Black Diamond Heavies

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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]

Style

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]

History

You Damn Right EP

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]

Every Damn Time

In 2007, with the band now signed to Alive Records, Black Diamond Heavies released their first studio album, Every Damn Time.[7]

A Touch of Someone Else's Class

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]

Alive As Fuck

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]

Solitary Pleasure

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]

Discography

Studio albums
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
2012 Painkillers Alive Records As James Leg, With Left Lane Cruiser
EPs
Release date Title Label
2005 You Damn Right Self-Released
Live albums
Release date Title Label
2009 Alive As Fuck Alive Records

Footnotes

References

  1. ↑ last.fm | Black Diamond Heavies
  2. ↑ last.fm | Black Diamond Heavies
  3. ↑ All Music | Black Diamond Heavies | A Touch of Someone Else's Class
  4. ↑ Blues In London | Black Diamond Heavies
  5. ↑ Rhapsody | Black Diamond Heavies | A Touch of Someone Else's Class
  6. ↑ Alive Naturalsound Records | Black Diamond Heavies
  7. ↑ Alive Naturalsound Records | Black Diamond Heavies
  8. ↑ Alive Naturalsound Records | Black Diamond Heavies
  9. ↑ all music | Black Diamond Heavies | A Touch Of Someone Else's Class
  10. ↑ Alive Naturalsound Records | Black Diamond Heavies
  11. ↑ last.fm | Black Diamond Heavies
  12. ↑ Alive Naturalsound Records | Black Diamond Heavies
  13. ↑ Plug In Music | Black Diamond Heavies | Alive as Fuck
  14. ↑ Alive Naturalsound Records | James Leg
  15. ↑ Alive Naturalsound Records | James Leg
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