Growing up Southern - or from anywhere else on the globe for that matter - true fans of rock and roll know all about the history of the Van Zant family of Jacksonville, Florida. Known as the “First family of Southern Rock,” they have thus far produced three landmark groups: Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special and the Johnny Van Zant Band. Now, there is a proud new addition from Southern Rock’s first family, a hot new band called Shanytown, who’ve released their debut album self-titled CD on Garage Door Records.Shanytown is led by “Lil Ronnie” Morris (lead vocals/guitar) and Robbie Morris (drums), both nephews of the late Ronnie Van Zant, as well as Donnie and Johnny Van Zant. Ronnie and Robbie Morris’ musical roots run deep and like their uncles they are the real deal. In fact, Robbie spent 15 years drumming in the Johnny Van Zant Band before stepping out to form his own group with his brother, Ronnie, as well as Kevin Williams (rhythm/lead guitars/vocals), Charles Moody (bass) and Tommy Bluestreetcar (yes, that is his name), who joined the band shortly after the album was recorded (rhythm/lead guitars/vocals).In the last few years, Shanytown has carved its own musical path, known primarily through their explosive live performances and lyrical song-styling. Wherever the band has played, they’ve left audiences with a sense of fulfillment rarely seen or offered by any of today’s entertainers. Now, the Jacksonville-based Shanytown has successfully captured their powerful live sound in the studio to bring audiences their debut album, Shanytown.Shanytown’s musical influences are so diverse that the sounds created when they come together are truly unique. As musicians they excel, as writers they push the very boundaries of Southern Rock with astonishing results, as evidenced by the 11 highly-combustible tracks on the band’s new CD.The new CD is a treasure of contemporary Southern Rock propelled by the blistering vocal performance of Ronnie Morris; driven by the rock-solid rhythm section of Robbie Morris and Charles Moody; and fueled by the twin guitar assault of Ronnie and Kevin Williams’ fretwork to produce an original, contemporary sound that could only be created by Shanytown.Already a hit at radio stations around the world, this stunning collection of original Southern Rock is being released worldwide on the American independent label, Garage Door Records. And the Van Zant legacy continues...For more information, visit www.garagedoorrecords.com.
