The Black Lillies, jumping at the chance to entertain you at Johnny D’s on June 3. — Photo by Missy Sprouse

Embracing the change and the challenge
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By Jim Clark

East Tennessee Americana never had a finer representative than the collective gathering of talent known as The Black Lillies, who will be performing at Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant and Music Club on June 3.

Founded in 2009 by Cruz Contreras – formerly of Robinella and the CCstringband – the group’s debut album, Whiskey Angel, was a huge critical success and helped to forge bonds with fans across the country.

Their follow-up album, 100 Miles of Wreckage, built on the success of their earlier release, further establishing their place as one of the most popular practitioners of their trade: kickass down-home American music making.

Their latest release, Runaway Freeway Blues, takes them even further down the road and closer to the hearts of their avid followers.

Recent changes in the band’s lineup have not put a dent in their ride, as they press on ahead to even greater musical adventures and achievements.

Two members of the original lineup, Tom Pryor and Robert “Bobby Dix” Richards, recently left the band, but founding member Cruz Contreras takes it in stride and assures fans that the band will not miss a stroke.

“Rest assured that The Black Lillies are stronger than ever,” says Contreras. “We’re still pushing forward, releasing an entirely fan-funded album this summer, and we’ll continue to travel to towns far and wide to play our music for you. We couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds, and we’re ready to dive right in.”

Runaway Freeway Blues debuted at #21 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and #43 on the Billboard Top 200 Country chart. It spent more than five months in the Americana Music Association’s top five, ending the year as the #18 album of the year overall, based on radio airplay. The album has been selected by more than two dozen publications as one of the best albums of the year.

Rolling Stone Magazine called them “buzzworthy” and described their style as “genre-mashing roots music with an Appalachian anchor.”

Be sure to catch them as they shoot through the city, stopping off for a show at Johnny D’s, 17 Holland St, Somerville, on Wednesday, June 3.  You’ll be mighty glad you did.