LENSMENSHIP- Speaking Through The Lens (Beatin’ The Odds)

Beatin’ The Odds

Not Quite ‘Country”, not full ‘rock’-Southern Rock- What is it?

Southern rock has one foot in the blues, the other in country music, and it all comes together in a unique style. There’s Wet Willie, The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, and of course, The Allman Brothers Band.

Southern rock rocks hard but has a much more melodic rock with the kind of well-crafted lyrics that you would expect from music that was born in country roots.

So, again? What is southern rock? To find a definitive answer, check out Beatin the Odds: Albany, NY’s “go to” Southern Rock Band.

I recently caught Beatin the Odds at Wicked at 1602 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY. The place was packed with fans. The music was getting just about everyone on the dance floor, those not dancing were head and foot bobbing with huge smiles on their faces. This band knows what their fan base likes and poured everything out for them.

So, why Beatin the Odds?

The idea for Beatin the Odds, started in late 2010 by founder and front man, Dan Fourtin. The original concept was to be a Molly Hatchet tribute band, and that this would be unlike anything currently on the scene.

Dan Fourtin, founder and front man of “Beatin’ The Odds”.

The band had its eyes on not only being a top local band, but also positioned itself for national act openers. The name, Beatin the Odds, was taken from a popular Hatchet tune, as well as some respected area musicians who said it just couldn’t be done.

In 2011, the band was given a chance to do an opening show for the local legendary, John Morse Band in Cohoes,NY (who has been vital in the success of so many local performers), as a Molly Hatchet tribute. This was their only show as a Molly Hatchet tribute when the founding members decided to do a full-on Southern Rock tribute.

Beatin the Odds quickly became a local favorite, packing local clubs and was selected to open for the Charlie Daniels Band at the Harley Rendezvous. It was an honor and they still play “the Vous” to this day.

Current Members are:

Dan Fourtin (founding member) – lead vocals.

Dan Fourtin, founder and front man of “Beatin’ The Odds”.

Jim Kelly (founding member) – bass guitar, formerly of Full House and Catch 5.

Jim Kelly, founding member and bass guitarist.

Ken Albright-guitar and vocals, formerly of Ace High and The Empty Hats.

Ken Albright, guitar and vocals.

Mike Hughes-guitar and vocals, formerly of Brother Tadpole and Saint Louis based Stantanta.

Mike Hughes, guitar and vocals.

Mike Kane-keys and vocal, formerly of SodaU and South Street.

Mike Kane, keys and vocals.

OJ Barr- Drums, formerly of Valhalla and China White.

OJ Barr- Drums

They currently play between 15 and 25 times a year and have built a solid local fan base that continues to fill clubs every time they play. Their set list is built of great familiar and danceable southern rock tunes and the dance floor is often packed to the edges.

Here is a sample of their current set list:

Set 1
24 Hours, What’s Your name. Heard It in a Love Song, Ramblin Man, Needle and Spoon, Whiskey Rock and Roll, I Think I Love You, good Rockin’, Saturday Night Special, Flirtin’. Free Born Man, Down South Jukin’, 3 Steps, Horizontal Bop, Sharp Dressed Man, Statesboro Blues, Cheap Sunglasses, I know a Little, Legrange, Beatin’ the Odds, Dreams, Whipping Post.

Set 2
Breeze, I’m Ready, Beer Drinking Hell Raisers, Tush, Remedy, One Way Out, Bounty Hunter, Can’t Get Enough, Feeling Alright, Pride and Joy, Just Ain’t Easy, Country Side of Life, Rocky mountain Way, On the hunt, Whiskey man, Good Time, Can’t You See, Don’t Ask No Questions, Soulshine, Simple Man, Sweet Home Alabama, Southbound.

Look for upcoming Shows:
2/22/2020 River Jam swap meet at the Dome in Watervliet. 2 to 6
3/6/2020 at Wicked in Clifton Park 8 to midnight
4/3/2020 at Wicked in Clifton Park 8 to midnight
4/10/2020 John Morse Birthday Bash – MORE INFO TO FOLLOW
5/16/2020 at Wicked in Clifton Park -on the Patio 3-7
6/27/2020 at Wicked in Clifton Park on the Patio 3-7
7/27/2020 at Wicked in Clifton Park Bike Night at 5PM
Plus, many more to come.

Also, be sure to check out their Facebook page which has some great information
Beatin The Odds FACEBOOK