Saddle up with New Soul Cowboys as the rowdy Nashville power trio has arrived to lay down the law; to serve and uphold the virtues of Rock ‘N’ Roll. Singer/guitarist Anthony Gomes, bassist David Karns and drummer Peter Lang have set out to leave their indelible mark on music by forging a brand all their own. The trio’s soul sonic force delivers the rough and tumble swagger of rock while having the audacity to blend in the distinctive sounds of whiskey-soaked roadhouse Blues and southern-fried power Country. “If you haven’t heard,” Gomes proclaims, “there’s a new Sherriff in town.”
New Soul Cowboys describe their sound as Outlaw Rock ‘N’ Roll. “Anyone that is a musical badass has been an outlaw in their genre, living outside of conventional rules,” states Gomes. “We have created a sound that embodies the rebel spirit of musical outcasts like Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash and Howlin’ Wolf. We’re here to take back Rock ‘N’ Roll,” the guitar-slinger boldly but unapologetically exclaims. “We are part of a new music revolution in rock. A place where bands know where the music came from, can really play their instruments, write their own songs and take no prisoners doing it. We couldn’t care less about American Idol, we’re here to take our music to the streets.”
“Nashville is really supercharged these days so it’s the perfect breeding ground for musical hybrids. Music is getting a shot in the arm from blending and blurring the lines of genres. We are an integral part of this uprising, and want to push it further,” says Gomes. This type of crossover is timely for a year that saw Kid Rock break into multiple formats, the unlikely duo of Robert Plant and Allison Krauss and the touring combinations of ZZ Top/Montgomery Gentry and Lynyrd Skynyrd/Hank Williams Jr.
In order to create this new sound, Gomes needed the right combination of bandmates. St. Louis natives Karns and Lang provided the necessary spark to set the band ablaze. “David and I had been touring internationally in different projects as well as doing session work in Nashville and St. Louis, but we wanted more from music. We wanted to be a part of a band that made a difference,” says Lang. From the band’s first rehearsal, the chemistry has been undeniable. “It’s been magic from note one. I knew I had found the brothers that I was meant to play with,” Karns remembers.
The band began recording their debut album in St. Louis during the fall of 2008, when a fan offered the band access to a free studio. The Cowboys got to work quickly and began developing and recording their signature sound. Key tracks from those sessions include, “Painted Horse,” with its tip of the hat to Hendrix and Cash, meeting at the crossroads of history to throw back a shot and a beer, the tasty, “Chicken Bone Cross” and wickedly crunchy, “Purple Whiskey Sack.” Also assembled were the thunderous, “Born to Ride” and radio ready, “What It’s All About;” both prime slices of catchy riffing Southern Rock. The upbeat “Carolina” and the poignant ballad, “You Are Amazing,” also both found their voices during this time. And “Rebel Highway,” with its feeling of Skynyrd meets Queen, is a rock anthem best served arena style.
The group’s Outlaw Rock credentials are unquestionable. They’ve collaborated with Jim Peterik, chief songwriter for .38 Special, and Tom Hambridge who writes with Skynyrd and Van Zant. Gomes has shared the stage with Blues legends BB King and Buddy Guy, as well as Big and Rich, James Otto and Cowboy Troy. In fact, a Cowboy alumnus is none other than that Redneck Woman herself Gretchen Wilson, right out of Nashville’s “Music Mafia”. The group also tears it up live and has played shows with Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, the Doobie Brothers and Cross Canadian Ragweed.“Blues and Country music had a baby and they called it Rock ‘N’ Roll,” Gomes proclaims. “We are standing at the four corners of music with a Marshall stack amplifier cranked wide open and not asking for permission or begging for forgiveness.” The band’s scorched earth sound is fulfilling their mission statement to stand up and be counted. “It’s high noon and I’ve got my six string by my side. I’ve been baptized by the blues and saved by Rock ‘N’ Roll.”
Great show last night!! sorry we couldn't stay for the whole thing, but i had to be at work early (and be happy about it). i'm writing my article now, i'll be in touch when i have more questions!!
All right then! U Rock! Yet ya can do anythang. Bravo! Love the MUZ man. Keep that good ol Raw Sound yet Refined as some Good Whiskey and all the Punch. Your new friend CHOLEY
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