With apologies for the delay in getting the concert coverage posted...hope this makes up for it.
Lee Rocker
There are few working bands with deeper roots IN roots than the Lee Rocker Band. Rocker's groundbreaking (and roots-raising) years in the Cats are only the most famous branches on this tree. When you look into the musical bios of Lee, Buzz, Brophy, and Jimmy, you find names that lend these consummate players absolute credibility. (Go ahead...look it up here: http://www.leerocker.com/bio.htm .)
At the very least, you know when these guys take the stage that you're going to hear thorough professionals, masters of the range of genres they represent. But there's plenty more that comes from their deep experience as a working unit, their instinctive musical communication. This band churns like a steady-burning' locomotive, sure and strong and steady.
The blend of guitars (Falcon and Tele) provides both contrast and layered depth, and while there are countless truly great rhythm sections in the music we all know and love, there are none better than Lee and Jimmy. Which might make it sound like they're "just" a section for the guitars to build on - but everyone is integral to the subtle, powerful grooves this band puts together.
This band COULD write the textbook. Instead, it's a cookbook.
It's not that the band just rocks - of course it does - it's the dimension and detail that make it so satisfying. These are masters working at the top of their form, bringing all the best of American roots together, and listening is pure joy.
You'll see a lot of pictures of Buzz - which isn't to take away from the other members. But the look of the White Falcon with the 125th Anniversary Variety amp just rivets the attention. Though it's no surprise that Buzz is more than up to the task of making the combo sing, it's amazing how a white amp just transforms that side of the stage. So we must be forgiven our Gretsch obsession.
Brophy's tone and languid slinky approach are pure ear candy - and it must be acknowledged that his TV-and-Bigsby-equipped Tele is everything it should be.
And let us note...let us note IN BOLD ALL CAPS that BOTH guitarists throughout this set get their tones through Gretsch Variety amps. Can we start giving these amps some credit, huh?
Lee Rocker: bass, vocals
Buzz Campbell: Gretsch guitar
Brophy Dale: Telecaster guitar
Jimmy Sage: drums
The Visual
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