Every now and again, whether in life, in business or in the arts, a spark between like-minded individuals can generate an entity that becomes more than the sum of its parts. Big Dog 3 was such a coming together - a trio of 'A-List' musicians; the potent, flamboyant rhythm section of Brady Blade and Chris Donohue plus the vocals and guitar excellence of one of country-rock’s true pioneers, Al Perkins, immediately gelled, creating a ‘Power Trio’ that was to become known as Big Dog 3.
Although primarily associated with acoustic-flavored Americana and Country, each also share a deep and mutual admiration for rock-orientated Blues and Soul. A spontaneous and irresistible meeting of these musical minds early in 2009 proved to be the catalyst for a new musical journey.
When these three giants of the music world take to the stage, the result is truly explosive; echoes of Peter Green reverberate from Perkins’ Telecaster, while the melody-rich influence of the Byrds in country-rock’s heyday is never far away. At times the trio echo the timeless, crunching rock patterns of Bruce, Baker, Jones and Bonham, but In between there is still the opportunity for some yearning pedal steel from the Gram Parsons songbook, and rootsy Americana and bluegrass, with a nod to the early instrumentalists that help shaped today’s sound; Flatt & Scruggs and Santo & Johnny.
Emmylou Harris’ backing band Spyboy, helped shape a quite radical departure in style for Emmylou towards the turn of the Millennium, and the earthier, rockier sound emanating from her band had drummer extraordinaire Brady Blade at its fulcrum. Blade followed up on that experience by touring with Steve Earle, Jewel, and Dave Matthews, as well as making appearances on albums from Buddy Miller, Eric Bibb, Solomon Burke and many more.
Another of Emmylou Harris’ alumni, Chris Donohue, who since 2006 has served as a member of both Emmylou' and Buddy Miller’s live bands, is a producer, arranger, and platinum-selling songwriter in his own right. This multi-instrumentalist has recorded and performed with a diverse array of artists such as Dave Matthews, Patty Griffin, Sixpence, Lyle Lovett, Allison Moorer, Elvis Costello, Suzy Bogguss, Solomon Burke, Shawn Colvin, and Thelonious Monk, Jr. In addition to his work on artist-driven projects, Chris stays busy writing and recording music for film and television and has recently co-written and developed a jazz-themed musical animated series for children.
The list of artists steel, guitar and dobro player Al Perkins has worked with in a career that has spanned five decades is quite staggering; Flying Burrito Bros, Manassas, Souther, Hillman, Furay Band, Gram Parsons, Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris to name only a few. This Grammy winner has appeared on countless recordings, and is in as much demand from today’s young, alt.country artists as he is from his more eminent peers.
As for the name Big Dog 3? Well, the initial UK tour featured a nightly rollicking finale on stage with the UK’s (and BBC's Bob Harris’) favourite British country-rockers, Two Fingers Of Firewater, performing the great Hank Williams’ Move It On Over.
As Hank says in his lyrics, ‘Move over little dog, ‘cause the big dog’s moving in.’ It seemed to be somewhat apt …
