Here’s a breakdown of the tracks, along with some fan comments.
Track 1--PARIS HILTON (Swisher/Sherry)
Hard driving rock/pop tongue-in-"cheek" commentary on the state of society and its fascination with a certain socialite.
“I was immediately reminded of 'Hot Rod Honeymoon' from Jeff Beck but also an ‘Exile On Main Street’ Stones feel as well as an early 80's ZZ groove. This song has MTV hit written all over it!”
Track 2--SURFIN' VAQUERO (Sherry)
Slick instrumental by John Sherry that blends surf and flamenco. Well, the title says it all.
“Pretty melody with an arrangement done a la Dire Straits, which Cheeky Spanks does so well.”
Track 3--RAIN (Childers/Swisher/Sherry)
Hypnotic feel with some great background vocals and the phenomenal John Sherry guitar work.
“There's an incredibly rich, wonderful quality here in Jill's voice (not unlike Bonnie Bramlett's best). A very nice track that feels good.”
Track 4--JUST ONE KISS (Childers)
Another love song from Jill Childers, the band's resident hopeful romantic. John's guitar work sounds so much like a pedal steel it's amazing.
“Jill's voice is sweet and clear. I love the pedal steel stuff John can do with that dang six string.”
Track 5--BLOW MY MIND (Swisher/Sherry/Childers)
Dan Hicks-style harmonies and Jill blowing her harp. Bluesy R&B feel.
“Interesting arrangement. Harp sounds great! I want to hear Cheeky Spanks do even more of this type of harp/guitar smooth Blues grit.”
Track 6--LONG WAY HOME (Swisher/Sherry/Childers)
Power ballad exposing some raw nerves; a glimpse into the band’s darker side
“A more serious number. Heavy for the band, done well.”
“Lyrics team Swisher and Childers shine a spotlight on the tougher side of life with a surgeon’s precision.”
Track 7--PINK FLAMINGOS (Swisher/Sherry)
A blend of classic and modern country with a great sense of humor—think Brad Paisley meets Chet Atkins.
“John Sherry’s vocal job is great and, hey, his guitar work speaks for itself.”
“I love this song!!! But then, I love those little yard gnomes, too.”
“A fun tune with some well played greased chicken pickin’.”
Track 8--KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN"S DOOR/HELPLESS (Dylan/Young)
A tribute to 2 great song writers.
“The background vocals are just outstanding.”
"Sounds Like Angels."
“Dylan's song is a favorite of mine with great personal significance. Cheeky Spanks does an excellent emotional rendering of it. Mixing it with “Helpless” is a beautiful, creative touch.”
Who ARE these people?
Lead singer, blues harp stylist, rhythm guitarist and heart of Cheeky Spanks, Jill Childers has been inspired by singers from all corners of the musical world; Janis Joplin, Etta James, Brenda Lee, Stevie Nicks and Patsy Cline are some of her favorites, but she doesn’t mind giving a nod to the influences of Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, Van Morrison, Conway Twitty, Burton Cummings and even Robert Plant.
John Sherry is a superb guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer. He has released two solo albums, two CDs with The John Sherry Group and has a string of credits as a commissioned composer for theatre and film. He has twice placed as a finalist in the VH-1 Song of the Year songwriting contest. Some of his chief influences on guitar are Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton.
Kirk Edwards is the backbeat and backbone of the band. In sync with Jimmy’s driving bass lines, Kirk lays down the groove. He has a drumming style uniquely his own and a singing style to match. Kirk, a Salinas, California native, has been setting the beat for over twenty years. His musical influences include Peter Criss, Stewart Copeland, Neil Pert, and Lars Ulrich.
Rounding out the sound, Jimmy Rossi brings a beautiful high tenor voice, dynamic bass playing and his many talents as an arranger. He has worked as a musician and music teacher for over three decades performing in many highly successful groups around Monterey County, most recently the Eldredge and Rossi Band. When not playing big people music, Jimmy's busy writing, recording, and performing children's music with his 4 Ever Kids performance group. He has recorded four children's albums on the Little Fish Records label out of Cleveland, Ohio. Jimmy's influences include Paul McCartney, James Jamerson, Neil Young, and Raffi.
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