Roadhouse Blues (featuring Robby Krieger)

The Black Moods’ cover of “Roadhouse Blues,” featuring The Doors’ guitarist Robby Krieger and rock singer-songwriter Diamante, is a high-energy tribute to the 1970 classic, recorded at Krieger’s Love Street Sound studio in Los Angeles. The band used much of the same gear as The Doors did for the original, preserving the song’s gritty, nostalgic vibe while infusing it with their modern rock flair. A standout moment from the recording session came when bassist Jordan Hoffman played through the same Sunn bass amp used on The Doors’ “L.A. Woman,” which Krieger suggested after the band struggled to nail the bass tone. As frontman Josh Kennedy recalled in an Arizona Republic interview, “Robby was like, ‘Why don’t we just use the bass amp? There it is.’ It’s like, the light was shining on it.” This choice instantly locked in the sound they were chasing, creating a magical, full-circle moment for the band.

The collaboration with Krieger was a dream come true for Kennedy, who described the experience as “the best thing I have ever done” in the same Arizona Republic interview. The Black Moods had previously opened for Krieger, including a 2017 show at Marquee Theatre in Tempe, where Kennedy joined him on stage to sing “Roadhouse Blues.” Their manager, Brandon Freisen, who knew Krieger, proposed the studio collaboration, and the band jumped at the chance. However, nerves initially got the better of them. Kennedy admitted in a Phoenix New Times article that their first takes were “a little stiff” because they were so starstruck. A coffee run and a chance encounter with Krieger helped loosen them up, leading to a live, raw recording where Kennedy and Krieger traded guitar licks in real time, with Krieger pointing at Kennedy to take the lead, turning it into a “guitar conversation.”

Diamante’s involvement added a fresh twist, bringing a powerful female vocal to the track. Kennedy noted in the Phoenix New Times article that they’d played festivals with her and admired her talent and composure, especially around a legend like Krieger. Diamante herself called it a “full circle moment” in a Rock at Night article, as “Roadhouse Blues” was the first rock song she ever performed on stage. The band also partnered with Gibson for a guitar giveaway, offering an Epiphone signed by the band, Krieger, and Diamante, with the contest announced across their social media in November 2023. An extended version of the track and its music video, featuring behind-the-scenes studio clips, was released in January 2024, which Rock & Blues Muse praised for infusing the classic with “fresh energy and gusto.”

The Black Moods, a modern classic rock trio from Phoenix, Arizona, consist of Josh Kennedy (vocals, guitar), Chico Diaz (drums), and Jordan Hoffman (bass). Their journey began in the Tempe music scene, where they honed their raw, riff-heavy sound, drawing inspiration from classic rock acts like The Doors while delivering a youthful, high-energy edge. Formed in the early 2000s, the band built a loyal following through relentless touring and a string of independent releases. Their 2020 album Sunshine marked a breakthrough, earning four Top 30 singles, including the title track, which hit #16 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. Their 2022 album Into the Night, produced by Grammy-nominated Johnny “K” Karkazis, further solidified their reputation, with Metal Edge Magazine lauding its “blues-drenched rock” filtered through a contemporary lens. The band’s strong hometown support includes cover features in Phoenix New Times and appearances on AZFamily’s Good Morning Arizona and at a 2022 Phoenix Suns halftime show.

The Black Moods have toured extensively across North America, sharing stages with acts like Shinedown, Jane’s Addiction, Whitesnake, and The Gin Blossoms, and appearing at festivals such as Aftershock and Roger Clyne’s Circus Mexicus. Their entrepreneurial spirit led to unique ventures, like releasing a limited-edition beer, “Hollywood & Lime,” with Walter Station Brewery, and a bourbon, “Bad News Bourbon,” with SanTan Brewing Company. Fans can connect with the band through their official website at theblackmoods.com, as well as their active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For fan communities, check out the The Black Moods Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other supporters share their love for the band’s music and live performances.