Memphis-based Lucero plays The Blackbird

The Blackbird

3728 N.E. Sandy Blvd.

www.theblackbird.org

Most indie rock bands don’t get written up in Billboard Magazine until at least their third or fourth CD, if at all. However, “southern indie rock/alternative country” band Lucero is one of the exceptions. Lucero’s second CD, Tennessee, will be released on Oct. 22 by MadJack Records.

This Memphis-based band began the “Tennessee” tour in early September. On Oct. 20, Lucero stops in at the Blackbird to perform songs such as “Ain’t So Lonely,” “Fistful of Tears” and “Into Your Eyes.” Also scheduled to perform are Why Make Clocks and C. Gibbs & the Cardia Brothers.

Lucero is a mainstay on local critics’ short lists of hometown favorites, and they’ve appeared on the cover of local weekly The Memphis Flyer, which awarded them “Record of the Year” in 2000 for their first, self-titled album.

Most notably, however, the Memphis chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences nominated them as a “Best Newcomer.” The bi-monthly magazine No Depression glowingly compares lead singer Ben Nichols’ rugged growl to the likes of Tom Waits, Mike Ness, Ronnie Van Zant and Bruce Springsteen.

The band, consisting of Ben Nichols (vocals and guitar), Brian Venable (guitar), Roy Berry (drums) and John Stubblefield (bass) has been lauded for their “spooky and mysterious Memphis soul” (No Depression) and “achingly beautiful songs” (Memphis Flyer). Legendary Stax Records producer Jim Dickinson, with the help of his sons Luther and Cody (of The North Mississippi Allstars), recorded both of Lucero’s CDs at his barn in Coldwater, Miss.

“The thing about Lucero that makes them stand out are the songs. I just think the songs take them above and beyond,” says Luther.

“This record reflects our live shows: a little louder and faster, less country and more indie rock” says Nichols.

Drummer Roy Berry adds, “We’re not showmen, we’re storytellers. Music got away from storytelling … and we’re bringing it back.”

In the three short years the band has been together, they’ve written more than 60 songs and released a 7-inch, a vinyl-only LP and a self-titled full-length CD that broke the Top 100 on the College Music Journal’s radio charts.

Truly in their element on the road, the band has been honing their latest material for the past year. Playing 70 gigs in 2000, at least 100 in 2001, and having already performed 100 this year, the band plans on being on the road a little less than half of this year. This hungry, hardworking Southern band thrives on the road. Sleeping on people’s floors keeps them honest. Driving the van from town to town has kept them inspired. Loading their own equipment has kept them humble. Nichols says, “We work our asses off! And we’re sure having a lot of fun doing it.”