullerton. Her M.B.A., With Distinction, is from NYIT. She currently resides in New England and enjoys writing for the Internet.
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