Van Zant

Brother to Brother marks the first time Johnny and Donnie Van Zant have ever collaborated together, and the results are exactly what fans of either Lynyrd Skynyrd or .38 Special would expect – a set of tough, bluesy Southern rock. Instrumentally, it nearly achieves its full potential, capturing both of the guitarists in fine form. However, the material is a bit inconsistent, with several songs lacking memorable hooks or melodies. Still, the songs that do work are dynamite, and even the weaker tracks have their moments. And that means Brother to Brother is a worth a listen by any serious Skynyrd, Special or VanZant fan.

It's kind of spooky how things come full circle. Who would have through that Donnie and Johnny Van Zant, brothers to one of rock & roll's true icons and heirs apparent to the Lynyrd Skynyrd legacy, would find themselves in a musical climate so friendly to the excesses of Southern rock in the 21st century? As it stands, nine years after their supposed one-off debut, the pair are not only going strong, they've had all of their previous recordings reissued as DualDiscs…

When brothers Johnny and Donnie Van Zant get together, it's not just another record in the country-rock world, it's an event. The instantly identifiable voices of .38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd are teaming up for the first time under their own surname (just Van Zant) – and the results are nothing short of a modern southern classic. Leaning more on the country side of things than rock is a big risk, but one that pays off. The themes of the 11-song showcase tread familiar waters: love, loss, heartache, family, being homesick, and partying – all make their grand appearances in here in one fashion or another. But the real gem of Get Right with the Man is the sincerity with which these topics are treated. Never have the brothers sounded so relaxed behind a microphone, and the results are a pure southern barnburner of a good time from start to finish.

Digitally re-mastered deluxe edition of this 1982 album from Southern Rocker Johnny Van Zant, brother of Ronnie (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Donnie (.38 Special). Last of the Wild Ones was the JVZ Band's third studio album and finds the them returning to a more authentic sound, a style in keeping with their highly praised debut album, paying less heed to commerciality and more attention to traditional 70s style southern rock. It also marked the return of veteran producer Al Kooper, a man who not only discovered, signed and produced Skynyrd but also sat behind the recording desk of the debut JVZ Band album. Sharper, more concise and rougher around the edges than their second album, Last of the Wild Ones takes no prisoners, leaping out of the speakers all guns blazing. With brother Donnie co-writing half the album, this is truly a joining of forces and a serious statement of intent.

2006 special collector's edition reissue for first time on CD. Signed to Polydor in the UK and A&M in the US in 1980, Johnny Van Zant teamed with legendary producer and original Skynyrd A&R man Al Kooper to cut this blistering debut album. Drawing from his southern roots and Skynyrd's fiery guitar fuelled legacy, the music is a hot burrito of fuel injected riffing (aided and abetted by twin lead guitarists Robbie Gay and Eric Lundgren) and the kind of down home back porch rocking that brings to mind the best work of Skynyrd,.38 Special, Marshall Tucker and the Allman Brothers Band. Look out for 'Standing in the Darkness' a poignant and touching tribute originally written as a poem for late brother Ronnie, surely one of the finest closing tracks on any southern rock album.

The younger brother of Ronnie (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Donnie (38 Special), Johnny sent five albums of his own to the pop charts between 1980 and 1990. Skynyrd's live soundman Kevin Elson produced Round Two, which charted in June of '81. This smokin' slab of Southern rock includes Drive My Car; Night Time Lady; Yesterday's Gone; Play My Music; Keep Our Love Alive, and more!