Tennessee River Crooks was a band out of Paris, Tennessee and although they had one album, it was produced on a private press and had no major label release. RidingEasy Records licensed the album for an official release and our good friends at Noble Records had an exclusive version printed out exclusive to their store. Their version is what I have here and it was limited to 300 copies on a almost Mint Green colored vinyl. It is listed as Green, but I feel it is more mint green so there you have it.

The band consisted of Jimmy Stewart on bass, Ronnie Waters & Larry Farrar on guitars with Ricky Stewart on drums. Jimmy also handled all the vocals. One of the main song writers on here is Mike Hendrix who also contributed some guitar work and harmony vocals on a lot of song. He was in the band at one time, but only contributed to the recordings at this point. Their sound is pure Southern Rock and the album was mostly recorded with the rhythm tracks live so you would get the feel of the band and how they sounded live. It was recorded, mostly, at Sound Farm in Puryear, Tennessee betwen June and October of 1976 as it states on the back cover. All I can say is that it is another solid Exclusive offered by Noble and why I keep coming back time and again and buying his exclusive. The man knows what he is talking about.

The band’s name came from a friend of theirs name Jerry Crouch. He worked the door at a lot of their gigs and when he collected the money at the door for entry, he placed it in a cigar box for the company Tennessee River Crooks. They shortened it TR Crooks as the other was a mouthful to always say. Whatever you want to call them, you can call them talented musicians and a hell of a band.

SIDE ONE:

The album opens with “Waiting for a Better Day”. I love how it starts with a good ol’ country boy saying, “Who the hell is TR Crooks?” before the band kicks in. It is smooth, clean rock in the same vein as The Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd. A country rock sound that felt like home. I also love the harmonica as it really added to their sound. And the guitar work, well, it wasn’t bad either. A solid opening track.

Next up is “Song of David” and we get all folksy here with this one. A more mellow track with a singer/songwriter feel to it like James Taylor or even John Denver even. The fiddles and mandolin along with the acoustic guitars give it more a country vibe. Whatever their sound, the song is brilliant.

Next up is “Farmin’ Man” and the rock is kicking back in. This one was written by Hendrix while Stewart had written the other two. It had a more upbeat rhythm with some fine guitar playing. That guitar solo is killer and handled by Mr. Hendrix (Mike, not Jimi). This might be the most rocking song on the album (or at least this side).

The final track on the first side is “We Are All Brothers” and man, is this pure Southern Rock from the 70’s. It might be the best song on the album. It has a great chorus and could’ve easily taken its place on the radio with the big bands of the time. More killer guitar work and even some steel guitar work. Loads of harmonies add textures and layers to the song as well. A well produced and written song.

SIDE TWO:

Side Two kicks off with “White Lightning” another Hendrix written track. This one and the Hendrix written one before it are not streamable as they were licensed with Fervor Records. These are only on the physical copy of the album. This is a pure rocker, heavier guitars and meatier tone overall. You can hear the Southern Rock sound, but the rock is turned up more on this one. And the guitars are a picking at a frenzied rate, he is basically shredding…simply killer.

Next up is “Old Music” and it matches the title. It feels dated in the 70’s. A more mellow Doobie Brothers type sound. Just sit back, light one up. And when that recorder kicks in, inhale really deep. Now exhale and enjoy!

“Tennessee Land” is back to a more traditional Southern Rock. Yes, Allman and Lynyrd come to mind…duh. A solid track and as we’ve come to expect, fine, fine guitar work. The dual guitars really make these songs stand out. With “Life on the Road” it is more of the same solid rock. I like songs about touring and what its like. Plus, if the guitar’s sound like this, keep ’em coming.

The album ends with “Hot Busch” and it totally kicks some major ass. A jam session caught on tape and the music is King here. The percussion work is stellar, the guitars work..damn…just listen to that solo. And the bass work…wow! It all just soars. Everyone gets a chance to shine and man they shine bright. One of my favorite tracks on the album. What a way to go out…you definitely want more after this one.

And that is it. A Southern Rock gem that went basically unnoticed. So many great bands out there that never had their chance to reach great heights. That is why I love all these private press releases and reissues a lot of labels are doing. RidingEasy Records finds some great ones and thankfully, Noble gets on that wagon with them on occasion. This has quickly become one of my favorites so far. My Overall Score is a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars. It ain’t perfect, but as far as Southern Rock goes, it is pretty freaking great!