Album Notes

Blue Collar Attitude…from bluegrass to kickass!

Cold Cold Heart was formed in 1996 by Joe Hannigan (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Carl Bergman (Drums), Charlie Ortolani (Guitar, Vocals) and John Tate (Bass, Vocals). The band chose “Cold Cold Heart” for a name in tribute to Hank Williams and his hit song of the same name. CCH performed extensively in club and concert venues for several years throughout New England.

The diversity of their musical tastes and backgrounds has always been the cornerstone of their unique sound. Hannigan’s Southern and Country Rock, Jazz and Bluegrass, Bergman’s Rock and Blues, Ortolani’s Folk Rock and British Invasion influences and Tate’s Rockabilly, R & B and Blues blended together into a sound all its own, informed by Country and uniquely American. They released a well reviewed CD of originals in 1997 entitled “Prides’ Crossing” on the independent label, Black Rose Records.

After promoting the recording the following year, CCH went on a sabbatical. They spent the time songwriting and pursuing assorted musical adventures and misadventures. The band had dissolved amicably but was reunited after a chance encounter in 2006. They began discussing the opportunities of joining forces once more. Hannigan had continued writing in collaboration with pianist Sam Brown, with whom he had been performing, along with Bergman. Brown’s musical tastes ran toward Boogie Woogie, New Orleans Gumbo and Electric Blues. It was evident the four had found a way to bring their songs to a new level. The chemistry clicked immediately.

Over the course of the following year, the ensemble went on to compile enough songs to complete a CD. Although this collection was originally conceived only as a vehicle for marketing their songs, they felt compelled to press a new disk. “Blue Collar Attitude” was released in 2007, a year after the commencement of their new partnership.

Cold Cold Heart is a band of seasoned veterans having individually and collectively served as openers for Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Leon Russell, Rick Nelson, Roy Orbison and Sleepy LaBeef.