Alec Kersenboom, guitarist with Southern California sweet soul six-piece The Charities, told us about his love for a classic Lynyrd Skynyrd lick...
Alec Kersenboom: There is an overwhelming number of riffs that have blown my mind. Furthermore, I am certain of the riffs that have yet to blow the mucus clean from my mind! That all being said, the absolute mind blower of riffs for me has got to be “Sweet Home Alabama” by the almighty Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I believe there is no competition in the category of hot riffs. We all know and love the completely stellar catalog Lynyrd Skynyrd gifted to the world throughout the '70s, but, for me, this particular track takes the cake! It was one of the first riffs I’d heard as a young’in that actually propelled me forward in my journey of music: as a seeker as well a performer. I distinctly remember the day I finally learned how to play it and how excited I was. It was as if I were handed the keys to dad’s corvette and on my way to pickup my smokin’ hot girlfriend from cheer practice.
I felt like THE man. A rockstar. There’s nothing but great memories and nostalgia surrounding this mind blowing riff. The fact that my mother spent her very early childhood being raised in Huntsville Alabama gives me a sense of pride every time I hear that sweet (Alabama) riff. As for me, visions of fried chicken and screamin deals on family buckets were an every day occurrence. That’s right baby, I’m talking about KFC commercials.
Twenty years later and this riff still works up an appetite; not to mention, if Kid Rock was willing to take a lawsuit head on just to use this prolific riff, that’s got to blow your mind.”
The Charities' "Movin' On" is out now. They're on tour with Thee Sinseers through the fall--find dates here.
Photo by Zane Rubin
