Album Notes

Philadelphia based Melissa Martin is one of today's leading Blues and Swing vocalists. Longtime leading lady of the blues, Melissa's voice and performance simmer irresistibly. Equally adept at Rockin' Jump Blues, Drivin' R&B and Jazzy torch ballads, Melissa Martin and her Mighty Rhythm Kings lay it down and thrill crowds from the first downbeat to the final encore. Etta James biographer Vince White pens, "Melissa Martin has all three S's, she's sexy, sassy, and soulful." "Her pipes truly have a wealth of soaring thrill.... like honey spiked with whiskey, sweet and bracing all at the same time." adds Blueswax Magazine. In addition to thrilling vocals, a typical Mighty Rhythm Kings performance spotlights a top-notch crew of versatile musicians, Gutbucket Blues? Check, Sophisticated Swing? Check, New Orleans two-step? Check, Boogie Woogie piano? Check, Smoldering R&B? Got It, Deep Rockin' Roots of all sorts?..... it's in there. Arriving on the Philadelphia scene in 1995, Melissa formed the Mighty Rhythm Kings with a like minded group of blues enthusiasts. They proceeded to rock the house all up and down the East Coast, playing clubs, festivals, dance societies, house parties, and concerts. They were the right band at the right time, landing smack dab in the middle of the Swing revival. Their debut CD "On The Mark" was recorded and released in 2003, drawing rave reviews world wide. "A sparkling and often downright splendid debut CD...the rhythms are tight, the solos are solid as a rock...every song is slicked up and polished like a treasure.... her vocals move from a slick and gorgeous refinement to a special glittering shine..." (Blueswax) "Their debut CD "On The Mark" is Jump Blues at it's finest.....you can't listen to their music without feeling good and tapping your toes" (DC - Lancaster Blues Series) "Martin storms her way through numbers like BB King's "Jump With You Baby" with no rock excesses, the band lays down tight swingin' rhythms that provides the ideal platform for her vocals...replete with beautifully understated guitar and fine piano and brushwork." (Blues in Britain Magazine) "Lucky Girl" - the band's recent release is sure to storm up the charts. Melissa Martin & The Mighty Rhythm Kings are one of the most exciting, authentic Jump Blues bands on the scene today.