Black Oak Arkansas Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Black Oak Arkansas band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Black Oak Arkansas is an American rock band that emerged from the small town of Black Oak, Arkansas. Known for their gritty blend of blues rock, Southern rock, and hard rock, the group was formed in the late 1960s by James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum (vocals) and Rickie Lee Reynolds (rhythm guitar). Over the years, the band has included various members, but Mangrum's flamboyant stage presence and deep, throaty vocals have remained a constant. Their music is characterized by a raw, high-energy sound that drew early comparisons to the likes of the Allman Brothers Band, helping them to become one of the pioneering acts in the Southern rock genre.
How to Sound Like Black Oak Arkansas
The sound of Black Oak Arkansas is defined by its raucous and unpolished energy, capturing the essence of Southern grit through driving guitar riffs and boisterous rhythms. Their music is both aggressive and melodic, with a focus on powerful vocal delivery and dynamic guitar interplay. The band's sonic character is often shaped by the use of distorted electric guitars, reminiscent of the Ibanez S-Series Custom used by members like Shawn Lane. Adding to their rich texture, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head provides a robust, saturated tone that complements their vigorous style. Drums, such as those from the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, contribute to their solid yet lively backbeat, reinforcing the band's reputation for electrifying live performances. To capture the essence of Black Oak Arkansas, musicians should focus on achieving a bold, gritty sound that melds raw energy with Southern rock flair.
Discography
Black Oak Arkansas
1971
High On The Hog
1973
Street Party
1974
Ain't Life Grand
1975
X Rated
1975
Live! Reading 1976
1977
Race with the Devil
1977
I'd Rather Be Sailing
1978
Ready as Hell
1984
Rebound
1991
The Wild Bunch
1999
If An Angel Came To See You....
2006
Keep The Faith
2006
Live Mutha!
2006
Definitive Rock: Black Oak Arkansas
2007
The Knowbody Else '69
2007
The Complete Raunch 'N' Roll Live (Remastered)
2013
Back Thar N' Over Yonder
2013
Underdog Heroes
2019
The Devil's Jukebox
2023
Get the Black Oak Arkansas Sound
Want to sound like Black Oak Arkansas? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
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