Earplugs recommended
The band, led by singer/songwriter Sam Browne, was formed in 2008 – yet Browne had been playing and writing since first picking up the guitar mid 1990’s, waiting for the perfect combination to throw his talents behind.
“I spent a lot of time in the early 2000’s trying out different genres, writing songs for different styles, but nothing felt right until I started writing songs for Black River Drive,” Browne says. “My focus was never about being Hendrix. It was always on writing the songs.”
\And it shows, with singles from the band’s debut album Perfect Flaws working their way onto high rotation of The Rock radio station. Their second single Bullet For Your Gun hit number one on the station and stayed there for an impressive five weeks.
Now the band is touring with well-known rockers Luger Boa for the second time. They enjoyed the first tour – just don’t ask them what they got up to on the road.
“What goes on tour stays on tour,” says Browne laughing.
They are also working on their second album.
Black River Drive is not a full-time obsession for the band – they all have day jobs. Some, considering their hard-rocking nature, are more on the unexpected side of things. Browne is a booking agent, bass player Russel McNaughton is a double bass player in a jazz band while drummer Mike Tan is a professional drummer in a Navy band. Don’t be expecting any sea shanties at their gig at the Bodega on August 20, though – it’ll probably be loud. Earplugs are recommended.
Black River Band, Bodega, August 20.
- Jack Barlow









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