Tattooed and tattered, the Southern rock blues Hill Country Revue infuses a bit of funk and rhythm for the next generation of blues fans. There is a distinct style and movement to Hill Country Revue that both entices and confuses the listener. Combine down-home, mud slinging, dirty, grimy, Southern rock blues with a sloppy, slap-sticking funk and you may have a general idea of the sound Hill Country Revue spits out. Their sound comes at a time where the blues scene could use a little contemporizing and revitalization. So far it has worked, the accolades and buzz surrounding them has been substantial.
Hill Country Revue has started their journey to stain their sound on the mainstream. From a recent festival tour and appearance on MTV's $5 Cover, Hill Country Revue is making strides in an overly dense indie arena and emerging as one of the few gems. Comprised of Cody Dickinson from The North Mississippi Allstars in 2008, it features Chris Chew, Kirk Smithhart, Ed "Hot" Cleveland and Dixie Dan Coburn.
Cody Dickinson paused for a brief moment to give antiMusic some insight into his personal narrative. One of the most potent statements he made during his interview was, "I respect a few [people in the industry], but I fear only God". Perhaps that sentiment was part of the motivation behind the track, "You Can Make It, Don't Give Up" an Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead sounding mishmash.
After 25 years as a musician, Dickinson has amassed a slue of musical talent, demonstrating proficiency on the drums, bass, piano, organ, and washboard, as well as wailing it on the guitar. His talents are deeply rooted from the genes of his father, whom Dickinson credits with staunch perseverance to his craft "I respect my father Jim Dickinson, the truth teller. He has stayed true to his art and never sold out."
Under his other outfit, The North Mississippi Allstars, Dickinson has received three Grammy nominated albums. No stranger to gigging with big names, he has shared the stage and limelight with such notables as Kid Rock, Dave Mathews, and Mavis Staples.
From his vast and varied experience, Dickinson readily admits, "There is nothing like girls from Mississippi. It is phenomenal", and, "Colorado has an amazing live music scene. They don't have to be told what to like. They just find good bands and support them."
Citing Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix as his favorite album, "this record has epic songs. 1983 is my favorite rock song. The drum solos are masterful. Mitch Mitchell at his finest", Hendrix's influence can be heard succinctly in the track "Alice Mae".
After signing with Razor & Tie Entertainement, Hill Country Revue released their debut album, Make a Move, which is available in stores now. The band has plans to tour extensively through North America for the remainder of 2009.