Smokestack Lightning

A southern-fried, blues based, soulful rock & roll force to be reckoned with! Its four members still believe in a live sound that moves people. With humble beginnings sometime in the late 90’s, the group has grown and evolved into the iron horse that it is today.It started in a basement with a guitar, vocals, a harmonica, and a modest home recording studio. Perkins and Rees thought they had a good thing, and felt that with the right rhythm section, that thing could could grow into a full fledged monster. And it did.Mark Willis, another Gallipolis native and good friend, joined in on drums and the long search for a bass began. After what seemed like an eternity of dry spells with unanswered ads, and players that didn’t fit, they found Robb Carter. Originally from Dayton, Carter provided the final element that was needed to take the group to the stage. The song list grew, originals were written, and the band’s sound was born. Compared to the Black Crowes, the Allmans, and Gov’t Mule, they strived to live up to the comparisons while adding something more. More heart & soul, more fire & brimstone, and a presence that could niether be ignored nor soon forgotten by those who happened into the bar where they were playing.In the spring of 2005, hard decisions were made, and Jay Cowans took over on drums. A Columbus native and long time friend, Big Jay was the catylist that sparked the rebirth of Smokestack. A long dormant period ended and shows came back to be the focus.So check the dates, get out, and take a listen. You won’t be disappointed. One show and you’ll be screaming,… SMOKESTACK, MOTHER F’ING LIGHTNING! -Foreword by Richard Dawson