Photo credit: Michael Traister
“I’m so thrilled to get to see 6 String Drag again. They’re as great as ever. Like reconnecting with a long lost friend.” – Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers)
Sure, it’s been 18 years since North Carolina alt. country heroes 6 String Drag last released an album, but there’s no time like the present and now they are back with a brand new album. Coming February 10th, Roots Rock ‘n’ Roll finds the quintet recharged and ready to do it just like they did in the old days. The album is meant to be “an exhilarating reminder of all things real, pure, old school rock ‘n’ roll: Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Muddy Waters and Gene Vincent among its unabashed influences.” One of the bluesier, more soulful tunes on the album, and a personal favorite of mine, is “Choppin’ Block.” With its slider guitar, slinky organ work, trumpet, and slightly slurred vocals, “Choppin’ Block” feels like something you might hear oozing out of a sweaty New Orleans nightclub on a summer night.
6 String Drag frontman Kenny Roby offers his own story behind the tune: “‘Choppin’ Block’ is one of the two songs on the new record that wasn’t written within six months of the recording. It is actually a song that I had written shortly after we ‘disbanded.’ We never say ‘broke up.’ That’s a funny term for old friends. Anyway, we tracked all of the instruments and lead vocal live in the studio, except for the horn section. I think it captures some of the interplay and groove and maybe even some of the chaos that can happen with 6 String Drag live. We thought it was the perfect song to start Side 2 of the record.”
Here at Glide Magazine we are psyched to have 6 String Drag back (even if they stayed away for a little too long) and we couldn’t be more excited to present this exclusive premiere of “Choppin’ Block”! Give it a listen…
