| Black Diamond Heavies | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Nashville, TN |
| Genres | Blues-rock, punk, rock, soul, blues |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | Alive |
| Associated acts | The Immortal Lee County Killers, Left Lane Cruiser, Ghostfinger, Bobby Bare Jr., David Vandervelde, The Invisibles(band), Rum Circus, Reverend James Leg, Bonnie Prince Billy |
| Members | |
| John Wesley Myers (bass keys, Fender Rhodes, organ, and lead vocals 2004-present) Van Campbell (vocals/drums, 2004 - present) |
|
| Past members | |
| Mark "Porkchop" Holder (guitar and harmonica, 2004 - 2006) | |
Black Diamond Heavies is a United States blues-rock band originating from Nashville, TN. The band is composed of John Wesley Myers aka Reverend James Leg, formerly of The Immortal Lee County Killers, on bass keys, Fender Rhodes, organ, and vocals with Van Campbell on drums.[1]
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After the departure of Mark Porkchop Holder, the guitarist, Black Diamond Heavies set out on a venture to take on the blues from a whole new perspective, with the only instruments being a keyboard and drums. The self-proclaimed "vagrants/citizens of the world"[2] create an extremely raw and stripped down to the roots punk/blues sound, but simultaneously an intense new type of dirty, whiskey stained blues. Myers' soulful, "raspy growl"[3] is reminiscent of and has often been compared to the great Tom Waits. With the intensity of Myers voice, and his insane ability on the keyboard, along with "the raucous flare kicked" drummer Campbell,[4] the Black Diamond Heavies create a can't miss original sound.[5]
Black Diamond Heavies formed in 2004 as a three piece band: John Wesley Myers as lead vocals and on the keyboard, Mark "Porkchop" Holder on guitar and harmonica, and Van Campbell on the drums. They soon after started performing and in 2005 the Black Diamond Heavies self-released their first EP, You Damn Right. In 2006 Holder left the band after becoming discouraged with the hardships of life on the road. Myers and Campbell decided to continue the band as a two man act. Soon after, in the summer of 2006, the band was given a record deal with Alive Records.[6]
In 2007, with the band now signed to Alive Records, Black Diamond Heavies released their first studio album, Every Damn Time.[7]
In 2008, Black Diamond Heavies released their second studio album under Alive Records, A Touch Of Someone Else's Class.[8] For their second studio album Black Diamond Heavies turned to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys who produced the album while it was recorded at his Akron Analog Studio.[9] The Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney joined Black Diamond Heavies on their recording, "Bidin’ My Time".[10]
Since their inception, Black Diamond Heavies have been hyped as great live performers, with their live performances being termed as "both 'Pentecostal' and 'Demon-Possessed'."[11] In 2009 they were able to show the world what the hype was all about, with their first live album, Alive As Fuck, recorded during a gig at the Masonic Lodge, in Covington, KY,. This album was released under the Alive Records label.[12][13]
In December 2010 Myers recorded a solo album, Solitary Pleasure, under his pseudonym, James Leg. The album is set to be released on April 5, 2011 under the Alive Records label.[14] Jim Diamond (music producer) of Ghetto Recorders mixed Solitary Pleasure. He is most noted for producing The White Stripes first two albums.[15] Leg is currently on a European tour promoting his solo album. The tour is scheduled until the end of April 2011.[16]
| Release date | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Every Damn Time | Alive Records | |
| 2008 | A Touch Of Someone Else's Class | Alive Records | |
| 2011 | Solitary Pleasure | Alive Records | As James Leg |
| Release date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | You Damn Right | Self-Released |
| Release date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Alive As Fuck | Alive Records |