Mr. Blues

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Mr. Blues" by Stone Machine from their album Rock Ain't Dead for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track is a soulful nod to the late Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd, as noted in a 2014 review by Louder. The song kicks off with a haunting acoustic riff that weaves through the verses, painting a picture of a life shadowed by the blues. According to Blues Rock Review, the lament in "Mr. Blues" reflects the singer's intimate acquaintance with hardship, delivered through Jason Mays' gritty, Paul Rodgers-style vocals. Fans on Stone Machine's unofficial fan Facebook group have shared stories of hearing this song live, describing how the band stretches the guitar solos into raw, emotional jams that feel like a conversation with the audience.

While specific interviews about "Mr. Blues" are scarce, a 2014 review by Teresa Hopkins on Metal Shock Finland highlights its Skynyrd-esque vibe, suggesting it captures the essence of Southern rock with a modern twist. The song's creation seems to stem from Stone Machine's deep roots in classic rock, as they channel influences like Free and ZZ Top into their sound. On Stone Machine's Instagram, they've posted throwback photos from the Rock Ain't Dead recording sessions, showing the band in a dimly lit studio, surrounded by vintage amps, hinting at the raw energy that went into crafting tracks like "Mr. Blues." The Stone Machine X account occasionally retweets fan posts praising the song's bluesy depth, with one fan calling it "a love letter to every Southern rock legend."

Stone Machine hails from Huntington, West Virginia, a town known for its steel and oil industries, which seems to infuse their music with a blue-collar grit. Formed by lead vocalist Jason Mays, guitarist Dirk Blevins, drummer Jeremy Hall, and bassist Jamie Hall, the band started as a group of friends jamming in local bars. According to their bio on Stone Machine's Facebook, they began covering classics by Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers before writing originals that blended heavy blues with Southern rock. Their big break came when they caught the attention of Grooveyard Records, leading to their 2014 album Rock Ain't Dead. The band's chemistry, built on years of playing together, shines through in their tight rhythms and soaring guitar work, as noted in fan discussions on Stone Machine's fan website.

Before Rock Ain't Dead, Stone Machine released two earlier albums, honing their sound in West Virginia's dive bars and small venues. Their official website, stonemachineband.com, details how Dirk Blevins' slide guitar was inspired by Duane Allman, while Jason Mays drew vocal influences from Paul Rodgers and Chris Robinson. The band's Facebook page is active with updates about gigs and behind-the-scenes photos, while their Instagram offers glimpses of their life on the road. Fans can connect on stnemachinefanclub.com, a fan-run site with tour archives and merchandise, or join the Stone Machine Fans Facebook group to swap stories and setlists. Follow their X account for real-time updates and occasional Q&A sessions with the band.