Whoa Black Diamond
by Adam Gold
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Anyone fortunate enough to have caught Louisville’s Black Diamond Heavies at 2007’s Next Big Nashville fest knows all too well the mighty brawn of the Rhodes-and-drums duo's swampy blues, R&B, gospel and punk amalgam. Drummer Van Campbell—also known to moonlight with local favorites Ghostfinger—is a rhythmic symphony unto himself with his assertive, led-footed stomp. Frontman James Leg matches Campbell’s blaring cacophony with his bedraggled blood ’n’ guts Rhodes and organ playing and a fire-and-brimstone vocal delivery that provokes aural hallucinations of Captain Beefheart howling from the belly of the devil himself. Their dirty presentation, authoritative chops and sheer vocal audacity make them the nonpareils of contemporary neo-blues two-pieces. They may not have the same worldwide praise and attention as some of their peers, but given their relentless touring schedule, that is sure to end soon.
Sun., March 15, 9 p.m., 2009
Sun., March 15, 9 p.m., 2009
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