Written by: Geoff Tischman

Landing in New York at the legendary Capitol Theatre, Blackberry Smoke played a smoldering set of country rock that was the perfect way to usher in the Spring.

The Atlanta outfit are still reeling from the death of drummer Brit Turner in early March, but they kept his memory alive by playing a thoughtful blend of rootsy Americana, breezy folk and bluesy swagger.

Led by singer/guitarist Charlie Starr, the band played a host of tracks from their new album Be Right Here like “Hammer and the Nail” and “Azalea” as well as old favorites like “Sleeping Dogs” and “Payback’s A Bitch.”

The night ended with covers of songs by Blind Willie McTell (“Statesboro Blues”) and Canned Heat, which came as a delicious mash-up of “Ain’t Much Left Of Me” and Let’s Work Together.”