NOMINATED FOR BEST BLUES ALBUM AT THE 2005 SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS!
Southern California's Deluxe Blues Band Releases Its Debut CD
San Diego, California. October 2005. The 145th Street Deluxe Blues Band emerges onto the national blues scene with self-titled and self-produced recording of 10 tracks, six of which are band originals. As a testament to the musical solidarity and unity within the 145th Street Deluxe Blues Band, the six originals consist of two by Marc the guitarist; two by Rollin the bassist, one by Steve the vocalist/harmonica player, and the sixth is a shared credit between the Marc and Steve.
In September 2005 the album received a nomination for the San Diego Music Awards for "Best Blues Album," a category won by international touring and recording artist Candye Kane. Upon hearing the new record Eagles and solo career artist Joe Walsh responded, "I enjoyed your album. Pretty f*cking good!"
The album is self-produced by the three aforementioned songwriters: Marc, Rollin and Steve. They went for a warm, organic sound quality, using mostly all analog gear including a 2" analog machine.
The band was determined to deliver a superior quality blues recording the first time out. Thus the album was recorded in Escondido, CA by Scott Exum whose credits include multi-platinum albums by Blink 182, Unwritten Law and others. Mastering was handled by Nancy Matter at Moonlight Mastering whose credits include Ray Charles, Billy Preston and Doug MacLeod as well as non-blues products by Peter Gabriel and others.
The band took three months to make the record with a short break for the birth of Marc's first son. The three months allowed the band to get into the soul and feel for each track, playing and exploring rhythms, keys, tempos and song structures.
With DJ, Doc, Rollin and Steve's combined 80 plus years of live performing and Marc's studio experience (Candye Kane, Jewel, Young Dubliners, etc.) the band feels it was able to polish and capture its cohesive talent.
Marc explains, "The band grew by leaps and bounds during the recording process. We went from a bunch of eager blues musicians, and through the recording process, turned into a single minded, groove oriented, entity all its own. Starting with original and simple penned ideas along with a few existing favorites, the songs came to life and flourished into what is now 145th Street Deluxe Blues Band. We essentially saw the cohesion of talent and recording emerge right before our eyes. This now really shows itself in both our live show and on the new record."
Joe Walsh, legendary guitar player, after hearing the CD, said "I enjoyed your album. Pretty damn good. When can I see you play?"
145th Street is a high-powered, rockin' blues band. Its five members contribute many years of professional musical experience to this CD. Every tune is played with conviction, passion, taste, and enthusiasm. 145th Street's approach to the blues is current, hard-driving, and edgy which satisfy the contemporary blues lover's desire for something fresh and distinct.
Jazzreview.com CD Review
Review: There are bands that play the blues and there are "blues bands." This upstart group from Southern California is the real deal. The 145th Street Deluxe Blues Band is a powerhouse quintet, not only in musicianship, but also as fine writers.
Their debut album includes a generous portion of original material blended with four covers of vintage stuff. Their reading of Ray Charles' 1956 gem, "Mary Ann," is both exciting and original with some tasty rhythm changes and good bass work by Rollin Rodgers. The band covers Muddy Waters' "Walking Through The Park" in fiery style with a strong vocal and harp by Steve Bulger.
145th Street continues to impress with one of the finest versions of "Reconsider Baby" in this writer's memory. Everyone from Elvis to Eric Clapton to Roach Thompson covered the Lowell Fulson hit from 1954 but this band's treatment is really meaningful.
The Fulson tune is a winner but the meat of this CD is in the wonderful new pieces penned by the band members. Bassist, Rollin Rodgers, put his pen to paper and created "You Is So Mean." Rodgers captures the essence and evolution of the blues in a single piece of writing. Blues should tell a story with feeling and this song does exactly that.
Guitarist, Marc Marrewa, penned "Roll The Dice" and the burning "It'll Come To You." The latter is another favorite and features some fine guitar by the author and a cookin' solos from organist Mark "Doc" Holladay and harp-man Steve Bulger. D.J. Jackson offers crisp, intelligent drumming throughout the disc.
It's no surprise to this reviewer that the 145th Street Deluxe Blues Band has been chosen to open for B.B.King in San Diego on November 10th. They'll steal the show if they hit the audience with their tasty originals. Knock 'em dead guys!
Tracks: Roll The Dice, Mary Ann, Snakeskin On My Feet, Reconsider Baby, Say Yes To My Baby, Walking Through The Park, It'll Come To Ya, You Is So Mean, Just A Little Bit, Met Her Last Night.
Artist's Website: http://www.145Street.com
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