Let’s get this straight: Alabama 3 do not come from Alabama. They hail from Brixton, London, where they formed in 1995. Noted for their ironic humour, larger-than-life personas and
outrageous stage performances, they created their unique sound by combining
American roots music styles such as blues, country and gospel with the dance
and acid-house music that was huge in Britain at the time.
Their first album Exile On Coldharbour Lane included the song ‘Woke Up This Morning’,
which became the theme music for the opening credits of the HBO television series
The Sopranos, and brought them international fame.
Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged is the version of the group that will visit New Zealand in March: a four-piece outfit consisting of founder Larry Love (vocals), Aurora Dawn (vocals),
Rock Freebase (guitar), and Harpo Strangelove (harmonica).
With this line up they bring a whole new dimension to their well-loved songs. It may not be acid house, but this country-gospel-blues is played with a rhythm that compels you to dance. Performing in this stripped down acoustic setting, the band’s aim is to show the songs in a format reminiscent of the people that have been their inspiration, particularly old delta blues players like Fred McDowell and Bukka White.
With the addition of Aurora Dawn to the line up there’s an added injection of soul – or, as it says on the cover of the band’s latest album “revolver soul - soul music with a gun against your head”.
While the full band has already conquered the main stage at the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, this unplugged line-up recently headlined the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival, and were met with the same enthusiasm which the Glastonbury crowds have greeted the full band.
