It seems this band could only be a country band, singing about country things – life in the south, gambling, and, oh yeah, drinking.
Blackjack Billy has made its way doggedly up the charts, popping the top on drinkin’ songs like Booze Cruise, with which Noll Billings, Jeff Coplan, Ian Munsink and Brad Cummings made their debut on the country music world in 2013.
The Nashville-based foursome will make a stop here in Barrie, at Mavricks Night Club, on Friday, June 23, on a bill including Canadian warbler Madeline Merlo and local band Kansas Stone.
Coplan tells Barrie Today Billings’ name dictated the moniker for the band.
“Our singer’s last name is Billings, thus, the ‘Billy’. He has absolutely spent too many nights at a blackjack table. Noll definitely brings the redneck sound with his country drawl and I come from the rock world.”
The boys claim as their influences, “everything from The Beatles to The Eagles to Prince to Aerosmith to Stevie Wonder to Garth Brooks.”
But back on the boat for a second: Booze Cruise did create a lot of "buzz" (pardon the pun) when it first came out, nor is that the end of the list of ditties covering enjoyment of necessary libations, says Coplan.
“Drinkalong is an old favourite, along with Blood Sweat and Beer. You will find quite a few references to drinking something in a few of our jams for sure.”
Blackjack Billy has been to Barrie a couple of times, including gigs at the Ranch Concert Hall in 2014 and a booze cruise for KICX-FM listeners two years ago. Coplan says he and his bandmates can’t get back here fast enough.
“We love the waterfront and the historic vibe of downtown. We were pleasantly surprised that there are so many country music fans there, too!”
They don’t stint on laurels for Ms. Madeline Merlo.
“(She is) easy on the eyes and ears, yes, indeed, (but also), she’s a true singer. Her range, tone and vocal ability are tremendous plus her ability to channel her emotions into a song is wonderful. She’s also a down-to-earth sweetheart… killer combination.
“We are quite pumped to come back and play a full show in Barrie. We plan to take some extra time to explore around.”
Mavricks Music Hall is located at 46 Dunlop Street West. The show starts at 9 on Friday, June 23. To learn more, click here.
