The Black Lillies

All Music Guide:

A country act that shades to the Americana side of things, the Black Lillies were formed in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2009 by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Cruz Contreras (formerly of Robinella & the CC Stringband), guitarist and pedal steel player Tom Pryor, drummer and percussionist Jamie Cook (both Pryor and Cook were formerly members of the Everybodyfields), bassist Robert Richards, and vocalist Trisha Gene Brady. The band, featuring a fresh blend of bluegrass, jazz, rock, country, and blues, with just a touch of string band Appalachia, began recording a debut album project in Contreras' living room (with help from Leah Gardner on backing vocals, Billy Contreras on fiddle, and Taylor Coker on bass). The resulting album, Whiskey Angel, was independently released by the band in the spring of 2009 and quickly garnered positive critical attention, regular play on American stations, and also brought the band a management and booking deal. A second album was announced in 2010 and funded through fan sponsorships sold through the band’s website. 100 Miles of Wreckage appeared in the spring of 2011, again to positive reviews, and quickly entered the national Americana charts.

Wikipedia:

The Black Lillies are an Americana band from Knoxville, Tennessee that was founded in early 2009 by Cruz Contreras (formerly of Robinella and the CCstringband). Other members include Tom Pryor on guitar/pedal steel and Jamie Cook on percussion (both formerly of The Everybodyfields), bassist Robert Richards and vocalist Trisha Gene Brady. Cruz plays guitar and mandolin as well as providing vocals and song writing. The Black Lillies music provides a unique sound with influences from rock, country, blues, bluegrass, and jazz.

Background [edit]

The band's debut album, Whiskey Angel, was recorded in Cruz's living room and released in April 2009. It featured Billy Contreras on fiddle, Taylor Coker on bass, and Leah Gardner on backing vocals. Contreras wrote and arranged all of the songs on the album. It is deeply personal material, covering the fallout of his divorce from Robinella and the breakup of the band they shared. The album resonated strongly with listeners, and Whiskey Angel was ranked in several Best of 2009 lists in publications across the country.After Whiskey Angel they released their album "Black Lillies"

The Black Lillies made an immediate impact on Knoxville's growing music scene and the band was selected to play the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival within weeks of releasing the album. They quickly signed a management and booking deal with Chyna Brackeen of Attack Monkey Productions and in October of that year, they launched their first national tour. The tour kicked off at the legendary Ryman Auditorium and the band played 38 shows in 40 days. Two additional national tours took place in 2010 and included appearances at festivals including Bristol's Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Pickathon, Four Corners Folk Festival, Pagosa Folk & Bluegrass, and Rhythm & Blooms. The band has been ranked as the "Best Americana Band" in the Metro Pulse Best of Knoxville poll every year since their inception. They have appeared multiple times on live radio shows including The Grand Ole Opry, NPR's Mountain Stage, WDVX's Tennessee Shines and Music City Roots. In 2010, they were the first band selected and announced to participate in the Americana Music Association's Festival & Conference - their selection was announced a full two months prior to the rest of the lineup. They were asked to return in 2011.

In January, 2011, their album Whiskey Angel was nominated for The 10th Annual Independent Music Awards for the Americana Album Category. The album was selected to receive the IMA Vox Pop award. “Two Hearts Down” was awarded the 2012 Independent Music Award for Best Story Song. 100 Miles of Wreckage was also a nominee for Americana Album of the Year. "Same Mistakes" was voted #4 on CMT's Pure 12-Pack Countdown From Week of November 9, 2012

Current [edit]

In early 2010, the Lillies announced that they were beginning work on a new album. The project was entirely fan-funded via sponsorship packages sold through the band website. The final funds needed were raised through a house concert that drew more than 300 people. The national radio release of the album "100 Miles Of Wreckage" was on April 4, 2011. "100 Miles of Wreckage" has quickly gained national attention and as of May 16 is #11 on the Americana radio charts. Acclaimed video director David McClister (Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, Dierks Bentley) selected the album’s first track, “Two Hearts Down,” as his project. The video was filmed in June 2011 in Nashville. The video made its world premiere on CMT in October 2011 and immediately became a viewer favorite, spending multiple weeks in the "CMT Pure 12 Pack Countdown" including several weeks in the number 2 spot. It was a contender for the top 30 videos of the year on CMT. Additionally, the video aired on networks worldwide including international MTV and VH-1 affiliates, TCN, and PBC.

Additionally, the band was selected to perform at the Country Music Association’s Festival & Fan Fair that year. The Black Lillies made their debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, June 17, 2011. The band was the first independent artist from the Knoxville area to be featured on the Grand Ole Opry, and made history again by being invited back multiple times - appearing five times in just four months. See Official Web Site for complete Tour Information.

Reviews [edit]

New Album Review: 100 Miles of Wreckage by the Black Lillies (Hot Hot Music)

The Black Lillies, 100 Miles of Wreckage (the Alternative Root)

Wayne Bledsoe: Black Lillies blooming on 'Wreckage' (Knoxville.com)

The Black Lillies “100 Miles of Wreckage” (Beat Surrender)